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REVIEW: Family dynamics in The Huntington’s world premiere of Mfoniso Udofia’s ‘The Grove’

Posted on March 13, 2025 by The Sleepless Critic

What comes before you is not as powerful as what comes next. Forging ahead has never been more difficult for Adiaha in The Grove.

Abigail C. Onwunali in The Huntington’s production of Mfoniso Udofia’s The Grove, directed by Awoye Timpo; photo by Marc J. Franklin. Running February 7 – March 9, 2025 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA (527 Tremont St, Boston, MA, 02116).

With skillful direction by Awoye Timpo and captivating choreography by Adesola Osakalumi, The Huntington presented the world premiere of The Grove, the second of Ufot’s nine-play family cycle, live and in person at The Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, March 9 and is currently available to stream online. This intriguing bilingual production in English and Ibibio runs 1 hour and 45 minutes with one intermission. The Ufot Family Cycle features three Ufot Nigerian-American family generations. Click here for more information and how to steam this production.

The cast of The Huntington’s production of Mfoniso Udofia’s The Grove, directed by Awoye Timpo; photo by Marc J. Franklin. Running February 7 – March 9, 2025 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA (527 Tremont St, Boston, MA, 02116).

Jumping from 1978 in The Sojourners to Worcester, Massachusetts in 2009, The Grove explores family roots, identity, and more as Adiaha’s struggles under the anxiety of facing her extended family as she carries a secret that she fears is against her Nigerian heritage and will ruin her family’s expectations.

Lit brilliantly by Reza Behjat, a silvery, translucent and multipurpose carousel backdrop not only serves as an extension into other scenes, but as a mysterious window into another world which features allegorical figures and inspiration for Abigail C. Onwunali as introspective perfectionist Adiaha Ufot, the eldest daughter in the Ufot household. The production opens to the Ufot family cooking and meticulously housecleaning to prepare for Adiaha’s master’s degree graduation under the direction of Ufot’s father and patriarch Disciple, depicted with righteous enthusiasm by Joshua Olumide. A grandfather clock, wooden stove, living room with sofa and chairs provide a portion of Jason Ardizzone-West’s sleek and innovative set.

Janelle Grace and Ekemini Ekpo of The Huntington’s production of Mfoniso Udofia’s The Grove, directed by Awoye Timpo; photo by Marc J. Franklin. Running February 7 – March 9, 2025 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA (527 Tremont St, Boston, MA, 02116).

The Grove has a strong cast sharing a tight family bond, each holding their own deep convictions within an umbrella of expectations. In spite of his Disciple’s objections, Amani Kojo as Adiaha’s little brother Ekong Ufot dares to embrace the world around him and adopt American culture. Kojo as determined Ekong seems an unconventional voice of reason within the family remaining vigilant under his father’s pressure.

Left to right: Janelle Grace, Joshua Olumide, Abigail C. Onwunali, and Patrice Jean-Baptiste in The Grove; directed by Awoye Timpo; photo by Marc J. Franklin

Olumide as Adiaha’s orthodox father Disciple, a PhD scholar himself, staunchly urges his oldest daughter Adiaha forward through higher education in hopes of marrying her off so she can carry on Nigerian tradition in her own family. Disciple’s insistent nature and urgency reverberates with Onwunali’s Adiaha as she anxiously follows another path weighed down by the fear of disappointing him. Onwunali encapsulates this role in her pleading demeanor exemplified by her nervous and short answers attempting to tow the line for her family and what is expected of her. Adiaha’s plight to be who her family wants and her own dreams are being squashed within and it is impossible not to feel for this young woman.

Left to right: Paul-Robert Pryce, Makuda Steady, and Joshua Olumide in The Grove; directed by Awoye Timpo; photo by Marc J. Franklin

Aisha Wura Akorede as Toyoima Ufot shares a credible sibling rapport with Onwunali as Akorede delivering teasing yet tough love. Akorede brings lightheartedness and some laughter as the subject matter intensifies.

Patrice Johnson Chevannes is impressive as conflicted Abasiama, exhibiting Abasiama’s struggles and trauma with quiet and harrowing strength as a traditional Nigerian wife and mother in a sly and powerful scene with Adiaha. Abasiama also shares some amazing scenes with Disciple recalling their long and complex history.

Abigail C. Onwunali and Patrice Johnson Chevannes in The Huntington’s production of Mfoniso Udofia’s The Grove, directed by Awoye Timpo; photo by Marc J. Franklin. Running February 7 – March 9, 2025 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA (527 Tremont St, Boston, MA, 02116).

Adiaha’s outlet into herself is through her writing as mysterious voices and shadows, depicted vividly by Ekemini Ekpo, Janella Grace, Patrice Jean-Baptiste, Dayenne Walters, and Chibuba Bloom Osuala, are a driving force and play a uniquely powerful collaborative role in this production.

