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REVIEW: Karin Trachtenberg’s ‘My Mother Had Two Faces’ examines the woman in the mirror

Posted on March 9 by The Sleepless Critic

They say beauty is only skin deep.

My Mother Had Two Faces explores beauty in all of its forms and how to accept the person in the mirror including the flaws on both the outside and on the inside.

Written by Karin Trachtenberg in a heartfelt performance and directed and developed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, The Rockwell presented the one woman self reflecting play, My Mother Had Two Faces: Reflections on Beauty, Aging, and Acceptance live and in person at The Rockwell in Somerville, MA through Sunday, March 3, but this production is currently touring. Karin will make her next stop at the United Solo Festival at Theatre Row on March 14 in New York City. The show is approximately 60 with no intermission. Click here for more information and here for further details and for tickets.

Karin Trachtenberg in ‘My Mother Had Two Faces’ Photo credit to Karin Trachtenberg

The magnifying mirror is beauty’s classic frenemy. It stands out on a vanity counter strewn with jewelry, makeup and all the items it takes for a person to enhance their best features. The magnifying mirror enlarges all the remarkable parts of the face, but is also unrelenting and unforgiving for all the parts that glaringly need improvement. For Karin’s Swiss mother, it was a beacon of hope and an essential part of her daily routine that gave into an illusion that goes back generations that women must look perfect in today’s society. As the show most poetically asks, ‘What does it mean to be seen by the envelope and not the letter?’

This revelatory production is not just about beauty, but it is a memoir about healing. As a ritual for Karin’s Buddhist faith, it is a therapeutic journey into the past to get better insight into Karin’s struggles in order to achieve enlightenment. My Mother Had Two Faces delves into important moments for Karin, her mother, and her family’s history while masking family trauma.

Karin and Lindt chocolate Photo credit to Karin Trachtenberg

Offering free Lindt chocolates as a tribute to Karin’s family heritage, My Mother Had Two Faces is an engaging, bare, honest, and sincere portrayal of the good, the beautiful and the horribly ugly with humor, joy, fear, grace, and anguish in the sting and string of life’s revelations. Accompanied by slideshows, photos and much more shared through a multimedia screen by 3 Cubed, Karin shares some of her mother’s reflections in a thick and playful Swiss accent and an occasional lighthearted free spiritedness. Dressed in black, Karin is a blank canvas for her mother and her own various idiosyncrasies, frustrations, hypocrisies, earnest dreams and more. It is an eye opening journey accompanied only by the wise, sensible, and logical musings of the woman in the mirror exploring her most wonderful and toughest experiences. Eric Bornstein’s expressive and finely-detailed masks are effective aides during the production with well timed lighting while sound and tech designer Bobby Raps rewinds the clock with a vintage soundtrack that includes the theme song to Mission Impossible and Edith Piaf’s Non je ne regrette rien (No regrets).

Karin Trachtenberg and Eric Bornstein’s masks Photo credit to Karin Trachtenberg

Karin paints a well rounded portrait of her enigmatic and glamorous mother and therefore making invaluable discoveries about herself and her family on this healing journey. It is funny and moving and may encourage you to take a closer look in the mirror at what makes a person who they are.

My Mother Had Two Faces: Reflections on Beauty, Aging, and Acceptance will next be at the United Solo Festival at Theatre Row on March 14 in New York City. The show is approximately 60 with no intermission. Click here for further details and for tickets.

REVIEW: Optimism knows no bounds in radiant and enchanting family classic, ‘Annie’

Posted on February 9 by The Sleepless Critic

No one delivers plunky optimism quite like Annie.

Even in the worst of circumstances, Annie can always find a silver lining which can be demonstrated in a moment when a homeless person complains of empty pockets to which Annie responds, ‘At least you got pockets.’

Set designer Wilson Chin has beautifully captured a classic and overcast New York landscape with rolling fog over the towering Brooklyn Bridge that illustrates Annie’s signature phrase that the sun will come out tomorrow. Blending costume designer Alejo Vietti’s gradually bursting hues in 30s-era fashion, Phillip Rosenberg’s rich and colorful lighting, and Chin’s transformative and exceptional rolling set design, Annie is absolutely right.

Julia Nicole Hunter as Grace Farrell Christopher Swan as Oliver Warbucks and Rainier “Rainey” Treviño as Annie and cast Photo credit Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Generations have grown up with some version of little orphan Annie who by chance meets gruff billionaire tycoon Oliver Warbucks during Depression-era New York. It is a classic family tale for all ages with the eternal promise that no matter what happens, there is always hope. As the brilliant orchestra chimed its first triumphant, horn-infused notes beautifully orchestrated by Dan Delange, the national tour of Annie proves this steadfast musical favorite never goes out of style.

