“American Buffalo” at the Gamm

By Richard Pacheco

            David Mamet’s “American Buffalo” is an Am4rican classic, both praised and condemned when it first appeared. What was undeniable held by both admirers an detractors was the raw emotion and raw language that permeated the play with such vigor and conviction as well as bluntness. That has not faded at least in this production at the Gamm. It is a play about crude characters with crude language and no holds barred.

        

    Donny owns the ratty junk store where the play occurs. It is cluttered and cramped, overflowing with odds and ends that infiltrate everything. It all begins after Donny sells a buffalo nickel to a customer for $90 but later suspects it is worth considerably more. He and his go for Bobby plan to steal it back. Bobby keeps watch over the house and reports the guy has left for the weekend with a suitcase. Then Donny’s buddy Teach comes over and convinces Donny to dump Bobby, who is not the brightest bulb, and use him in the robbery instead. Te4ach is even more ambitious wants to rip off the whole collection. Donny insists his poker buddy Fletcher be brought in to the caper. The second act propels this all forward with unexpected consequences.

            Trinity Rep’s Fred Sullivan Jr. as Donny delivers a winning performance, a combination of boisterous

bluster and sincere heart. It is a poised, controlled performance that is rich and winning. He makes a wining addition to the ensemble with finesse and flair. Donny is a kind of dreamer or sorts in his junk shop, hoping for bigger and beter things but no exactly having the abilities to follow it through.

            Marc Dante Mancini is the young Bobby, an endearing young man who is not all that smart. He is very slow, doesn’t always catch everything but is sincere. It is a sparkling performance full of nice touches. There is a naiveté that is engaging he displays with assurance and skillfulness.

            Finally there is the explosive Teach played by Artistic Director Tony Estrella with seething anger and raunchy power. Teach is gruff, rough in both manner and language, a no holds barred kind of guy. He is like a volcano ready to explode and explode he does in the second act with unbridled fury that seethes everywhere with raw ruthless energy. He is overconfident in the extreme. He knows he can do the job regardless under any circumstances. He has little tolerance for anyone around him and even less patience.

            It is the Mamet dialogue that sets the tone and character of this play. The banter between Teach and Donny is at times like vaudeville comedy with its sass and impeccable timing. It is often brutal and relentless with a sharp edge and refuses to yield.

            Trinity Rep Director Tyler Dobrowsky keeps the energy fast and furious rapidly moving in on the target with raw abundance.  Any difficulties in the production come for the play’s shorting comings in that there are no deep questions here norac any real conclusion or resolution to it all. The Patrick Lynch set with its two floors of tottering teetering precarious junk is wonderful and rich and sheer delight.

            “American Buffalo” runs through Dec. 18 at the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket. Tickets are $4-$52. Call (401) 723-4266, or visit gammtheatre.org.

“Paragon Springs” at Theatre One

By Richard Pacheco

            After one of the most contentious elections in American history, this play by Steven Deitz who wrote last year’s “Yankee Tavern” is particularly powerful and is based on Ibsen’s “Enemy of the People.” The resulting play is a vivid at times funny theatrical experience that is brought vividly to life as the doctor discovers some problems with the water supply for the spa, which may in fact create serious health issues. It is set in the 1920’s and puts the focus on corporate greed and the town’s self interest versus the doctors dedicated quest to expose the truth no matter the cost to him or the town. The resulting political conflict, which arises pitting brother against brother, family against family and lover against lover all for the sake of profit at all costs.

            Robert Duquette is Dr. Thomas Stockman the doctor who finds issues with the spa waters and pursues it with integrity and passion and determination despite all odds. Dr. Stockman is an idealist an dedicated doctor who is sincere is his dedication to maintain his integrity and protect unsuspecting people. Duquette is solid in the role, full of fire and sincerity, deft and able in portraying the raw determination of this man to continue regardless of the circumstances against him including family. It is a persuasive and convincing performance.

            Frank Piekut is Peter Stockman, Thomas’ brother and the mayor as well as chairman of the spa. He is the epitome of the politician, able to take opposing sides simultaneously, shifting direction at the slightest motivation whenever he feels it benefits him in some way. He can be ruthless and underhanded when it serves him. He is slick and nefarious always. Piekut is right on the mark in the role, the right mixture of bluster and deception He is bluster and poised for betrayal with a superficial charm.

            Susan  Salveston is Dr. Stockman long suffering wife. She is often an unintended victim of his dreaming and ethical determination which frequently brings a high cost for her and her family. She is resolute and faithful in her unrelenting dedication to her husband. Salveston is fine in the role, poised and dedicated. Vanessa Lima is daughter Lorna who is often the voice of reason in the difficult times. She is dedicated to her father because he taught her to be an individual. Lima is sincere and determined in the role, full  of energy and conviction.