A journey of discovery, The Grove delivers a familiar storyline in a distinctive and fascinating manner. Its artistry, symbolism and multi-layered style of storytelling embellish every aspect of the production into a new and refreshing experience.

The Huntington presented the world premiere of The Grove at The Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, March 9 and is currently available to stream online. Click here for more information and how to steam this production.

REVIEW: Fitz and the Tantrums groovily beat the heat and a storm at Indian Ranch

Posted on August 18, 2023 by The Sleepless Critic

No one can make people forget an unforgiving and sweltering heat quite like indie pop neo soul band Fitz and the Tantrums. Though the day called for storms, nothing was going to stop their positive vibes until after these multi-platinum artists finished their set. Their performance was politics-free, but no less personal and full of encouragement with a repertoire of groovy and upbeat sounds that make even those determined not to dance in this heat, bob and sway, get up and get down.

Fitz of Fitz and the Tantrums Photo credit Adam Klein

Fitz and the Tantrums appeared at Indian Ranch in Webster, MA on July 29 and it was one stop on a national tour that continues through October 1…so far. Click here for more information on upcoming Indian Ranch performances and click here for more information on Fitz and the Tantrums latest national tour.

Indian Ranch is an outdoor concert venue and more which features a lakeside view and beach. A portion of the seats do have a cover for rain and the shows are mostly rain or shine. The VIP pre-concert experience that day started at 11:30 am and featured barbeque with a choice of hamburgers, hotdogs, or veggie burgers, baked beans, corn, salads, and an array of desserts. Fitz and the Tantrums took the stage at 1:30pm for an almost 2 hour set including an encore.

Noelle from Fitz and the Tantrums Photo credit Adam Klein

Fitz and the Tantrums took the stage for a feel good set featuring an array of hit tunes and some songs off their new album, Let Yourself Free. Despite the heat, the group remained dedicated to their unique and classy style in dark pants and converse sneakers as the band heated up with horn –infused rhythms and flashing, multi-colored lights.

Most of the songs were infectious, lighthearted, and boasted wild rhythms. The enthusiastic band made the best of the heat as they encouraged the audience to dance and sing-along. A few of the highlights included a tune that lead singer Michael Fitzgerald or ‘Fitz’ wrote for his wife, Silver Platter. It’s a breezy, flirty and snappy single off their new album as he exclaimed, ‘Gimme-gimme that love-that love-that love.’ They also revved the audience up with the inspirational number, 123456 as the audience sang along, ‘Count it out! Shout it out!’

Noelle and Fitz from Fitz and the Tantrums Photo credit Adam Klein

Featuring an amazing saxophone solo by James King and Noelle Scaggs’s rhythmic tambourine, Fitz and the Tantrums grooved to Out of my League’s reverberating synth rhythms before delving into the knock down, get up workday struggle with Living for the Weekend.

Fitz and the Tantrums at Indian Ranch Photo credit Adam Klein

Fitz and the Tantrums kept the party going with their brief, but endlessly catchy title track, Let Yourself Free, the story of a dream with AHHHH! and didn’t leave out their biggest hits such as The Walker to the crowd’s delight.

REVIEW: GBH’s inviting virtual ‘A Christmas Celtic Sojourn’ maintains warmth and tradition in 2020

Posted on December 28, 2020 by The Sleepless Critic

2020 has been many things, but traditional is not one of them. However, this year’s virtual A Christmas Celtic Sojourn brought back holiday traditions, beautiful performances, reflections, stirring carols, and dare I say a bit of normalcy to 2020.

With a selection of live performances and an option to watch on-demand, GBH’s A Christmas Celtic Sojourn was brought into your home in a warm, inviting, and spirited atmosphere. From a majestic, candlelit cathedral in Ireland to a festive outdoor step dance in Ottawa, Canada, it unconventionally included all the elements of what is beloved about this annual New England show and somehow broadened its possibilities worldwide.

Host Brian O’Donovan and fiddle player Jenna Moynihan at Rockport Music Photo credit to Dan Jentzen

Brilliantly directed by Jenna Worden, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn offered seven live streaming opportunities to watch virtually from your home Tuesday, December 15 at THE VETS in Providence, RI, Wednesday, December 15 at Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA, Thursday, December 17 at The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford, MA, Friday, December 18 at Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, MA, Saturday, December 19 at The Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston, MA, and Sunday, December 20 in GBH Studios in Boston, MA These locations are usually where A Christmas Celtic Sojourn tours annually. A bonus encore presentation also occurred on Christmas Eve.