With innovative direction by Jenn Thompson, snappy choreography with a swing era twist by Patricia Wilcox, and remarkable Music Direction by Jennifer Christina, Annie continues at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, February 11. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Rainier “Rainey” Treviño as Annie Mark Woodard as FDR as cast Photo credit Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

What is such fun about Annie is although the tale remains the same, there is always room to perform it a little differently each time. Having seen the beloved 1982 film adaptation featuring a brilliant cast including Tim Curry, Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters, Aileen Quinn, and Albert Finney, it is easy to forget the stage musical version sticks to the storyline for the most part, but also contains additional songs. A group of homeless New Yorkers offer a spirited version of Hooverville, which dials into social injustices during the Great Depression. Christopher Swan as dapper, tough-minded tycoon Oliver Warbucks pays tribute to the Big City with N.Y.C. before later performing a touching rendition of You Won’t Be an Orphan for Long. These are just a few of the additional songs included in the stage version of the musical.

From wealthy city shoppers to house staff to radio personalities during the Golden Age of Radio to government officials including FDR depicted with warmhearted humor and gravitas by Mark Woodard to the glittering Radio City Rockettes, this delightful ensemble fueled by euphonious vocals seamlessly enhances the lighthearted atmosphere of this captivating production including You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile a particular highlight with Kaleb Jenkins as a stellar Burt Healey.

Rainier “Rainey” Treviño as Annie with Sandy Photo credit Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Donning straight red hair, burgundy cardigan, and black boots, Rainier “Rainey” Treviño delivers spunky charm as Annie, her stirring vocals navigate through various renditions of Maybe, each version implying new meaning and later a soaring rendition of her signature song, Tomorrow that is sure to bring a lot of smiles. Treviño shares some endearing chemistry with Daddy Warbucks and Julia Nicole Hunter as Grace. Annie’s trusty dog Sandy is a ringer for the dog in other adaptations and the pair establish themselves as immediate kindred spirits.

Stefanie Londino as Miss Hannigan in the 2022 company of ANNIE. Photo credit Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Stefanie Londino relishes in the fiery role of sarcastic and snarky Miss Hannigan making a wobbly yet grand entrance as only Miss Hannigan can. In a multi-patterned dress with curly brown hair and a thick Brooklyn accent, Londino makes the role her own while certain inflections wonderfully resemble Carol Burnett’s delivery.

Rainier “Rainey” Treviño as Annie and the cast Photo credit Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Londino’s sharp, comedic timing and a powerful belt never shines brighter than during the hilarious number, Little Girls as the orphans mischievously make their presence known in various surprise antics. The orphans skillfully navigate the memorable number It’s a Hard Knock Life as buckets slide and brooms glide in a rhythmic chorus. With Jade Smith’s standout performance as adorable Molly, the orphans are strong, talented, and enchanting.

In a wide brimmed hat, Jeffrey T. Kelly conveys sleazy charisma as ‘Rooster’ and Samantha Stevens articulates shrill and seeming airhead with panache. They make quite a pair especially joined by Londino in a rollicking rendition of Easy Street.

With soaring and silvery vocals and a sophisticated dual toned blue suit, Julia Nicole Hunter elegantly depicts Grace Farrell, Oliver Warbucks’s levelheaded secretary. Hunter participates in a frequent battle of wills with Stefanie Londino as Miss Hannigan and their smug verbal exchanges are a riot.

Don’t wait for tomorrow to see this marvelous Annie. With innovative direction by Jenn Thompson, snappy choreography with a swing era twist by Patricia Wilcox, and remarkably musically directed by Jennifer Christina, Annie continues at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, February 11. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Company One Theatre with The Theater Offensive explores the power of friendship and an absorbing mystery with ‘The Interrobangers’

Posted on February 7 by The Sleepless Critic

Small town Foggy Bluffs, New York has things that bump in the night, but can a group of young sleuths solve the case?

With compelling direction by Josh Glenn-Kayden, Company One Theatre in partnership with The Theater Offensive and the Boston Public Library presents The Interrobangers, a new play by M Sloth Levine live and in person at the Central Branch of the Boston Public Library through February 24. The productions is free with pay what you want tickets and action is not limited to the stage. The Interrobangers is recommended for ages 13 and up. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Schanaya Barrows, Chris Everett, Anderson Stinson, III, Jenine Florence Jacinto, and Jay Connolly in ‘The Interrobangers’ Photo by Erin Crowley

Quaint, old towns can have such history including spooky legends, myths, and strange occurrences. Foggy Bluffs, New York is no exception but here also lies a big secret beneath its quiet façade. Accompanied by an adorable dog named Hoover, childhood friends Zodiac, Hank, Luna, and Dani must band together to uncover just what this little town has been hiding.

