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REVIEW: Image Theater’s ‘Lost Cellphone Weekend’ puts an amusing noir spin on a familiar addiction

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Existing without a cell phone is a tricky business.  However, unplugging for a weekend shouldn’t be impossible.

However, it is for many people.  There are those who have their whole lives tied up on their phone from bank accounts to personal history while others have an unshakable habit of constantly finding comfort in that tiny screen.  A cellular phone is the scientific term, but is it really such a stretch that is referred to as a cell phone?  People can be confined to its gaze.

Contemplatively directed by Jerry Bisantz with lighthearted music direction by Ian Chin, Image Theater presents Steve Gilbane’s Lost Cell Phone Weekend, a satirical new musical that continues live and in person at the Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Art Center at Middlesex Community College in Lowell, Massachusetts through Saturday, February 10.  The show is 100 minutes with no intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Ken Meehan in ‘Lost Cellphone Weekend’ Photo by Britton Boughner

Projections operator John Cipolaro provides the clean and modern set which includes a busy office, bedroom and street while implementing a few carefully placed set pieces such a multitasking bar cabinet, tables, and chairs.  Sound operator Mike Flynn sets the tone with a lively and suspenseful score while Music Director Ian Chin directs an intimate onstage orchestra for the dynamic soundtrack.

Ken Meehan, Casey Moore, and Diane Milesky Meehan in ‘Lost Cellphone Weekend’ Photo by Britton Boughner

Based loosely on The Lost Weekend starring Ray Milland and part metadrama, Lost Cell Phone Weekend takes on a vintage noir vibe, but also stands as a light and humorous cautionary tale that focuses on ad executive Don and his girlfriend Helen who embark on a weekend away to a Vermont Bed and Breakfast.  Unbeknownst to Don, Helen intends to have a wireless weekend without a cell phone in sight.  You bet antics ensue and discoveries are made about this little weekend that no one could have expected.

Ken Meehan as Don Birnham, who may resemble the famous other Don from Mad Men, delivers a charismatic blend of old school charm and quick comedic timing embellished by Gilbane’s quip-laden script.  Meehan’s fast talking sentimentality over a cell phone is over the top and yet curiously relatable.  Wild eyes in a suit, Meehan prowls about the area under a suave façade zeroed in on the one thing that will keep him Connected, which is a particularly catchy number.   Diane Milesky Meehan as Don’s romantic and sensible fiancée hopes this little getaway will rekindle their relationship.  They share some fun chemistry, especially knowing that Ken and Diane are married to each other in real life.  Diane goes wonderfully rogue as she articulates her feelings with the playful ballad, Look at Me.

Phil Thompson and David Hansen in ‘Lost Cell Phone Weekend’ Photo by Britton Boughner

Phil Thompson is a natural as tough and candid bartender Nat.  Tall and lanky with a mix of subtle intimidation and mischievousness bearing a passing resemblance to Clint Eastwood, Thompson as Nat creates a doomed path for the haunting number, The Downfall of Man.

Casey Moore and David Hansen take on a few roles, but Moore is noteworthy as phone whiz Gloria in a red dress and Hansen as a mysterious and silly stranger claiming to be a very busy person.  The cast later puts things into skewed perspective on this resonating topic with the striking number, A Little Poison.

The cast of ‘Lost Cellphone Weekend’ Photo by Christian De Rezendes

Lost Cellphone Weekend is an amusing and light musical comedy experience with vintage flair that comments on that pesky little cell phone habit but beware!  It may challenge you to discover this big beautiful world and those dear to you more often.

Contemplatively directed by Jerry Bisantz with lighthearted music direction by Ian Chin, Image Theater presents Lost Cell Phone Weekend, a satirical new musical that continues live and in person at the Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Art Center at Middlesex Community College in Lowell, Massachusetts through Saturday, February 10.  The show is 100 minutes with no intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Boston Lyric Opera’s delivers sleek and searing ‘Fellow Travelers’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

It is an affair that is anything but simple.

