Umbrella Arts Center

REVIEW:  Witness the quiet beauty inside The Umbrella Stage Company’s stirring ‘The Spitfire Grill’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

From Liza Giangrande’s first few haunting verses sung as Percy as her eyes brim with tears, it is easy to see that The Spitfire Grill is going to be something special.

Liza Giangrande as Percy. Photo by Jim Sabitus

According to the Bible, Gilead is a mountainous region east of the Jordan River and considered a place of asylum and refuge.  After spending five years in prison, Percy places her hopes in the remote and mysterious town of Gilead, Wisconsin, but its residents find it a ghost town suited only as a place for leaving.  However, Gilead may still have a few surprises in store.

Based on the 1996 film by Lee David Zlotoff, warmly directed by Ilyse Robbins, and with haunting music direction by Jack Cline, The Spitfire Grill musical continues live and in person at Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, Massachusetts through Sunday, May 18.  This production is approximately two hours with one intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Kerry A. Dowling* as Hannah, Sean Donnelly as Joe and Liza Giangrande as Percy. Photo by Jim Sabitus

Blending acoustic and fiddle-infused melodies from an intimate band conducted by James Haupt, The Spitfire Grill boasts a wide range of driving folk rhythms such as Shoot the Moon, swift catchy melodies such as Out of the Frying Pan and luminous harmonies in Colors of Paradise.

Costumer Kelly Baker captures a deep woods ambiance in earth tones and layered clothing, denim, flannels and hiking boots. Karen Perlow’s haunting and revelatory lighting brings stirring character to enigmatic Gilead.  Prison bar shadows, a gleaming moon, twilight skies, soft glowing lanterns and prism shaped forest patterns illuminate Janie E. Howland’s dual level rustic wooden Spitfire Grill diner complete with a cozy kitchen and scattered appliances, living room, dining space and a faded staircase leading up to the bedrooms.  This set has worn character detailed in its red faded Spitfire Grill sign. 

Liza Giangrande as Percy, Christie Lee as Effy, and Kerry A. Dowling* as Hannah. *Indicates a member of Actors Equity Association. Photo by Jim Sabitus

Featuring a powerful cast, The Spitfire Grill is a well paced musical that exudes a quiet beauty focusing on ordinary people with haunting regrets longing for a new start.  Everyone knows everyone which is quite advantageous for Catherine Lee Christie as nosy town gossip Effy who is always starved for news as demonstrated in Somethings Cooking.  Though Christie’s Effy could seem malicious, her incorrigible curiosity and humorous know-it-all demeanor seems to stem from boredom imagining Gilead as an exciting town. 

Liza Giangrande as Percy, Kerry A. Dowling* as Hannah, and Shonna McEachern* as Shelby. *Indicates a member of Actors Equity Association. Photo by Jim Sabitus

Kerry A. Dowling depicts practical and business minded Spitfire Grill owner Hannah who hires Percy to tend to the kitchen.  Course, frank yet introverted, Hannah has a secret from her past she has kept for years.  Hannah has been struggling to sell The Spitfire Grill for a decade, but Percy may have come up with a new way to lure buyers Hannah’s way.  Dowling’s Hannah and Giagrande establish a genuine rapport while they both quietly carry burdens from their past. 

A charismatic actress with a dynamite vocal range, Liza Giangrande is brilliant as relentlessly hopeful Percy who is determined to reestablish herself as demonstrated in the sneakily and humorously frazzled number Out of the Frying Pan, emphasized with some impressive vocal gymnastics.  However, Giangrande is simply riveting for the revelatory number Sunrise/Shine.

Shonna McEachern* as Shelby, Liza Giangrande as Percy, and Kerry A. Dowling* as Hannah. *Indicates a member of Actors Equity Association. Photo by Jim Sabitus

Giangrande develops a sweet rapport with Shonna McEachern as Shelby delivering soaring harmony for Colors of Paradise.  McEachern has a lovely vocal range and offers a stirring rendition of Wildbird.    Giangrande’s Percy is under Sean Donnelly’s parole supervision as Sheriff Joe Sutter who has his own dreams beyond the wide woods of Gilead.

Anthony Pires, Jr. delves into the role of discouraged and traditional Caleb who feels aimless and frustrated with his life longing to get a foothold as demonstrated in a potent rendition of Digging Stone while Cristhian Mancinas-Garcia is memorable as The Visitor.

Shonna McEachern* as Shelby, Liza Giangrande as Percy and Anthony Pires, Jr. as Caleb. Photo by Jim Sabitus

The Spitfire Grill tackles loneliness and isolation, but also has its share of memorably heartwarming, frank and comical moments.  Steeped in quiet beauty, it is an uplifting musical that captures hope and meaning while shedding light in the darkest of places.