Founded in 1691, set designer Danielle DeLaFuente with Projections Designer Maria Servellon has carved out Foggy Bluffs, an impressive and realistic fictional town with rolling fog, haunting landscapes, and lively and colorful hangouts such as the Jackalope, Flatwoods Pizza, and Roswell’s Thrift n’ Find which is complete with a wide selection of authentic Foggy Bluffs souvenirs. The occasional grainy vintage town video footage is also a real treat. Lighting designer Elmer Martinez with sound designer Anna Drummond keeps the exciting pace of its interspersed friendly and eerie lighting as Drummond delivers a catchy and funky soundtrack.

Anderson Stinson, III and Jay Connolly in ‘The Interrobangers’

Taking place sometime in the 80s, the production has the earmarks of a Scooby-Doo vibe and it is amazing to observe the overall zany, spooky, and thoughtful tone including the making of a familiar van. E. Rosser’s trendy and multihued costume design highlights each character’s distinct personalities. Even during its comedic moments though, it tackles the angst, confusion, pressure to be perfect, identity, peer pressure, acceptance, trauma and other serious topics kids can experience growing up. An interrobanger is described as a bundle of emotions wrapped up into one word and suitably describes the show that delivers light and reflection in a unique manner.

Jenine Florence Jacinto, Anderson Stinson III, Schanaya Barrows, and Jay Connolly in ‘The Interrobangers’ Photo by Erin Crowley

It delves into the nature of friendship from a dynamic cast who share a warm and engaging rapport. Friendship as children grow up that may sometimes mean growing apart or those rare friends that even if time has passed, they can still find their groove. How a class president portrayed by Schanaya Barrows as Dani, a timid yet brilliant student depicted by Jenine Florence Jacinto as Luna, a fascinating and troubled bohemian portrayed by Anderson Stinson III as Zodiac with Jupiter Lê in a remarkable depiction of Zodiac’s energetic and empathetic dog Hoover, and popular jock depicted by Jay Connolly as Hank form a mischievous group that all might have more in common than they realize.

Anderson Stinson III and Jupiter Lê in ‘The Interrobangers Photo by Erin Crowley

Each character offers engaging and nuanced performances, especially Stinson as Zodiac who movingly depicts what it is like to struggle with issues that cannot easily be explained and still remain an open, inquisitive and loving person. In a gray suit and aviator sunglasses, Alex Jacobs is a hypnotic force as the mysterious Mr. Dahl to show that even a little town like Foggy Bluffs always has a mystery to be solved.

REVIEW: ‘Deadclass Ohio’ at New Ohio Theatre’s Ice Factory captures the past, loneliness, grief and disconnection with an unlikely witness

Posted on July 29 by The Sleepless Critic

Imagine seeing a relative’s picture for the first time. Ever wonder what was happening when that moment was captured? What is the significance behind it and what was going on through their mind? Photos from the past bring up a great deal of curiosity and Deadclass Ohio imagines some of these possibilities as a woman attempts to pay tribute to long lost relatives who were Holocaust survivors in a Jewish cemetery.

Based on Tadeusz Kantor’s documentary Umarla Klaza and directed with experimental complexity by Mitchell Polonsky and Chloe Claudel, The Goat Exchange’s Deadclass Ohio offers various perspectives on a photo and situation with a mix of humor and poignancy as it tackles loneliness, grief, and disconnection while capturing a harrowing time in history. It also explores the nature of the past.

New Ohio Theatre’s ICE Factory continues streaming The Goat Exchange’s play Deadclass Ohio through August 12. The production is approximately one hour. Click here for more information and how to view this play.

A lone bench, an escalating pile of laundry, a dining room table, a scrambled TV set and a floral arrangement is the foundation of two unique and related scenes on a dark and minimal stage. Two people enter a cemetery and commiserate about a photo of a woman’s grandmother as they contemplate what is behind the photograph and what happened when the photo was taken. Featuring Paul Lazar, Marcus Amaglo, Chloe Claudel, and Juliana Sass with Jim Fletcher, Deadclass Ohio holds many revelations which should not be unveiled here except it invites a sense of déjà vu and reaching into history.

Marcus Amaglo and Chloe Claudel Photo credit Hana Mendel

Each skilled member of this intimate cast faces a challenging task of bringing emotional depth to each scene as well as presenting a new perspective to each scenario. This is all while the plot progresses in unexpected ways. Little nuances of each actor’s performance shift the perspective and the production becomes more personal while it simultaneously delves into the unusual. Two memorable scenes metaphorically explore the nature of pigeons while the other echoes a haunting rendition of Too Young by Nat King Cole.