Buried in an era of high times, unyielding tradition, and a booming economy lay a secret struggle.  From the first few notes of the lingering, lovely, and progressive score which is equal parts bright notes and mounting doom, Boston Lyric Opera’s (BLO) Fellow Travelers is a resplendent journey rooted in the booming 1950s, where two travelers meet on a park bench and their lives are forever changed.

Based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Mallon, Gregory Spears and Greg Pierce’s Fellow Travelers made its Boston debut in a limited, one weekend engagement which concluded with a matinee performance that paid tribute to the late Boston Conservatory President Richard Ortner on Sunday, November 17 at the beautiful Emerson Paramount Center.  Click here for more information about the Boston Lyric Opera and future events.

Boston Lyric Opera Fellow Travelers Office Party Photo by Liza Voll

Michelle Trainor as Miss Lightfoot toasts the Christmas party. Also pictured is David McFerrin as Estonian Frank, Jesse Blumberg as Hawkins Fuller, Chelsea Basler as Mary Johnson, Brianna J. Robinson as Lucy, and Vincent Turregano as Tommy McIntyre Photo courtesy of Liza Voll/Boston Lyric Opera

Fellow Travelers is a fictional tale rooted in historical events during the Lavender Scare at the center of the nation’s capital.  It frankly explores the rigid outlook on men and women struggling under the harsh light of government and society’s expectations and the desperate lengths they will go to keep up appearances while pursuing their own vision of success.  This well paced production challenges love, faith, and humanity in an age of McCarthyism, communism, behind-the-scenes interrogations, misogyny, and American idealism.

Sara Brown’s symbolic and sweeping set, Liz Printz’s wigs and makeup, Trevor Bowen’s definitive costumes, and Mary Shabatrua’s opaque, emotionally-charged lighting combined to create a perfect vintage setting right out of Mad Men.  From the elegant, shimmering gowns, perfectly coiffed wigs, pearls, and dapper fedoras to the vintage set that included classic typewriters and towering marble columns, Fellow Travelers successfully rewound the clock to the roaring hustle of 1950’s Washington DC.  Vincent Turregano as wiseacre Tommy McIntyre winding a yo-yo was a nice touch.

Boston Lyric Opera Fellow Travelers Chelsea Basler as Mary Johnson and Michelle Trainor as Mrs. Lightfoot Photo by Liza Voll

Jesse Darden as Timothy McLaughlin, Chelsea Basler as Mary Johnson, and Michelle Trainor as Miss Lightfoot Photo courtesy of Liza Voll/Boston Lyric Opera

Greg Pierce’s libretto exacts the lingo, expressions, and the camaraderie of its time reflected in this compelling and brilliant cast.  Fellow Travelers follows the immediate attraction between quick-witted and charismatic Hawkins Fuller, portrayed by a suave Jesse Blumberg and timid and naive Catholic intern Timothy Laughlin, depicted with virtuous charm by Jesse Darden.  Baritone Blumberg and Tenor Darden have playful, impressive chemistry as Blumberg affectionately calls Darden “Skippy”  and their scene about Bermuda is a significant highlight.

Exceptional soprano Chelsea Basler breathed the part of compassionate, kind, and well-meaning Mary.  She reflects that sweet nature and performs vocal gymnastics in I Worry That’s All.  It is fascinating to watch her interact with nosy office gossip Miss Lightfoot, portrayed with humor and gusto by Michelle Trainor.  David McFerrin, Simon Dyer, and James Maddalena all seamlessly navigate through their multiple, dynamic and pivotal roles.  With silvery vocals, Brianna J. Robinson is picture perfect as idealistic Lucy, longing for that 1950’s American Dream complete with family, yard, and picket fence.  However, not all dreams are meant to be.

Boston Lyric Opera Jesse Blumberg as Hawkins Fuller and Brianne J. Robinson as Lucy Photo courtesy of Liza Voll

Jesse Blumberg as Hawkins Fuller and Brianna J. Robinson as Lucy Photo courtesy of Liza Voll/Boston Lyric Opera

Fellow Travelers, which followed a successful run of the classic Italian opera Pagliacci, is only part of what Boston Lyric Opera has in store this season.  Click here for BLO’s complete season and follow them on Facebook for all their latest updates.