The Spitfire Grill musical continues live and in person at Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, Massachusetts through Sunday, May 18.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW:  Umbrella Stage Company gets up close and personal with ‘Network’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

How far will anyone go for ratings?

It’s a mad world and UBS is here for it.

With compelling direction by Ashley Kelly Tata, adapted for the stage by Lee Hall and based on Paddy Chayefsky’s Academy Award-winning screenplay, The Umbrella Stage Company presents dark satirical drama Network live and in person at Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, Massachusetts through Sunday, November 3.  This well-timed production is 90 minutes with no intermission and contains explicit language and adult themes.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Set in September of 1975, UBS is a struggling television station drowning in the ratings.  Tensions are sky high as executives scramble to save it.   As a result, world weary veteran newsman and widower Howard Beale, a metamorphic portrayal by Bill Mootos, has been forced to retire after 25 years dedicating his whole life to his work.  In an act of desperation, Beale makes a shocking decision that impacts everyone around him. 

Bill Mootos stars as Howard Beale in ‘Network’ Photo by Jim Sabitus

Steeped in nostalgic glory, Network seamlessly rewinds the clock to a time where television was the world’s primary source for news, information, and entertainment.  From three piece suits to wrap dresses to Barrymore collars, costume designer Nancy Leary captures the essence of the 70s while Afsoon Pajoufar’s duel level retro studio set features vintage studio equipment, a line of wall clocks keeping track of various time zones all over the world and a multitasking wooden desk. 

The cast of ‘Network’ Photo by Jim Sabitus

 The towering UBS logo printed across SeifAllah Salotto-Cristobal’s projection screen can be distracting at times, but symbolically portrays the media’s monstrous influence on the world over anything else. Not only does it provide a window into nostalgic television but an intimate account into the characters’ reactions as if the camera is always rolling.   Featuring flashes of famous 70s commercials to searing headlines to classic TV shows like Laverne and Shirley, Salotto-Cristobal’s montages are overwhelming, rapid and impactful.  Even the television test signal can be unsettling.  Aubrey Dube’s audio design bring to life some particularly intense moments as well as satirical humor demonstrated in David Bowie’s meticulously placed Fame during a pivotal scene in the production. 

Blythe de Oliveira Foster as Diane and Bill Mootos as Howard Beale in ‘Network’ Photo by Jim Sabitus

Having worked through the Golden Age of Television, Howard Beale has seen the trends change into a darker tomorrow.  Mootos craftily transforms as alcoholic newsman turned influencer Howard Beale.  From a professional newsman straightening his tie, Mootos captures the derailment methodically from weary to anguish and everything in between struggling to learn what is really important.     

Workaholic Diane, ferociously portrayed by Blythe de Oliveira Foster, is a laser focused executive voracious for success and ratings that she flagrantly talks of immorality like she is ordering a drink at a bar.  Justifying unimaginable things hungry to accomplish her goals, Foster as Diane brings gall, gumption and a dark humor to her greediness that make her fascinating in her audacity.  Foster delivers some thought provoking scenes with Barlow Adamson who is impressive as tough yet rational Max and one of the few sympathetic voices of reason in this production.   Will McGarrahan also makes a lasting impression as menacing Arthur Jensen.   

Jennifer Bubriski as Sheila and Blythe de Oliveira Foster as Diane in ‘Network’ Photo by Jim

Network is a cleverly executed and gripping production that becomes so immersive that it may encourage you to contemplate whether anything has changed today or worsened especially in this digital age.  Network’s lighting is almost glaringly bright during show time and shadows take over behind the scenes depicting a darker reality.  Tata’s direction is invasive and revealingly up close and personal to expose the nature of many of the production’s themes including corporate greed, corruption, sensationalism, consumerism, scandal, violence and fame.  It is a barrage of ideas that are peeled away bit by bit and what is unveiled is both fascinating, alarming and not so unfamiliar before it reaches its shocking conclusion.  When has it all gone too far? 

Bill Mootos is “Mad as hell” and he’s “not going to take it anymore” as Howard Beale in a new stage adaptation of the 1976 classic film, ‘Network’ Photo by Jim Sabitus

The Umbrella Stage Company presents dark satirical drama Network live and in person at Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, Massachusetts through Sunday, November 3.  This well-timed production is 90 minutes with no intermission and contains explicit language and adult themes.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Umbrella Stage Company delivers boldly funny ‘The Full Monty’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

For a few average guys down on their luck, the time has come to risk it all.