            Manny Moitoso is editor Eric Hovstad who is conflict between printing the truth and being concerned bout the financial status of not just the town but his newspaper which is in a financially precarious position. His turmoil is vivid and genuine and Moitoso is right on target in his portrayal in a precise and winning performance. Todd Stadler is his brother Lars, who is engaged to Loran and caught up between his loyalty to his brother and love of Lorna over the issues facing the town. He is also in conflict with Lorna’s drive for true equality.

            Thom White is the realistic and somewhat callous and smug printer of the town’s newspaper. He is a mover and shaker and knows it and is not afraid to boast about it freely and frequently. White is excellent in the role, capturing the smugness and arrogant confidence with flair and convincing dash.

            Dan Groves is Hollis a man in the midst of his dreams with no clear direction, but sincere. Groves delivers and deftly nuanced performance that is rich and convincing. Elizabeth Goulart is his wife, Rose, a woman who has made clear choices but is not exactly happy with them over the years. Yet she is hopeful of a better future and continues to plod on to achieve it no matter what. Goulart is perfectly restrained and sincere in the role with a vivid and convincing performance. Finally there is Kathy Bourne as the Widow Kroger how married the now dead Stockman father and is overbearing with inflated self-importance and vast supplies of ego and self confidence. Bourne is excellent in the role and provides much of the comic touches in the play with skill and flair.

            Peg Holzemer directs with assurance and confidence, getting a fine            ensemble performances from her excellent cast.

            This is a vivid and darling production that is not to be missed.

Theatre One’s production of “Paragon Springs” continues Sunday, November 13 with a 2pm matinee; November 18 and 19 at 7:30pm and Sunday, November 20 at 2pm at the Alley Theatre, 133 Center Street, Middleboro. Tickets are $20 general admission; $18 for students and senior citizens. Cash only. Reservations are not necessary. Doors open ½ hour prior to curtain. Theatre One accepts food donations for the Middleboro COA Senior Pantry at all performances. For information call 1-774-213-5193.

“Doubt” at Ocean State

By Richard Pacheco

            John Patrick Shanley’s “Doubt” is a haunting and provocative play set in 1964 at a Catholic Church under the cloud of potential sexual misconduct. The production is riveting and powerful with a rich resonance the echoes throughout with excellent directing and staunch and memorable performances. It is all about uncertainty and how unlikely it is to ever know the truth.

            The Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award winning play is riveting as it deals with uncertainty and moving to judgment with little or no proof. This is the attracting of the play, which deals not in certainties but rather uncertainties and suspicions.

            Donna Sorbello is the fierce, relentless and doubting Sister Aloysius who was marred before entering the order. She is deeply jealous of Father Flynn’s efforts to help ht only black boy in the school who is under pressure and doesn’t feel like it fits in while the priest tries to help him, inspire him and comfort him to the dismay of the nun. Sorbello is pitch perfect as the determined nun with dark visions of misconduct.

            Greg London is Father Flynn a genuinely caring priest who opens his heart to the young boy to help him fit into the school. He has an easy going demeanor that is inviting and pleasant and Leonard deftly conveys the compassion in the priest and his dislike of the nun’s harshness and relentless spirit. He is more the embodiment of the church’s spirit and attitude than she is.

            Caitlin Davies is the young Sister James. She loves teaching and her student and is very kind to them, often inviting Sister Aloysius’ anger and disapproval. There is an innocence and genuine charm to her openness and kindness. Davies handles it all with skill and finesse, delivering a convincing portrait.

           he final member of this superb cast is Lovely Hoffman as black altar boy’s mother who admires Father Flynn and appreciates his the attention he shows her son, who suffers enough from his father with beatings and disapproval. It is a stunning performance albeit brief and when she confronts Sister Aloysius about the allegations about her son and the priest it is powerful and riveting.

            Artistic director Aimee Turner delivers her best directing job on a comedy or drama to date. She evokes, provokes the best from her actors with skill and finesse.

            Erik D. Diaz’s set is superb. Simply stunning as it adroitly evokes not only the church, but Sister Aloysius’ office and outside in the garden with an attention to detail and imagination.

            Add all these elements together and you have a winning production that resonates with sincerity and rich subtleties.

            “Doubt” runs through Nov. 20 at Ocean State Theater, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick. Tickets are $24-$39. Call (401) 921-6800, or visit oceanstatetheatre.org.

