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REVIEW: Lyric Stage’s understated ‘Our Town’ makes the everyday extraordinary

Posted on October 15 by The Sleepless Critic

The one constant is change.

Though in a sleepy town like Grover’s Corners, change may not be frequent, but with time, it is inevitable.

Directed discerningly by Courtney O’Connor, Lyric Stage Company of Boston continues Thornton Wilder’s 1938 Pulitzer prize-winning drama, Our Town live and in person at Lyric Stage Company in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, October 19. This classic three-act production is not limited to the stage and runs two hours and ten minutes including an intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Thomika Marie Bridwell* and Amanda Collins* in Lyric Stage’s ‘Our Town’ Photo by Nile Hawver

Our Town is one of the great American masterpieces of our time and holds a special place in my heart. Its subtle yet gripping messages about the circle of life universally resonate and can speak to any generation. I’ve seen Our Town several times before, and yet, every production is its own fresh and unique experience.

An astute play, I believe your perception of Our Town changes as you grow and change. Watching it as a teenager in a school play hits differently than seeing it as an adult and will transform again watching it as an elder. In its simplicity, it carefully unveils life’s profound and fleeting journey while staying relevant for each generation.

Scenic designer Shelley Barish and costumer Rachel Padula-Shufelt embrace its timeless quality by creating a modest yet classic tone in each element of the production. An impressive multipurpose wooden circular structure is the symbolic centerpiece of Grover’s Corners as Deb Sullivan’s rich and stirring lighting comes to life during affective and pivotal moments, especially in a vibrant purple moonlit sky bathed in puffy clouds. Instead of using early 19^th century period costumes, Rachel Padula-Shufelt shrewdly showcases classic Americana attire which includes suspenders, button down shirts, cardigans, stately three piece suits, understated dresses, and baseball and newsboy caps.

WIll McGarrahan* in Lyric Stage’s ‘Our Town’ Photo by Nile Hawver

Using very few physical props, much of the production is traditionally imagined through Will McGarrahan‘s skilled and interactive narration as Stage Manager. His engaging, mirthful and intimate delivery acts as part educator, omniscient narrator, occasional sage commentator, and at times, stepping into the action.

Kathy St. George* in Lyric Stage’s ‘Our Town’ Photo by Nile Hawver

As much as the show may focus on the residents of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, they are second fiddle to the town itself and its unfolding features. Within the town’s examination and analysis starting in 1901, something lies deeper within its quiet beauty and unlocked doors. It also contains a wealth of local references that is not too far from its Boston staging.

Darren Paul, Thomika Marie Bridwell,* Jacob Thomas Less, Kathy St. George,* Amanda Collins,* Jessie Garlick and John Kuntz* in Lyric Stage’s Our Town Photo by Nile Hawver

Whether it’s Josephine Moshiri Elwood as forthright and wondrous Emily or Thomika Marie Bridwell as fanciful Mrs. Gibb, delightful Kathy St. George as inquisitive and precocious Rebecca or Amanda Collins as staunch traditionalist Mrs. Webb or John Kuntz as frank and disheartened Simon Stimson, this wonderful and well cast company authentically explore the small joys, hardships and realities of life with humor, humility and grace. Elwood as Emily and Dan Garcia as George Gibbs particularly share a sweet sincerity and idealistic charm as they discuss their bright futures.

Dan Garcia and Josephine Moshiri Elwood* in Lyric Stage’s ‘Our Town’ Photo by Nile Hawver

Some productions don’t need all the bells and whistles in order to be genuine and Our Town fits the bill through its strong sense of community. In this age where life is becoming more and more digitized, this small town unpacks life’s perplex meaning through connection in an impactful production season by season.

Directed discerningly by Courtney O’Connor, Lyric Stage Company of Boston continues Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer prize-winning drama, Our Town live and in person at Lyric Stage Company in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, October 19. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Packed with emotional punch, Gloucester Stage Company stirs up a curious ‘Stew’

Posted on July 21, 2023 by The Sleepless Critic

What does it take to create a memorable stew?