GBH’s virtual A Christmas Celtic Sojourn is still available. Click here for more information and to enjoy the show on-demand through January 2, 2021. A Christmas Celtic Sojourn would also like to hear what you thought of the program by visiting their Facebook page.

Celtic harpist, pianist, and Assistant Music Director Maeve Gilchrist Photo credit to Dan Jentzen

Though a portion of the performers were at home, audiences were treated to harmonies created from multiple locations nationally and internationally while enjoying festive, international scenery. For a person who has lacked the chance to travel the world this year, it was a more than welcome opportunity to take a glimpse and to share in some international traditions.

From the stirring, candlelit opening of beloved carol, O Come Emmanuel sung in Latin by Cathy Jordan from gorgeous Sligo Cathedral in Ireland, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn transported audiences to Ireland and to other places around the world as they were unable to bring Ireland to the stage. The show also boasted dueling harmonies simultaneously sung from Vermont, Scotland, and various parts of Massachusetts.

Host Brian O’Donovan brought a mix of humor, melancholy, and wistful reflections toward this difficult year, engaging storytelling, and fond tidings. Though this year has presented its challenges, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn still managed to keep the rituals and long-awaited music right at your fingertips delivering jubilant, soulful moments while still embracing winter’s dark and sacred stillness.

Music Director and multi-instrumentalist Seamus Egan with fiddlers Jenna Moynihan and Maura Shawn Scanlin Photo credit to Dan Jentzen

Thanks to Rockport Music, multi-instrumentalist and Music Director Seamus Egan, Assistant Music Director, Celtic harpist, and pianist Maeve Gilchrist, Bouzouki and Harmonium player Owen Marshall, guitarist Conor Hearn, and fiddle players Jenna Moynihan and Maura Shawn Scanlin returned to perform cheerful medleys and energetic jam sessions filmed in Rockport Music at Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, Massachusetts. Seamus Egan’s brilliance shone through as he reached for multiple instruments for separate songs and at one point reaching for a banjo for a joyful freestyle.

Fiddle players Jenna Moynihan and Maura Shawn Scanlin with Bouzouki and Harmonium musician Owen Marshall Photo credit to Dan Jentzen

A traditional wassail in Edinburgh, Scotland, rollicking sing-along carols and dance from A Christmas Celtic Sojourn’s past, a peerless lullaby carol involving a newborn, original song and stirring new renditions of classic carols, a lighthearted percussive dance from Michigan by Nic Gareiss, and returning step dancer and choreographer Cara Butler reveling in her backyard to a jubilant tune in Ottawa, Canada are just some of the highlights of this carefully-executed, moving production. There were plenty of welcome surprises not to be revealed here.

Spending an awful lot of time at home and not in the car, music is less of a tradition in my house. GBH’s A Christmas Celtic Sojourn created a haven of holiday comfort in song that though we are far apart, some rituals and traditions can still stay the same.

GBH’s virtual A Christmas Celtic Sojourn is still available. Click here for more information and to enjoy the show on-demand through January 2, 2021.

REVIEW: Kristin Chenoweth thrills Boston with her unshakable optimism, humor, and unstoppable vocals

Posted on May 9, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

“Boston is my second favorite place in the world,” reveals a glimmering Kristin Chenoweth, “Don’t tell New York.” Wearing a black, glitzy cocktail dress paired with shining silver pumps and a megawatt smile, award-winning singer and film, television, and musical theatre actress Kristin Chenoweth excitedly burst onto the Boston Symphony Hall stage, standing before an equally shimmering microphone as the crowd roared. “I feel like I’m in Oklahoma,” she revealed, sipping from a large Dunkin’ Donuts cup, “It feels right.”

It also felt right for the enthusiastic, packed house as Chenoweth kicked off her one night only, Celebrity Series of Boston debut of An Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth on Sunday, April 30. Symphony Hall was appropriately lit in Chenoweth’s signature color as Greek statues above the balconies gave off a violet and pink hue.

Celebrity Series of Boston at Symphony Hall Photo courtesy of Jeanne Denizard

Greeting the audience with Should I be Sweet by Vincent Millie Youmans from the musical, Take a Chance, a thrilling, flirtatious ode debating the perfect way to present oneself, Chenoweth immediately lured the audience in with her engaging, vivacious, and wonderfully charming personality as well as her rich, unstoppable vocals. From beautiful stories about her parents to her unfailingly optimistic, humorous, and unbridled reflections on her life and career, Chenoweth proved not only a brilliant entertainer, but an incredible joy just to spend time with.

