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

Posted on October 29, 2024 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: SpeakEasy Stage Company’s ‘Heroes of the Fourth Turning’ delves deep

Posted on September 25, 2022 by The Sleepless Critic

A fire pit and backyard party in the deep woods of Landon, Wyoming seems the perfect setting for fun and good conversation. What could go wrong?

Certainly a relatable situation in contemporary society, Heroes of the Fourth Turning knows how to tackle difficult discussions in a heady and thought provoking way, but leaving the conversation between these five distinct individuals unscathed is seldom a realistic scenario.

Dayna Cousins, Nathan Malin, and Jesse Hinson in ‘Heroes of the Fourth Turning.’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios.

Directed by Marianna Bassham who previously directed SpeakEasy’s acclaimed People Places and Things, SpeakEasy Stage Company presents Will Arbery’s Heroes of the Fourth Turning through October 8 live and in person at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts. This show has adult themes. Click here for more information and tickets.

One of the greatest strengths of Heroes of the Fourth Turning is its multifaceted approach to each of its characters. Each individual is complex and struggling in some way, but are rarely stereotyped and the production is not approached in a divisive way. The show is most effective by keeping an open mind.

It is satirical and darkly humorous from its opening scene with Justin, in hunting gear and a plaid shirt, moments away from shooting a deer. This scenario may seem indicative of some the preconceived notions of conservative thinking and the nature of its forthcoming characters, but it gradually thwarts any preconceived expectations. Its strength is not in the black and white, but delves into the gray corners of each of its characters.

Arbery’s script does not shy away from hot button and controversial issues and the atmosphere can get realistically heated and uncomfortable as it would at any gathering in contemporary society. It offers a glimpse of each character’s unique perspective while their struggle unfolds as well as their flaws.

This cast of well rounded characters and their easy camaraderie is a convincing depiction of a group that has known each other for years, especially between Dayna Cousins as Teresa and Nathan Malin as Kevin. The quirks they know about each other demonstrate their long history. Visiting her hometown from New York, Teresa is the seeming intellectual of the group. Portrayed with nerve and intensity, Teresa has adapted a way of know-it-all thinking that makes her cold and unable to see another viewpoint, stereotyping whoever is unlike her. As she boldly discusses her opinions on the world, she lets loose an air of authority, waiting to be challenged.

Nathan Malin, who showed off his impressive dark comedic skills previously in SpeakEasy’s Admissions and The Sound Inside, portrays comical, chatty, and tormented Kevin. Always ready for a party and deep conversation, Kevin longs to know the real secret of happiness in life as he contends with deep seated guilt and loneliness.

Justin, host of the party and veteran, is portrayed with a mix of sympathy and an air of mystery by Jesse Hinson. A seemingly compassionate individual and clearly affected by his past experiences, it doesn’t take long to see there is much more to his story.

Jesse Hinson, Dayna Cousins, and Karen MacDonald in ‘Heroes of the Fourth Turning.’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios.

Battling physical ailments is Emily, an angelic portrayal by Elise Piliponis. Emily is sweet and nonjudgmental, but with her own strong and compassionate views. Bearing the brunt of her daily challenges, Emily is insightful and introverted and would like to do anything but argue.

Emily’s mother and much admired Gina, portrayed with charisma and decorum by Karen MacDonald, is no stranger to complex characters such as in SpeakEasy’s The Children and as Erma in Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End. MacDonald thrives here too, depicting a complicated political figure that has impacted each of the other character’s lives.

Heroes of the Fourth Turning is a fascinating, darkly humorous, and concerning look at human nature and though the ending seems outlandish, the clever script offers an interesting perspective on what happens even among the supposed like minded.

SpeakEasy Stage Company presents Will Arbery’s Heroes of the Fourth Turning through October 8 live and in person at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts. This show has adult themes. Click here for more information and tickets.

Urban Improv, celebrating its 25th anniversary, presents annual, celebrity-filled improv fundraiser, ‘Banned in Boston’

Posted on March 26, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Urban Improv is celebrating its 25^th anniversary and presenting their annual fundraiser, Banned in Boston, an evening of delicious food from top restaurants, celebrity improv, and much more on Friday, April 7 at House of Blues in Boston, Massachusetts at 6 p.m. This is a 21+ event.

Photo courtesy of Urban Improv

Hosted by Jim Braude and Margery Eagan, this year’s celebrity roster is once again brimming with acclaimed faces in entertainment such as WGBH’s Jared Bowen and Emily Rooney, Matt Siegel from Kiss 108, WCVB’s JC Monahan, Tom Hamilton from Aerosmith, and musician Sally Taylor. Political leaders such as Governor Charlie Baker and Mayor Marty Walsh, arts and educational leaders will be present such as Matthew Teitelbaum of Museum of Fine Arts and Anita Walker, Massachusetts Cultural Council. Enjoy delicious food from a wide array of restaurants such as Mei Mei, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, East Coast Grill, Eastern Standard, and Area Four. Click here for the full guest list, ticket information, and more.

Cissa Campion, Marketing Director of Urban Improv, offers a closer look at Urban Improv, its mission, and why their annual musical revue Banned in Boston is the funniest fundraiser of the year.

Jeanne Denizard: The annual Banned in Boston fundraiser provides educational workshops guiding youth on how to best deal with tough, real life situations such as racism, violence, and bullying. Please tell me more about the workshops.

Cissa Campion: Banned in Boston is Urban Improv’s only annual fundraiser. Urban Improv’s highly effective, interactive drama programs help young people explore challenging situations in their lives. We work with kids from 4th grade through high school. Whether it is peer pressure, cyber bullying, racism, homophobia, or violence, students role-play scenarios based on their own choices and experience the consequences of their actions in a safe environment.

Our atmosphere of openness and respect allows students to express themselves, leading to stronger self-esteem and improved conflict resolution, cooperation, and leadership skills. Urban Improv helps students grapple with issues they face every day and equips them with the skills they need to become leaders who communicate our messages of nonviolence, tolerance, and respect. We call it “A Rehearsal for Life.”

Urban Improv has presented to thousands of students at schools and community groups throughout Boston, New England, and beyond. It has been able to provide thousands of free workshops to Boston schools since its inception in 1992, 25 years ago.

JD: What would you say is the best reason one should attend Banned in Boston?

CC: Come for the laughs and because it’s such a good time. It’s a one-night-only event on Friday, April 7. We have this incredible roster of celebrities under one roof and all bets are off! No rubber chicken and boring speeches at this fundraiser and enjoy delectable food provided by the city’s top restaurants. Support a great cause that is having a powerful effect in this city.

Click here for more information and tickets to this hilarious, one night only event starting at Lansdowne Pub for a cocktail reception at 9 Lansdowne Street at 6 p.m. Banned in Boston musical revue at House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne Street kicks off at 7:45 p.m.

Urban Improv is located at 670 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Click here for more information on Urban Improv, its upcoming events, and how to support this dynamic organization.