Mitchell Polonsky’s vivid sound and media design and Abraham E.S. Rebello Trujillo’s quirky costume design lends to the production’s mysterious atmosphere. Enhanced by a poignant violin score performed by Sasha Yakub, Deadclass Ohio contains some absurd and meaningful humor through some clever blocking, but it also keeps the viewer guessing at different points during the production. The show does not always make its intentions clear, but it does deliver the stirring emotional weight of loneliness, loss, disconnection, and a longing to be understood which becomes more prevalent as the production continues.

New Ohio Theatre’s ICE Factory continues streaming The Goat Exchange’s Deadclass Ohio through August 12. The production is approximately one hour. Click here for more information and how to view this play.

REVIEW: Plenty of glitz, humor, and charm in SpeakEasy Stage’s ‘The Prom’

Posted on May 24 by The Sleepless Critic

It’s just so nice to be invited back to a Prom and not be the one in a frilly dress.

Though costume designer Miranda Kau Giurleo does bring all the glitz, glitter and glamour to this satirical blend of inspired true story and over the top musical comedy set in New York as well as in Edgewater, Indiana. SpeakEasy Stage Company’s The Prom delivers plenty of humor ranging from silly to parody to satirical not without its political ribbings with a sincere and underlying message about helping others.

Mary Callanan and Johnny Kuntz. Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Featuring stellar and intricate choreography by Taavon Gamble and lightheartedly directed by Paul Daigneault, SpeakEasy Stage Company continues musical comedy The Prom through June 10 live and in person at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston Massachusetts. The show is two hours and 25 minutes with one 15 minute intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

The Prom should sound a least a little familiar since its 2020 Netflix film adaptation debut with an abundance of its own star shine including Meryl Streep as Dee Dee and James Corden as Barry. Inspired by a true story, anxious Emma, depicted with self effacing and quiet optimism by Liesie Kelly, invites a date to the Prom with none other than Abriel Coleman as Alyssa, the daughter of the head of the Parent Teacher Association. Once a group of egocentric Broadway celebrities gets wind of this human interest story, they decide to make a difference in this small Indiana town.

Abriel Coleman (left) and Liesie Kelly. Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Lit with soft and cheerful pastels by Karen Perlow, The Prom features a flashy and dynamic set design including checkered red carpet doubling for any high school setting. One of the stage highlights is a chameleon-like, glittering backdrop complete with shimmering disco ball and an onstage orchestra hidden behind a sports scoreboard.

From left: Lisa Yuen, Mary Callanan, Johnny Kuntz, and Jared Troilo. Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

The Prom is helmed by a strong and exuberant cast with exceptional comedic timing. Dynamite duo Barry Glickman and Dee Dee, portrayed with pizzazz by Johnny Kuntz and Mary Callanan, deliver lots of laughs as seemingly shallow thespians, but their real charm is exposed by the people they meet in this fish out of water production. Their wild antics and Callanan’s fantastic belt are on spectacular display for fist pumping and humorous Changing Lives. Adorned with glamorous red hair, Callanan shines in the commanding and infectious solo It’s Not About Me and has lively and fun loving chemistry with Anthony Pires Jr as compassionate and forthright Mr. Hawkins. Pires Jr adds a shy charisma to the role and his scenes with Emma and Dee Dee are touching and memorable especially for the sweet solo, We Look to You.

From left: Amy Barker, Anthony Pires Jr., and Mary Callanan. Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Meagan Lewis-Michelson as no nonsense PR rep Sheldon Saperstein and inspirational Lisa Yuen as Angie Dickenson both have their great comedic moments, but Jared Troilo is a bit of a scene stealer hatching outrageous theatrical schemes to unique pronunciations as aspiring actor Trent Oliver. Troilo’s character could have easily become obnoxious as the show progressed, but Troilo’s Trent remained endearing at every turn. Though Troilo is wonderful in every number, perhaps the cheeky Love Thy Neighbor is the most noteworthy fueled by surprising musical accompaniment and gospel influences.

The Prom deals with some serious topics including betrayal, but balances it well with the show’s overall optimistic tone. It is positive throughout, even in the face of Emma’s most difficult challenges. Liesie Kelly’s lovely Just Breathe mixes dry wit with Kelly’s mellifluous vocals and smiling eyes. Emma’s high school classmates are painted as shallow and insensitive and as far as storytelling, it might have been nice to have at least one of them sympathetic to Emma’s plight from the start.

Tori Heinlein (center) and the company. Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Boasting amazing choreography that not only is reminiscent of popular musicals Footloose and Hairspray, but The Prom contains a wealth of welcome, inside Broadway references. From a clapping and celebratory champagne dance to the Fosse-inspired choreography of Zazz to the intricate chorography of It’s Time to Dance, Gamble with Paul S. Katz’s music direction creates a complex yet sparkling escape to fun and frivolity if only temporarily from the realities of life.