Accompanied by her Worcester-raised Music Director Michael Orland on piano, who is also the vocal coach to the hit show, Little Big Shots, Kristin Chenoweth spoke about a few of her past career highlights in television such as GCB, West Wing, Glee, Pushing Daisies, and Hairspray Live, to new projects such as a recently filmed pilot set in Boston as well as her new role on American Gods that premiered on Starz that same evening. Chenoweth also revealed a few significant roles that horrified her God-fearing parents, having been raised in the Bible belt in Oklahoma. For instance, having heard about Chenoweth’s new role as a witch in Wicked, Jerry and Judy Chenoweth shockingly asked, “Is the show satanic?” She also launched into the scandalous Broadway tune from the hit musical, A Chorus Line called Dance Ten Looks Three, cheekily toning down the lyrics to coincide with her conservative upbringing.

Photo courtesy of Robert Torres/Celebrity Series of Boston

What makes An Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth so powerful is for that evening, Chenoweth’s uplifting view of life helped to make life a bit more bearable, even in its sadder moments. Her recitation of The Obituary of the Pillsbury Doughboy was a particular highlight as a moment of silly humor following a glorious and emotional rendition of the beloved song, Bring Him Home from the musical, Les Miserables as she alluded to the Boston and Oklahoma bombings, a painful reminder of what Boston and her hometown have in common.

Chenoweth warmly shared her early experiences longing to become a ballerina, her surprising friendship with Julie Andrews, and what inspired her latest Grammy-nominated album full of Chenoweth’s favorite songs from the American Songbook, The Art of Elegance. She sang a poignant, timeless selection from the album by Hoagie Carmichael and Johnny Mercer, I Get Along Without You Very Well. She also delivered a few of her signature songs with lively exuberance such as Taylor, The Latte Boy and Popular from the musical, Wicked, her soaring, silvery, classically-trained vocals dancing from pop to operatic, perfectly complementing her witty sense of humor.

Kristin Chenoweth on Symphony Hall stage

Kristin Chenoweth with the Boston Conservatory and the Boston City Singers Photo courtesy of Robert Torres/Celebrity Series of Boston

Chenoweth surprised the audience by bringing out the Boston Conservatory and Boston City Singers to join her onstage to perform as she expressed her love of mentoring students and her love of all faiths. “For those who don’t believe,” Chenoweth added, “this will be over in four minutes.” Accompanied by the two choirs, she launched into the worship song, Upon this Rock. Her performance closed with what Chenoweth refers to as her anthem, I was Here, though her tender, memorable encore, Smile, may have also stayed with the audience long after the show was over.

Click here to see where the award-winning Kristin Chenoweth will be touring next as well as how to get a copy of her latest album, The Art of Elegance. A few performances remain in the Celebrity Series of Boston’s season. Click here for tickets and for a closer look at this season’s shows and here to take a peek at their recently announced 2017-18 season. Follow Celebrity Series of Boston on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Brian O’Donovan and WBGH’s ‘A St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn’

Posted on March 11, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Revel in rich, Celtic traditions and captivating live performances with WGBH’s 12^th annual St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn from Wednesday, March 15 through Saturday, March 18. Hosted by Brian O’Donovan and touring through Worcester, Beverly, New Bedford, and Cambridge, A St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn offers the excitement of Ireland’s history, Celtic traditions, storytelling, and annual concert with a dynamic array of musical guests from all over the map.

A St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn kicks off its Massachusetts tour on Wednesday, March 15 at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, for the first time at The Cabot Theatre in Beverly on Thursday, March 16, take the stage at the Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford on Friday, March 17, and then concluding the tour at the Sanders Theatre, Harvard University in Cambridge for two performances on Saturday, March 18. WGBH members get a discount on tickets. Click here for further details and for tickets!

Once again musically-directed by Keith Murphy, this highly-anticipated concert features musicians such as world-renowned fiddler Liz Carroll and popular harp and fiddle duo Jenna Moynihan and Mairi Chaimbeul. Karan Casey, Irish folk singer and founding member of Solas, will also appear with the Kara Casey Band. A St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn will showcases local performers such as the Miller Family, featuring guitarist Ruby May, fiddler Evelyn, and multi-instrumentalist Samuel. Hailing from Smithfield, Rhode Island, The Miller Family are traditional Irish dancers who have toured and competed in dance competitions from Montreal to Rhode Island. Winners at the World Irish dancing championships, the Miller Family are happy to share their upbeat rhythms.

Celebrate ‘A St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn’ from March 15-18 Photo courtesy of WGBH

Click here for the complete list of performers to ring in this thrilling holiday. From Beverly to Cambridge, A St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn is quickly approaching. Click here for tickets and further details. For a taste of Irish and Celtic traditions each Saturday afternoon, click here to tune in to A Celtic Sojourn hosted by Brian O’Donovan on 89.7 FM WGBH from 3 – 6 p.m. Follow A Celtic Sojourn on Facebook for updates and much more.