small town

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

Posted on 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 19th 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:  Kindness and the little things in SpeakEasy Stage’s dramedy ‘Primary Trust’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Kenneth’s visits to Wally’s Tiki Bar mean much more to him than just the two-for-one Mai Tais.

Quietly profound and inviting, Primary Trust is a unconventional journey about a lonely townie named Kenneth, performed with humble charm and simmering yearning by David J. Castillo, whose outlook on life is about to be shaken.

Arthur Gomez and David Castillo in SpeakEasy Stage’s ‘Primary Trust’ Photo by Benjamin Rose Photography

With multilayered direction by Dawn M. Simmons, SpeakEasy Stage continues Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer prize-winning dramedy Primary Trust live and in person at Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts through Saturday, October 11.  This intriguing production runs approximately 100 minutes with no intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

What I love most about Eboni Booth’s sharp and rapid fire script is that it is upbeat and funny while evoking a wide spectrum of emotions within its snappy dialogue.  Anna Drummond’s urgent sound design keeps the pace of Booth’s charged and lively script as it veers from one quick witted scenario to the next.  This small cast is more than up for the challenge enhancing the unique and often changing essence of this production.

David Castillo Luis Negrón and Arthur Gomez in SpeakEasy Stage’s ‘Primary Trust’ Photo by Benjamin Rose Photography

A show without set changes, Shelley’s Barish’s compelling scenic design holds small town charm divided into sections including an island-inspired Tiki Bar with colorful leis and hale illuminated by Christmas lights as part of Karen Perlow’s soft atmospheric lighting, a stack of oversized books with bookcases, a large bank sign with a large wad of cash and a cozy park bench with lamppost.

Set in the cheery small town of Cranberry, New York (with a population of 15,000) and a hint of Our Town familiarity, Castillo as Kenneth lives a life of simplicity and certainty spending his days with Arthur Gomez as Kenneth’s encouraging and supportive only friend Bert.  In glasses, jeans and a cardigan, Gomez delivers unassuming charisma and infuses warmth, optimism and enthusiasm into Bert’s candid and charming demeanor.  However, there is a lot more to wise Bert than keeping Kenneth company.  Sharing an endearing camaraderie and insightful dialogue, Gomez’s Bert is a source of security for Kenneth who is carrying a lot more than a lonely life on his shoulders.

Arthur Gomez and David Castillo in SpeakEasy Stage’s ‘Primary Trust’ Photo by Benjamin Rose Photography

One would think connection might come naturally in a small town, but not for Kenneth.  With a nervous laugh, at times jittery demeanor, and a vast imagination, Castillo is excellent as Kenneth who confides in the audience and you can’t help but feel protective and a friend to him as he shares his setbacks and challenges while shyly appreciating the little things in life.

David Castillo and Janelle Grace in SpeakEasy Stage’s ‘Primary Trust’ Phot by Benjamin Rose Photography

Janelle Grace and Luis Negrón nimbly capture multiple roles during the production ranging from local townie to significant figures driving Kenneth’s story.  Luis Negrón transforms into each role so impressively, it may take a moment to catch on while Grace demonstrates amazing and occasionally frenzied comic timing stepping into each role.

Whether Kenneth is sharing a moment of understanding with Negrón or a joyful chance moment with Grace, Primary Trust demonstrates humanity and compassion in each authentic moment.

Primary Trust holds a few important twists and turns best experienced as the story unfolds.  Boasting an inherent depth, it has delightfully amusing moments that help smooth over the heavier elements and dark humor in Booth’s perceptive script without diminishing their significance.  Make no mistake Primary Trust will make you laugh as often as you might be moved.

David Castillo as Kenneth in SpeakEasy Stage’s ‘Primary Trust’ Photo by Benjamin Rose Photography

SpeakEasy Stage continues Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer prize-winning dramedy Primary Trust live and in person at Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts through Saturday, October 11.  Click here for more information and for tickets.