SpeakEasy Stage Company continues musical comedy The Prom through June 10 live and in person at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston Massachusetts. Click here for more information and tickets.

REVIEW: The 52nd annual ‘Midwinter Revels: A Solstice Celebration Tales from Ellis Island’ shares solace and warmth into a tapestry of traditions from around the world

Posted on December 24, 2022 by The Sleepless Critic

After a half century, the Midwinter Revels can not only still create fresh and concise storytelling while weaving in various cultures and traditions with a balance of joy and poignancy, but this year recalls a miraculous event in history that is not shared enough during the holiday season.

Innovatively written and directed by Patrick Swanson and guided by Carolyn Saxon as the Immortal Spirit of Place, Midwinter Revels: A Solstice Celebration Tales from Ellis Island continues live and in person at the Sanders Theatre in Cambridge, MA through December 28 and then will be available virtually December 29 through January 15. Each performance pays tribute to Revels supporters and this particular performance was dedicated to the The Rioff Family in honor of WGBH’s Brian O’Donovan. This show is translated in ASL and is approximately two hours with one intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

The Ensemble of The Christmas Revels Photo by Roger Ide

Veteran reveler David Coffin’s enthusiasm reflected the same from the audience as he vigorously prepared them pre-production for the Revels live and interactive sing-along that features a vast array of carols and cultural songs. Meticulously musically directed by Elijah Botkin and led by Keith Murphy of A Saint Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn, an intimate onstage band returns as the Liberty Band performing carols to folk to war songs from around the world right alongside the cast. The joy and gratitude in singing in front of an audience again is as uplifting as ever and the cast’s a cappella harmonies are a glorious treat.

Midwinter Revels: A Solstice Celebration Tales from Ellis Island does not just take place on Ellis Island, but provides the foundation for each of the tales shared during the production. The tales of hardship and strife seem so different, but are somehow tied into shared experiences as immigrants from all over the world find themselves stranded together on Christmas Eve in 1924. The spirit of the season is exemplified in several tales including a fiddle that needs mending featuring Maeve Leahy as Bridget and Ewan Swanson as Isaac.

From Left to Right Carolyn Saxon, Maeve Leahy and Ewan Swanson and the Revels Ensemble Photo by Paul Buckley

Adorned in a glimmering gown and gold wreathed crown, Carolyn Saxon makes a warm and welcome return to Revels this time as the Immortal Spirit of Place. Her subtle charm and light humor enhance each aspect of the production as she guides the audience through various tales and periods in history in Nikes. Saxon is clearly enjoying this enigmatic role becoming invisible when she wishes and popping up at felicitous and spontaneous moments.

While last year’s show focused on saving a bar by venturing into the past, family is much more prevalent as members of the cast tie in pieces of their own cultural holiday memories into the production. Irish and Jewish Dramaturg Nicole Galland contributed by drawing on her own experiences and upbringing. With frank and humorous inflections, Reveler Stephanie Clayman is an amiable and avid storyteller as she brings some of those tales to life such as two well staged pieces of morally centered Jewish folklore and several Chanukah traditions.

Stephanie Clayman, Ewan Swanson, The Ellis Island Children, and the Midwinter Revels Adult Chorus Photo by Paul Buckley

David Coffin as Conor Riley revealed a miraculous event during World War I that took place on Christmas Eve in 1914. For a brief time, soldiers showed camaraderie with their enemies as they joined together in song, games, and friendship. It is a historical event that needs to be shared with as much frequency as annual holiday traditions such How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Carol, or It’s a Wonderful Life. That brief interlude of peace made such a significant impact on the world and Midwinter Revels depicts that moving period of time with Christmas in the Trenches, O Tannenbaum and Stile Nacht as the production spread itself beyond the Sanders Theatre stage.

The children are always a joy to watch and this year as the Ellis Island Children, they share upbeat, jumping rope rhythm for There’s a Big Ship Sailing and later with Las Posadas as Mary rides on a donkey. It is just one example of the many endearing appearances they make in song and tale.

A brilliant performance comes from Ricardo Holguin who passionately performs a wondrous rendition of Mexican love song La Malgeuna followed by striking number El Relampago featuring women in gorgeous floral headdresses and sun drenched gowns by Heidi Hermiller. Kelli Edwards’ multifaceted choreography is on full display throughout as well as for a tricky and intricate sword dance accompanied by an onstage accordion and drummer for The Straw Folk Mummers Play and Rogue’s Delight.

Maeve Leahy (left), Ewan Swanson (center), and dancers from Great Meadows Morris & Sword Photo by Paul Buckley

Though the show lulled a bit on occasion, Midwinter Revels: A Solstice Celebration Tales from Ellis Island’s engaging tales bring unity and light and depicts how sharing different traditions can bring a new understanding and warmth into the darkest of times.