The Chippendales have landed in Buffalo, New York and have captured the local women’s attention while a local factory has closed down leaving a group of steel workers on the unemployment line to support themselves and their families, but on a quest to regain their self confidence and mojo back.   Suddenly Michael Levesque as Jerry realizes the only way to get ahead is with some daring ingenuity to the tune of $50,000.

The cast of Umbrella Stage Company’s ‘The Full Monty’ Photo by Jim Sabitus

With upbeat direction by Leigh Barrett and zany choreography by Najee Brown, The Umbrella Stage Company continues musical comedy The Full Monty live and in person at the Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, Massachusetts through Sunday May 19.  This show contains adult themes, partial nudity and runs approximately two hours and 20 including one intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Andrea Giangreco, Sarajane Morse Mullins, Shonna McEarchern, and Stephanie Barney in Umbrella Stage Company’s ‘The Full Monty’ Photo by Jim Sabitus

Set in 1989, Rebecca Glick’s colorful and at times neon costumes were quite a wild walk down memory lane.  From neon scrunchies to tiger print sequins and jean jackets to track suits, it was such fun to revisit that late 80s nostalgia.  Jenna McFarland Lord’s realistic and rolling two floor set reflect the run down nature of Buffalo in the stained metal walls, steel accents, and the paradox of escapism in the glowing sign and glittery curtains of Club Giordano.

Michael Levesque and Jackson Wisco in Umbrella Stage Company’s ‘The Full Monty’ Photo by Jim Sabitus

The Full Monty is more of a comedic romp than it is provocative, but both play an important role in this production.  This Full Monty is lighter on the innuendo and essentially explores the lives of a group of blue collar workers just trying to make it in this steel town as they face unemployment and various personal problems as explained in the humorous number, Scrap.  For example, depressed Night guard Malcolm in a lovably sympathetic performance by John Breen, wants to find his independence living alone with his ailing and emotionally abusive mother, depicted in a dual role by Jennifer Bubriski while Michael Levesque as impulsive yet sympathetic Jerry needs to earn enough to pay child support to his ex-wife, Pam portrayed by Stephanie Barney.  Levesque as Jerry shines in the heartfelt ballad, Breeze off the River and shares some endearing scenes with Jackson Wisco as adorable Nathan.  Tim Lawson as Jerry’s best friend Dave wants to support Jerry and soon realizes his own ardent need for a win.

Jennifer Bubriski, Joshua Wolf Coleman and the cast of Umbrella Stage Company’s ‘The Full Monty’ Photo by Jim Sabitus

Combining a charming group of actors to portray ego-bruised men with great chemistry, witty banter, and well timed physical humor placed in a vast array of awkward situations is no easy feat, but this skilled group shares a moving bond with exceptional camaraderie.  Joshua Wolf Coleman delivers fervent vocals and smooth dance moves in tweed as widower Horse during a hilarious audition process.  Tim Lawson’s Dave boasts strong vocals and notable comedic timing especially evident in a heartfelt duet with Will McGarrahan as Harold in You Rule My World and in the darkly satirical tune with Breen and Levesque for Big Ass Rock.  Jacob Thomas Less brings a delightful lightheartedness to the role of Ethan and Breen delivers a stirring and earnest rendition of You Walk with Me. 

Michael Levesque, John Breen, and Tim Lawson in Umbrella Stage Company’s ‘The Full Monty’ Photo by Jim Sabitus

Jennifer Bubriski is excellent as spunky, several times divorced accompanying piano player Jeanette.  Bubriski is frank and no filter funny which makes her a bit of a scene stealer.   Bubriski keeps the laughs coming in an excellent rendition of Jeanette’s Showbiz Number.  Aimee Doherty transforms a somewhat shallow role as Harold’s younger materialistic wife, Vicki and infuses absorbing charm and likability beyond the catchy, Latin-inspired number Life with Harold.

Will McGarrahan, Aimee Doherty, Louis Brogna and the cast of Umbrella Stage Company’s ‘The Full Monty’ Photo by Jim Sabitus

Najee Brown nails this particular brand of introverted and awkward dance moves into some of the most exciting parts of the production.  Got the Goods and Let it Go are equal parts embarrassing, raunchy, lively and funny with Got the Goods particularly feeding into each character’s insecurities.  One of the best parts of the show is watching those characters amusingly let loose.

Jennifer Bubriski, John Breen. Will McGarrahan, Tim Lawson, Michael Levesque, Joshua Wolf Coleman, and Jacob Thomas Less in Umbrella Stage Company’s ‘The Full Monty’ Photo by Jim Sabitus

The Full Monty has come a long way.  From a British 1997 film that I could not get through to a musical comedy tastefully bringing sexy back in ridiculous and heartfelt ways leaving you rooting for these six down on their luck men to show Buffalo what they are made of.