“Appropriate” at Trinity Rep

By Richard Pacheco

            Branden Jacobs-Jenkins play “Appropriate” is furiously funny and disturbing at the same time, a riveting piece of theater deftly performed by a strong cast. It is a massively dysfunctional family in full tilt, full speed ahead spare no energy. It is a rambunctious free for all with no holds barred as this family gets together to settle the property of their dead father and end up unearthing some dark secrets long hidden and perhaps best kept hidden.

           

This three-hour extravaganza rampages along like a runaway train barreling through anything or anyone in its path. The first hour is a blood fest of hurled insults anti Semitic jibes that makes the current presidential race almost look tame. The family is inexorably drawn into the past and their dead father’s apparent sins, which come to light and their own failings and inept relationships with each other. All sorts of hidden racism rises to the surface like lava from a volcano, oozing everywhere. Digging through the trash the family finds more trash and embarrassing moments from their past. There are remnants which appear in photos.

            There is no real revelation about the dead old man thought, more mere speculation and intriguing dark corners to his life kept hidden until now.

            There are some winning performances here throughout.  Phyllis Kay is an angry and bitter divorce, the sister Toni, who both regrets and resents sacrificing her life to taking care of the ailing dad and her alcoholic and drug addicted brother Frank. She can be merciless going after anything or anyone in her sights including Frank’s equally hippy fiancé 23 year old River. Kay is often hilarious as in the scene where she is totally drunk and even more merciless with her well-aimed barbs. Kay delivers an impeccable performance that is a delight to watch.

            Fred Sullivan Jr. as Beauregarde is the epitome of a southern gentleman at a loss and out of touch

with both his past and his father’s. He is robust and passionate in the role.

            Mauro Hantman is on target as the drug addled, and recovering drunk Frank (Francois) who is a totally mess but underneath appears to be kind, just out of touch and a kind of hippie. He seems to have little clue about how he has impacted other san kept his distance from the family and his past failings and there are many. It is a sharp and polished performance with many fine touches.

Angela Brazil is Beauregarde’s Jewish wife, the brunt of many anti Semitic verbal attacks from the other family members, often merciless. Her patience eventually dissipates under the relentless onslaught and she turns tail and attacks them back with rare viscous humor in a biting on target monologue where she rips the in laws to shreds.

Marina Morrisey is  Franks’ flower child like girlfriend River, who is a bit oblivious to the world around her and the people and atmosphere she finds herself drgeed in without warning or proper preparation. She is often innocent eyed and massively out of touch, convinced of her own vision ins spite of what she sees in front of her. It is an excellent performance, right on the mark.

The rest of the cast,Alec J. Weinberg as Rhys, Emeline Easton as Cassidy, Ronin W. Scott as Ainsley are all terrific.

Director Brian Mertes keeps is all moving despite its length and keeps his eye on the offbeat and the bizarre which he emphasizes. The set by Sara Brown emphasizes the dark, at times creepy decaying atmosphere of the dilapidated plantation with flair and style. Only the gauzy like screen that comes down between scenes is a bit annoying.

Yet for all its nearly rabid and pointed dialogue the family never really comes to terms with wither what their father did or even many of the things they did over the years.

It is well worth seeing for a hilarious and provocative play that is well acted and written.

"Appropriate" runs through Nov. 6 at Trinity Rep, 201 Washington St., Providence. Tickets are $25-$71. Call (401) 351-4242, or visit trinityrep.com.

           

“Billy Elliot” at Ocean State Theatre

By Richard Pacheco

           “Billy Elliot” was a huge Broadway hit garnering 12 Tony wins and the production at Ocean State is winning highlighting a star turn for the talented 12-year-old Matthew Dean who has some dazzling moments in dance in this somewhat long show.

It is a musical based 2000 film “Billy Elliot”. The music is by Elton John, and the book and lyrics are by Lee Hall, who wrote the film's screenplay. The plot revolves around motherless Billy, who trades boxing gloves for ballet shoes. The story of his personal struggle and fulfillment are balanced against a counter-story of family and community strife caused by the UK miners' strike (1984–1985) in County Durham, in North Eastern England. Hall's screenplay was inspired in part by A. J. Cronin's 1935 novel about a miners' strike, “The Stars Look Down”, to which the musical's opening song pays homage.

There seems to be a split on focus between the gritty miner’s stroke and Billy’s disparate efforts to become a professional ballet dancer. The mixture of these two diverse things at times doesn’t quite gel into a complete and polished whole. Aimee Turner who directs doesn’t always manage to get that kind of melding of contradictory elements that might indeed be part the issue with the musical itself. One of the issues is one moment he ids unhappily in boxing class and then very shortly after that he is a stunning dancer. It seems an almost effortless transformation.