Zora Howard seems to have perfected this particular recipe because Stew embodies in structure and storyline while enhanced with metaphorical seasoning and home style hospitality the unpredictability of cooking a stew and how it relates to the chaos and disarray of life.

Gloucester Stage Company’s ‘STEW’ Cheryl Singleton as Mama, Sadiyah Dyce Stephens as Lil Mama Breezy Leigh as Lillian and Janelle Grace as Nelly Photo Credit to Jason Grow Photography

Directed conscientiously by Rosalind Bevan, Gloucester Stage Company continues Zora Howard’s renowned drama Stew live and in person at Gloucester Stage in Gloucester, Massachusetts as well as a streaming option through Sunday, July 23. The show is 90 minutes without an intermission and discusses some adult themes. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Isn’t it a wonder that whenever guests or family visit, they usually end up in the kitchen? The kitchen represents more than just preparing a meal. It is a haven where people convene to share stories, gossip, and build camaraderie in a mutual place while also representing an opportunity to help each other.

Gloucester Stage Company’s ‘STEW’ Cheryl Singleton as Mama, Sadiyah Dyce Stephens as Lil Mama, Janelle Grace as Nelly Photo credit to Jason Grow Photography

Taking place entirely in Mama’s kitchen, Pulitzer Prize finalist Stew focuses on four generations of Tucker women who are all dealing with their own secrets as they mill around the kitchen. In many ways, these four women also ‘stew’ with worry over what they have hidden away. However, what is most intriguing about Stew is the liberating nature in which the cast interacts from the calling up or down the stairs, the bickering, the fast paced family dialogue that practically runs over the other’s sentences, and frank conversations to the loving manner in which these four women act toward one other. Some with respect and then in scenes where there should be far more respect. The pacing of events also parallels the progression of a stew. It begins at a mild pace, simmers, and as the tension escalates, the stew begins to boil.

Gloucester Stage Company’ ‘Stew’ cast Photo credit Jason Grow Photography

This tight knit cast creates tangible tension and yet also reflects a familiar family dynamic fueled in this inviting atmosphere. Cheryl D. Singleton portrays Mama, a God-fearing, wise, stern, stubborn yet generous woman who annually invites her family to prepare a big meal for her church group. Singleton is as capable in her joyous moments as she is in her stark silences. In one scene, Singleton could have leveled the room with her eyes and her silences speak much louder than her words. Mama is a reminder of any mother who is trying to bind the family together, but look out when a certain line is crossed.

Gloucester Stage Company’s ‘STEW’ Sadiyah Dyce Stephens as Lil Mama and Cheryl Singleton as Mama, Breezy Leigh as Lillian Photo credit to Jason Grow Photography

Breezy Leigh depicts Mama’s daughter Lillian and the mother of Janelle Grace as rebellious Nelly and Sadiyah Dyce Janai Stephens as Lil Mama. Leigh depicts outspoken, talkative, and restless Lillian with depth and complexity as she attempts to navigate life with headstrong and rambunctious daughters. Leigh has some intriguing and relatable moments with Janelle and Sadiyah who often try their mother’s patience. Sadiyah and Janelle share some humorous scenes as squabbling sisters and Sadiyah is compelling in Lil Mama’s precocious moments while Janelle impressively depicts any haughty teenager’s attitude on the brink of turning 18.

Gloucester Stage Company’s ‘Stew’ Breezy Leigh as Lillian and Cheryl Singleton as Mama Photo credit Jason Grow Photography

Elevating the intrigue of each scene is Aubrey Dube’s bluesy single bass guitar and soundtrack and Kat C. Zhou’s evocative and occasionally harrowing lighting that exude a troubling aura. Jenna McFarland Lord’s hospitable and functioning kitchen builds on the production’s realism as the stove comes alive and the counter is strewn with ingredients. In colorful head wraps and flowing, casual wear indicative of each generation’s personality, KJ Gilmer’s relaxed costume design completes this homespun feel as the daughters slide in socks and cotton pajamas.

Howard’s characters are richly developed, fleshing out their strengths as well as their flaws. The revelations in the production, once the stew thickens, are swift and astonishing. It is a memorable production delivered so cleverly, it urges conflicted contemplation long after the show is over.