Midwinter Revels: A Solstice Celebration Tales from Ellis Island continues live and in person at the Sanders Theatre in Cambridge, MA through December 28 and then will be available virtually December 29 through January 15. Click here for more information and tickets.

REVIEW: Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ a family treat and delivering more surprises than things that go bump in the night

Posted on November 4, 2022 by The Sleepless Critic

Under a glimmering moon, fog rolls in as a candle burns.

Near a tattered fence and curtains behind a pedestal table sits The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’s author Washington Irving, portrayed by Boston-based actor Paul Melendy. Poised to share his gothic novel, Washington Irving is just one of several personas Melendy charismatically manifests for Greater Boston Stage Company’s semi-interactive, one man performance of Halloween classic, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Paul Melendy in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

With lively direction by Weylin Symes, Paul Melendy aptly bares the weight of this local, legendary, and family-friendly tale live and in person at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Massachusetts as well as virtually through Sunday, November 6. This show is just under 90 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

Already proving to be a wonderful talent in Greater Boston Stage productions such as The 39 Steps and Miss Holmes Returns, Paul Melendy captures the spirit of Sleepy Hollow through a frenzy of distinct personalities, rapid fire mannerisms, and occasional scares. This version has a historical and contemporary context, delivering more family- friendly and comedic content than a fright fest.

Melendy’s Icabod Crane is an eccentric, bumbling, and polite schoolmaster in love with the lovely Katrina and sets out to impress her and her family, but rumor has it that something ghostly just might be lurking through Sleepy Hollow. Feeding off the audience while drawing comedic inspiration and wide- eyed vigor reminiscent of Jim Carrey or Jerry Lewis, Melendy’s pliable features transform into a number of characters ranging from the elegant Katrina to a tough guy New Yorker to the mysterious Mister Knickerbocker. A cross between a recollection and a retelling, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow treats the audience to an assortment of dynamic characters who roam through this secluded valley along the Hudson River.

Melendy is an animated and quick-witted storyteller on this partially introspective journey as David Remedios’s chilling sound effects highlighted by a wild horse whinnying, Katy Monthel’s haunting scenic design, and Deirdre Gerrard’s eerie lighting elevate the production’s mysterious and uneasy tone. Add Melendy’s exuberance to the mix and audiences are in for an enjoyable ride.

The cast and creative team for Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ Photo courtesy of Nile Scott Studios

Greater Boston Stage Company presents The Legend of Sleepy Hollow live and in person in Stoneham, Massachusetts as well as virtually through Sunday, November 6. This show is just under 90 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

REVIEW: Compassion and tension drive compelling feature film ‘Paper Spiders’ at the Boston Film Festival

Posted on October 12, 2020 by The Sleepless Critic

Sponsored in part by NBC Universal, Boston Magazine, and Maydaze Films, The 36^th annual Boston Film Festival took place virtually this year due to Covid-19 with the option to attend live screenings in Boston, Massachusetts from Thursday, September 24 through Sunday, September 27.

Boston Film Festival offered live and virtual films during the 4-day festival Photo courtesy of the Boston Film Festival

Featuring the award-winning documentary, Jay Leno’s Garage, the four-day festival included the US premiere of feature films Small Town Wisconsin and Paper Spiders, a wide variety of short films, and powerful documentaries such as the world premiere of This Hits Home, Me The People, Beyond Zero, and ‘25’ Tony Conigliaro The Documentary, the US Premiere of The Memory of Water, and The Girl Who Wore Freedom, as well as the East Coast premieres of Stro: The Michael D’Saro Story, Knots: A Forced Marriage Story and After the Rain. Q and A sessions were held with actors, directors, and foremost experts. Click here for the full schedule.

Your Virtual film selection the Boston Film Festival website Photo courtesy of the Boston Film Festival

The Boston Film Festival offered an option to see scheduled screenings of select films at the stellar Showplace Icon Theatre. Located at the Boston Seaport and conveniently located at the Courthouse stop on the Silver Line, The Showplace Icon Theatre features state-of-the-art stadium seating with plush reclining chairs, a beverage holder, and a place for your popcorn. Click here for a closer look at this amazing theatre and here for more information and tickets.

Showplace Icon Theatre, located at Boston Seaport. Photo courtesy of Jeanne Denizard

No matter what the circumstances, it is not easy dealing with mental illness, especially if it is a parent. However, that is not the crux of the US Premiere of Paper Spiders, a coming-of-age tale about a teenager named Melanie portrayed with endearing maturity by Stefania LeVie Owen, and her relationship with her widowed mother Dawn, portrayed masterfully by Lili Taylor. They are a fractured but seemingly happy family coming to terms with loss and attempting a new beginning.

