humanity | The Sleepless Critic

REVIEW: ‘Zebra 2.0’ at New Ohio’s ICE Factory boasts an unconventional meet cute with fascinating zip

Posted on August 1 by The Sleepless Critic

One is nicknamed Zebra and another knows everything there is to know about Zebras….except how Zebras feel.

Zebra 2.0 is technological ice breaker and a breakthrough unlike any other. An interesting meet cute for the modern age, AnomalousCo, Wistaria Project, and Romanian Cultural Institute’s sci-fi rom com Zebra 2.0 was presented at New Ohio Theatre’s ICE Factory in NYC and is now streaming through August 12. The show runs for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Click here for more information and how to stream the film.

Alina Mihailevschi and Tim Craig in ‘Zebra 2.0’ Photographer: Jarrett Robertson

A computer and a woman meet in a lab. She calls it Al and Al nicknames her Zebra 2.0. As Al coordinates a line of numbers, inquisitive Zina, energetically depicted by Alina Mihailevschi, realizes that Al, portrayed with intellectual charm by Tim Craig, have much more in common than either of them realized. Zebras are only the beginning.

Zebra 2.0 has an enchanting way of delving into various topics such as the environment, biology, science, books, music, immigration, standardized tests, employment, and the nature of being human in a clever and fascinating manner. Though Zina only chance meets Al as she cleans up a laboratory, her friendly and candid conversations with Al spark some compelling results. Written by Saviana Stanescu and directed by Jeremy Goren, Zebra 2.0 combines method and sentiment into a sweet, intense, and astute production with resounding messages about humanity. Tim Craig is impressive, gradually molding Al into a charismatic and sympathetic character and Mihailevschi epitomizes lonely, zealous, friendly, rebellious, and imaginative Zina who longs for knowledge and dreams of a better life.

Tim Craig and Alina Mihailevschi in ‘Zebra 2.0’ Photographer: Jarrett Robertson

John Jannone, Michi Zaya, and Amy Liou’s luminous projection and video, Duncan Davies’s incredible multicolor lighting and Ras Badejo’s epic music and sound combine to make Al into a dazzling, fervent, and a powerful entity that blurs fantasy and reality inside a pristine, windowless, and futuristic space by Xinan Helen Ran. These special effects display some of the most exciting scenes in the production only second to Craig and Mihailevschi’s humorous and engaging chemistry that just might deliver greater meaning than anything Al can calculate.

Written ambitiously by Saviana Stanescu with elevated direction by Jeremy Goren, AnomalousCo, Wisteria Project, and Romanian Cultural Institute’s sci-fi rom com Zebra 2.0 was presented at ICE Factory in NYC and is now streaming through August 12. The show runs for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Click here for more information and how to stream the film.

REVIEW: OBIE Award-winning New Ohio ICE Factory’s ‘Isla,’ ‘Acheron: The River of Tragedy’ and ‘Body Through Which the Dream Flows’

Posted on August 19, 2022 by The Sleepless Critic

The OBIE-Award winning New Ohio ICE Factory is celebrating its 29^th year and has been presenting a number of innovative works each summer that continue through August 20 live and in person at New Ohio Theatre, 154 Christopher Street in New York City. Virtual shows are available through August 27. Isla, Acheron: The River of Tragedy, and Body Through Which the Dream Flows are just a few of works presented during this annual festival. Click here for further details, how to stream, and for tickets.

Bikes fly, a plane takes off, and cars zoom as a world unfolds in interactive shadows. Produced by Hit the Lights Theatre, Isla is a documentary experience which combines shadow puppets, photos, animation, and live action to depict the warmth of Samantha Blaine’s homeland and the realities of the Cuban invasion she grew up in. Her unique and personal journey with her mother and two free spirited sisters integrates nature and song to demonstrate the realities of invasion, family, and how everything is connected. Featuring strong vocals as well as heartwarming and wistful performances by Samantha Blain, Marlena Mack, Tiffany Ortiz, Kristopher Dean, Mikayla Stanley, Claron Hayden, and Casey Scott Leach, Isla is a fascinating production that explores heartache, division, political turmoil, pollution, and how Blaine’s world was shaken by communism.