With upbeat direction by Leigh Barrett and zany choreography by Najee Brown, The Umbrella Stage Company continues musical comedy The Full Monty live and in person at Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, Massachusetts through Sunday May 19.  This show contains adult themes, partial nudity and runs approximately two hours and 20 including one intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW:  Umbrella Stage Company unveils riveting musical, ‘The Color Purple’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

How does one find faith when everything falls apart?

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, The Color Purple is a powerful and thought provoking historical drama that examines life’s true meaning, redemption, transformation, and the search for faith and love when all seems lost.

With stirring direction by BW Gonzalez, Nathanael Wilkerson’s lively music direction, and instinctively choreographed by Najee A. Brown, Umbrella Stage Company continues the Tony award-winning musical, The Color Purple by Marsha Norman through Sunday, June 4 live and in person at the Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, MA.  The show has two acts with one intermission and contains some mature themes.  Some package shows also offer walking tours.  Click here for more information and tickets.

Shy’Kira Allen as Celie and cast Photo by Jim Sabitus

Umbrella Stage Company could not have chosen a better time to bring this particular musical to the stage this year.  The Color Purple celebrated the 40th anniversary of the acclaimed novel last year and the 1985 film directed by Steven Spielberg featured an all star cast including Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey.  It garnered several Oscar nominations including Best Picture. This December, a musical film adaptation of The Color Purple will premiere featuring a multitalented cast including Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, Fantasia Barrino, and H.E.R.

Having never read the book or seen the film, The Color Purple was an eye opening experience.  It holds turmoil, peril, and cruelty, but it is also an extraordinary tale of miracles, transformation, humor, and unyielding hope exclaimed by a mesmerizing cast of powerful voices each with their own challenges to overcome.  Walker’s dynamic characters possess a wealth of depth and complexity that deliver some astonishing twists and turns.  The Color Purple features a powerful and Grammy award-winning score that infuses gospel, ragtime, jazz, and blues. The uplifting Our Prayer is gripping right from the start and the tapestry of moving numbers that follow makes the musical all the more enthralling.

‘Our Prayer’ from The Color Purple Photo by Jim Sabitus

SeifAllah Salotto-Crisobal’s impactful lighting design meticulously sets the tone in creative and multicolored pastels transforming Janie E. Howland’s modest wooden set equipped with whips and a silver barrel.  Covering a 40 year range, costume designer Danielle Dominigue Sumi navigates various eras with finesse including culturally appropriate attire from muted to kaleidoscopic colors.

Shy’Kira Allen as Celie and Kayla Leacock as Nettie Photo by Jim Sabitus

In 1909 rural Georgia, Celie at 14 is about to give birth.  She finds solace in her buoyant and discerning sister Nettie in a beautiful depiction by Kayla Leacock.  Their genuine camaraderie is sheer joy to witness as Celie navigates her own unmerited suffering.  Nettie is one of many spiritually strong and often challenged women surrounding inquisitive, naïve, obedient, and shy Celie depicted remarkably by Shy’kira Allen, that teach her about resilience and fortitude.  Kai Clifton is a powerful force as daring Sofia with a trailblazing attitude and demeanor rare of a woman in the early 1900’s as demonstrated in a sage and commanding rendition of Hell No!  Crystin Gilmore holds her own power as captivating and liberated performer Shug Avery who breezes into Georgia on a whim bringing excitement, scandal, and humor to the town as demonstrated in an alluring rendition of Push the Button.  However, Gilmore truly shines in quieter moments with her tender rendition of Too Beautiful for Words as well as the show’s heartfelt title track.

Crystin Gilmore as Shug Avery and cast Photo by Jim Sabitus

Shy’Kira Allen rises to the challenge as complicated Celie and though Allen has many memorable scenes with the cast, her most powerful scenes are the ones she must stand on her own such as in Lily of the Field, Dear God, and a brilliant rendition of I’m Here.  Brian Demar Jones is impressive and deceptively charismatic as short sighted and egocentric Mister while Jordan Aaron Hall is likable as compassionate yet impressionable Harpo.  Rural Georgia is an area not without its gossip and keeping the mood light in the midst of the show’s most difficult moments are the humorous and ever knowing Church Ladies, their clever vocal styling slick for Shug Avery Coming to Town and Uh Oh.

Kai Clifton as Sofia and cast Photo by Jim Sabitus

Umbrella Stage Company delivers Alice Walker’s message with such collective fervor, make time to witness this Color Purple. 

Umbrella Stage Company continues the Tony award-winning musical, The Color Purple though Sunday, June 4 live and in person at the Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, MA.  The show has two acts with one intermission and contains some mature themes.  Click here for more information and tickets.