Set in Syracuse, NY, The film picks right up with relatable mother-daughter chatter at a pivotal time in Melanie’s life as they tour a college Melanie is interested in attending. Their sweet conversation makes it easy to see their close relationship, but later when their neighbor hits a tree in their front yard, what ensues is nothing Melanie could have ever imagined.

‘Paper Spiders’ made its US premiere at the Boston Film Festival Photo courtesy of the Boston Film Festival

Each member of this compelling cast becomes more complex as the tale progresses, led by Lili Taylor as Melanie’s widowed and troubled mother, Dawn. Taylor is no stranger to quirky characters and her usual odd charm shines through as Melanie’s talkative and anxious mother. With a particular talent for exuding fear in her eyes, Taylor evokes sympathy and dismay as Dawn transforms from a concerned mother to living her life with one eye open, her vulnerability palpable as she struggles to see things clearly.

Stefania LeVie Owen is wonderful as responsible, cautious, and practical Melanie as she struggles to achieve a nearly impossible balance between being a teenager and handling her mother’s increasingly concerning episodes. What makes this struggle more poignant is the natural chemistry between Owen and Taylor who exude as much ease as they do strain. This escalating tension mounts in quick paces as viewed through Owen’s innocent and alarmed perspective.

Peyton List, seen more recently as Tory in Netflix’s popular Cobra Kai series, is a welcome addition as Lacy, Melanie’s fun-loving and promiscuous best friend. Serious and quiet, Melanie and Lacy’s contrasting personalities offer a break from the film’s serious nature. Ian Nelson is charismatic as Melanie’s good humored, persistent, and wealthy classmate Daniel. Nelson and Owen are charming together and also contribute to some of the film’s lighter moments until life inevitably gets more complicated.

Lili Taylor as Dawn in ‘Paper Spiders’ Photo courtesy of the Boston Film Festival

Director and writer Inon Shampanier and his wife and writer Natalie Shampanier create a beautiful blend of funny moments and engaging montages with a deeper look at Dawn and Melanie’s daunting reality.

After all, mental illness can become a roller coaster of emotions such as grief, anger, paranoia, loneliness, and anxiety, but the crux of Paper Spiders isn’t any of these things. It’s about the struggle through this unpredictable journey with those you love with understanding, ever holding on to hope. Paper Spiders never loses sight of that.

Paper Spiders is currently touring the film festival circuit nationwide. Click here to see where Paper Spiders will be shown next and here for more about this year’s Boston Film Festival and future updates.

REVIEW: Let loose and laugh a lot about life with inventive musical comedy ‘The Other Josh Cohen’

Posted on March 14, 2019 by The Sleepless Critic

What if life could nudge you in the right direction when nothing seems to be going right? The romantic musical comedy The Other Josh Cohen inventively and comically explores this concept and more continuing at the Westside Theatre in New York, New York through April 7. This production is 90 minutes without an intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

Imagine a studio apartment being robbed on a holiday with Grinch-like stealthiness, perhaps even the thief figuratively “taking the last can of Who Hash” which in this case is unceremoniously a radio. However, rather than it taking place on Christmas Eve, it’s on Valentine’s Day, and what little the thief does leave behind becomes your most treasured possession – a certain CD. It’s easy to relate to this scenario because my own car was robbed once and I knew kids were probably responsible because they left the movie soundtrack to Titanic behind. Ah, kids today.

The victim in this robbery is Josh Cohen, portrayed with lovable earnestness by Steve Rosen as Narrator Josh, portrayed with confidence and charm by David Rossmer, looks on. It seems that nothing is going quite right for Josh until an unforeseen circumstance just might turn his life around.

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Steve Rosen and David Rossmer as The Other Josh Cohens Photo courtesy of Caitlin McNaney/The Other Josh Cohen

This multi-layered musical comedy is as ambitious as it is hilarious. Not only does the show take off right away and I’m not just talking about most of the set, but it plays with time frames, utilizing a small, but ceaselessly hardworking, multi-talented cast capable of playing several characters at the drop of a dime. How many shows can say that the cast is also the band and it all runs like clockwork?

With orchestrations by Dan Lipton and David Rossmer, The Other Josh Cohen is packed with catchy, insightful, comical, and frequently optimistic tunes about life and isn’t afraid to get occasionally silly. The lighthearted, rock and roll and pop soundtrack includes Hang On, The Other Josh Cohen, What If, Change a Thing, and Samuel Cohen’s Family Tree which come highly recommended. The Other Josh Cohen star-studded CD soundtrack features the voices of Hank Azaria, Sutton Foster, Sarah Bishop, and Richard Kind to name just a few.