A car crash and a tense, mysterious encounter lead to much more than either of these characters bargained for at a river at the Mexican-US border. Directed by Martin Balmaceda, Spanish language production Acheron: The River of Tragedy serves up a wealth of twists and turns in this sordid and at times clever tale. This production has mature themes and is not for children.

A secretive and menacing presence, portrayed by Cinthia Perez Navarro, has entered the life of Leonardo, portrayed with strained intensity by Aline Lemus Bernal, a nattering, impulsive, and yet perpetual optimist who dreams of freedom as soon as that tumultuous river is crossed. However, there is a heavy price for that dream and neither are savory characters. Navarro’s searing intensity and cryptic glances make for some skittish moments while Bernal’s jaunty moves and brisk chatter never quite distract from Navarro’s distressing wrath. Cinthia Perez Navarro and Aline Lemus Bernal are also behind the show’s sharp choreography. Acheron: The River of Tragedy is a gritty tale about the darker side of humanity in the pursuit of happiness.

Acheron ©Hugo Freeman With Aline Lemus Bernal (left) and Cinthia Perez Navarro (right)

Body Through Which the Dreams Flows also explores what it takes to achieve a dream. In this case, it is achieving the Olympic dream as past footage of Olympic champions kick off the production. Part documentary and part stage performance, creator Soomi Kim and company takes a look at the incredible world of gymnastics and the corruption and tragedy that has seeped into the sport and the lives of young girls in training. What does it take to be a champion? Sometimes the price is too steep.

What is really compelling about Body Through Which Dreams Flow are the reenactments of some real life footage as well as Soomi Kim and Alexandra Beller’s beautiful choreography, the sheer athleticism, and interpretation from athletes Lucy Meola, Olivia Caraballoso, Madison Rodriguez, Shayna Wilson, Nora Avci, and Ai Clancy. Enhanced by Amanda Ringger’s haunting lighting, Body Through Which the Dream Flows is a stirring and eye opening production addressing the pressures and what seems like the impossible expectations from coaches while focusing on what past athletes have endured. It also delivers a powerful message on the importance of a child having the chance to be a child.

New Ohio BTWtheDF Full cast_ Ai Clancy, Soomi Kim, Madison Rodriguez, Nora Avci, Shayna Wilson, Lucy Meola, Olivia Caraballoso

The New Ohio ICE Factory 2022 continues live and in person at the New Ohio Theatre through August 20 with virtual availability through August 27. Click here for more information and tickets.

REVIEW: As clever as it is insightful, make time for Americana Theatre Company’s compelling ‘Man of La Mancha’

Posted on July 18, 2018 by The Sleepless Critic

“When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies?”

In the midst of action, suspense, heartbreak, and humor in multiple Tony award-winning musical, Man of La Mancha, lies Don Quixote author Miguel de Cerventes’s wise words, one of many timeless reflections declared during Americana Theatre Company’s moving, insightful musical, Man of La Mancha at the Spire Center for the Arts in Plymouth, Massachusetts through Sunday, July 29. This show is not for children. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Based on the classic tale, Don Quixote, Americana Theatre Company’s Man of La Mancha by Dan Wasserman is steeped in theatrical riches from its strong, edgy cast, powerful voices, a hint of Monty Python humor, and diverse combat scenes, but the real heart of this work is found in Cervantes himself, a beacon in dark times. Americana Theatre Company prides itself on its stellar storytelling and this one is for the ages.

American Theatre Company Man of La Mancha

Scott Wahle as Don Quixote and Bethany Lauren James as Aldonza with Ruben Navarro as Sancho Panza

Directed by Michael Kirkland, Man of La Mancha addresses the everlasting battle between idealism and realism through a play-within-a-play. With the exception of Sancho Panza, portrayed with wide-eyed optimism and unflinching faithfulness by Ruben Nevarro, each character depicts a dark side in humanity, but not without redemption.

Man of La Mancha kicks off without a hitch, showcasing a wide range of comic, stylized, and clever combat scenes by Derek Martin that often take the audience by surprise. With just two onstage guitars and an offstage piano, the music accompaniment is delightfully subtle and intimate as the musicians melt into the background. From colorful gypsy costumes and corset dresses to detailed, embroidered vests and leather armor, costumer Brian Kenerson zealously captures the beautiful and harsh Reformation era.

Brian Kenerson portrays The Barber as is also the Costumer for the show Photo Courtesy of Denise Maccaferri/Americana Theatre Company

Scott Wahle steps into Cervantes/Don Quixote’s brown leather boots with a natural assurance. Finding himself among a group of prisoners, author and poet Miguel de Cervantes creates a defense in the form of a play in order to keep his possessions and potentially save his own life.

Wahle has a long history being a charismatic, relatable storyteller as a local television personality and in theatrical roles such as Walt Disney-esque Paragon Park creator George A. Dodge in Company Theatre’s original musical, Paragon Park or as smooth-talking Nathan Detroit in Reagle Music Theatre’s slick musical, Guys and Dolls. He draws from that and more to deliver a powerful, emotionally-charged, multi-layered performance as a sympathetic admirer in the tender song, Dulcinea to a valiant hero in epic numbers such as The Impossible Dream and Man of La Mancha. Alongside such dark characters, he is idealistic and compassionate, but hiding a secret.

Jennifer Martin performs a memorable dance as a Moorish dancer Photo courtesy of Denise Maccaferri/Americana Theatre Company

The chemistry between the cast members crackle, but most notably between Scott Wahle as Cervantes/Don Quixote and Ruben Nevarro as his unfathomably loyal squire, Sancho Panza. It is a vivid, nurturing friendship every true friendship should strive to be. Nevarro has his own set of crisp vocals in a warm rendition of I Really Like Him and comical A Little Gossip.

Bethany Lauren James as Aldonza Photo courtesy of Denise Maccaferri/Americana Theatre Company

Wahle shares sweet chemistry with Bethany Lauren James, who delivers a brilliant performance as uncouth, harsh, suspicious, and yet compassionate spitfire Aldonza. Surrounded by menacing muleteers, she first appears strained and exasperated in a red corset dress for the comical and fiery number, It’s All the Same. A hard realist who can’t imagine otherwise, James is a wonderful foil for Wahle and holds her own among a cast of powerful characters. She masters the meaty role and her expressions are a complex web of emotions, her character constantly torn between what to think and how to feel.

Derek Martin is intriguing as a quietly distressed Padre. Dressed in rust colored robes, Martin is torn by what is right and what is ultimately good for the human spirit, offering a tender and reflective rendition of To Each His Dulcinea. With vivid, comical expressions and a deep baritone, David Friday is hilarious as a panicked Innkeeper. Caitlin Skinner as Antonia, Derek Martin as Padre, Erin Friday as Housekeeper, and Jesse Sullivan as Dr. Carrasso lend their impressive vocals to the multifaceted number, I’m Only Thinking of Him.

Americana Theatre Company Man of La Mancha bow

The complete cast Photo credit to Denise Maccaferri

A clever tale with deeper meaning, Man of La Mancha kicked off Americana Theatre Company’s eighth season and continues through Sunday, July 29 at Spire Center for the Arts, 25 1/2 Court Street in Plymouth, Massachusetts. In October, Americana Theatre Company continues its season with a one man production of Sleepy Hollow and The Gifts of the Magi in time for the holidays. Click here for ticket information, fall classes, and more. Click here to find out how to support Americana Theatre Company’s mission and be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

For Performing Arts news, interviews, reviews, and much more in Boston and beyond, follow us on Facebook @sleeplesscritic and subscribe.