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From L to R Louis Tucci, Kate Wetherhead, Luke Darnell-Hannah Elless Photo courtesy of Caitlin McNaney/The Other Josh Cohen

There is a great deal of natural chemistry among this small cast and though they seem to be improvising at times, it is an entirely scripted show punctuated by timely pop culture references. Cathryn Wake, Jane Bruce, Luke Darnell, Louis Tucci, and Megan Loomis all make portraying several roles look easy as glittering Aunt Bea, Josh’s neighbor who is part of the “she” street band, the superintendent, Josh’s father, and the dentist are particular highlights.

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So The Other Josh Cohen is funny, inventive, semi-interactive, and has a multi-talented cast, but what makes this show special? Even when life shows its dark side, there is always hope. It’s good to laugh a little (or a lot) and through its catchy, sometimes self-deprecating songs, everything in life just might turn out ok. That makes for more than just a fun night out.

The Off-Broadway, romantic musical comedy, The Other Josh Cohen continues at the Westside Theatre at 407 W 43rd Street New York, New York through April 7. Click here for more information and tickets. Click here for further details on that star-studded soundtrack.

REVIEW: Lexus Broadway in Boston’s ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’ some kind of wonderful triumph

Posted on February 20, 2019 by The Sleepless Critic

Triumph she does. Carole King, one of the most successful songwriters of the latter part of the 20^th century, had talent from the first time she walked in the studio at age 16. This is not the average biopic where the protagonist has to overcome some sort of terrible tragedy or failure, but a woman on the move from the very start.

Boasting a library of hits before Carole even considers taking the stage to perform her own music, this show brings on the nostalgia of passing generations from the chic retro clothes to the distinctive music style. It is a sweeping musical from a songwriter’s perspective with few low notes and anyway, why not pack a show with hits and a lighter story that just might leave you smiling?

Sarah Bockel as Carole King Photo credit to Lexus Broadway in Boston

Lexus Broadway in Boston concluded Beautiful: The Carole King Musical‘s run on Sunday, February 10. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical recently celebrated five years on Broadway. Click here to see where this captivating show will be next. Click here more on Broadway in Boston’s stellar season.

From the moment Carole makes contact with that baby grand piano for a lively rendition of I Feel the Earth Move, impressive, rolling sets transport her into her Brooklyn home where she first started writing. Portrayed by Elise Vannerson throughout the show, Carole is introspective yet dreamy, seemingly more than ready for her life to take off. Vannerson captures the essence of her ambition, shyness, and tenacity. Her soaring vocals is an impressive tribute to Carole’s trademark voice. Suzanne Grodner portrays Genie Klein, Carole King’s mother, with humorous, cynical sass and sensibility as she cuts Carole a deal.

The Drifters: Darius Delk, Dimitri Joseph Moise, Deon Releford-Lee, and Nathan Andrew Riley Photo credit to Lexus Broadway in Boston

The Shirelles: Harper Miles, DeAnne Stewart, Danielle J. Summons, and Alexis Tidwell Photo credit to Lexus Broadway in Boston

Dominating this tale is some of the most popular music of the 20^th century and Beautiful offers a peek into how some of these songs hit the charts. A rollicking mix of hits including There Goes My Baby and Yakety Yak encompasses the sensational 1650 Broadway Medley as a glittering display of guitars, scripts, music sheets, and sound systems hang in the background. From shimmering gowns to some of the era’s most popular, colorful fashion trends, Allejo Vietti’s costume design blends perfectly with Joyce Chittick’s lively choreography, a compelling spectrum of classic dance moves and crazes of each era. It’s an era so influenced by Carole King’s songwriting and that of her peers.

From Left to right: James Clow as Don Kirshner, Dylan S. Wallach as Gerry Goffin, Sarah Bockel as Carole King, Jacob Heimer as Barry Mann, and Alison Whitehurst as Cythia Weil Photo credit to Lexus Broadway in Boston

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is full of moments of light humor and endearing chemistry among the cast. With smooth, pliable vocals, Dylan S. Wallach portrays idealistic, sharp, and a bit macho Gerry Goffin. He and Elise Vannerson as Carole have charming chemistry and moments of cute awkwardness. They complement each other and their duets are particularly memorable. Alison Whitehurst as confident and driven Cynthia Weil and Jacob Heimer as hypochondriac Barry Mann make a fascinating comic duo. James Clow is also impressive as warm, inventive, and open minded Don Kirshner, who always knows talent when he sees it.

Click here to see where Beautiful: The Carole King Musical will be next. Lexus Broadway in Boston’s upcoming performances include A Bronx Tale, Hello Dolly, Dear Evan Hanson, as well as the return of The Illusionists, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables. Click here for a closer look at their season and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.