Michael Dean is a deft and talented dancer, full of finesse and capturing some wonderful dance moments. His mother owns a dance school in California. He has played the role before and will play it again in Phoenix. His voice is usually capable but not as outstanding as his dancing.

Christopher Swan plays his Dad with conviction and passion. He sings and impressive “Deep Into the Ground” in the second act.

Sarah Polen is Billy’s oddball grandma, a ball of energy and not all that stable with her family. She is a ball of energy with style and finesse.

Shannon Lee Jones is Billy’s dance teacher who takes a dedicated interest in helping the boy pursue his dreams.  While she is convincing in her dedication to Billy, she is not as convincing as a dancer or carrying herself as a dancer. Dancers have a certain poise and carriage which she does not show.

Tony Weisinger is Billy’s best friend who is fond of wearing dresses and kisses on the check. The character seems a bit muddled and not well defined.

Melissa Mc Kamie  as well as serving in the company does a turn as Billy’s dead mum. She shines in “The Letter.”

The choreography for Billy is often impressive and downright stunning. For the rest it is rather ordinary and pedestrian. The musical direction by John Jay Espino is usually right on the mark.

While the show won ten Tonys, it has some severe lapses in melding together the desperate elements of the miner’s stroke and Billy’s ambition. It is very long, about three hours and enjoyable enough with those considerations in mind.

"Billy Elliot" runs through Oct. 23 at Ocean State Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick. Tickets are $39-$59. Call (401) 921-6800, or visit oceanstatetheatre.org.

“Arcadia” at The Gamm Theater

By Richard Pacheco

           

“Beowulf – A Thousand Years of Baggage” at Trinity Rep

By Richard Pacheco

            Trinity Rep opens its season with the ribald and sassy rock musical based on a classic poem, “Beowulf.” “Beowulf A Thousand Years of Baggage” is rollicking delights with its cheeky take on the classic tale, which it takes on with vigor, irreverence and excellent performances across the boards. There is much to delight here.

            It opens with three academics apparently dryly discussing “Beowulf” which is very funny. They are stilted and awkwardly stuffy. Then almost immediately it all transforms as they begin to examine “Beowulf.”

            So our legendary hero is off to Denmark to slay the dragon Grendel who is wreaking havoc on King Hrothgar” kingdom. Beowulf is not the brightest bulb, but he is not lacking in sheer testosterone and chutzpah. Beowulf does not only slay Grendel, but Grendel’s mother as well. In the midst of their discussion, enter Beowulf, armed and ready to fight to the death. It becomes a rollicking merry ride after that, mixing the story with the commentators with deft skill and wacky humor.

            Charlie Thurston is Beowulf, full of passion and ready for action, but not too smart. He prances about with a black leather kilt wearing an American flag for a cape. Thurston is terrific in the role, full of energy, great comic timing and a solid voice for when he rocks the house. After he kills Grendel, they hold up a Mission Accomplished sign that seems like the perfect touch.

            Stephen Berenson is Academic One and Grendel. He handles the nick picky academic with skill and his Grendel is amusing and imposing as he appears with a towering body puppet that makes him seem at least 12 feet tall. It doesn’t matter whoever since Beowulf rips off his arm which results in Grendel dying in front of his mother.

            Anne Scurria is Academic number Two and Grendel’s mother. She is very funny as the academic, at times comically stilted and stuffy at other times just hilarious as Grendel’s mother.

            The final member of the academic trio is Janice Duclos who is Academic Three and the Dragon.  She too is on the mark as the fussy academic and a delight as the dragon who threatens Beowulf later on in life.

            Of course we cannot forget the delightful performance by Joe Wilson Jr. as Hrothgar, decked out in a silver sequined jacket and singing up a storm.

            This musical is solid and sheer fun and madcap mixture of rocking songs and delightful comedy throughout. The concept is the kind of thing that can either be a totally disaster or terrific. This result is terrific all the way.

            The warriors are played by women with orange hair and add so much to the musical with their flair, dancing and finesse.

            Rachel Warren as one of the warriors nails her singing with style and passion.

            The songs here are not the kind you’ll be humming for days after, but they really rock and fit the story really well.  The book and lyrics by Jason Craig and the music by Dave Malloy are passionate and rock with raw energy.

            Artistic Director Curt Columbus directs with just the right touch, full of energy and driving passion. The musical direction by Michael Price is right on the mark and flawless. The puppet design by Shoshanna Utchenik is imaginative and fun.

"Beowulf: A Thousand Years of Baggage" runs through Oct. 9 at Trinity Rep, 201 Washington St. Tickets are $25-$71. Call (401) 351-4242, or visit trinityrep.com.

           

“The Sunshine Boys” at 2nd Story Theater

By Richard Pacheco

            Neil Simon’s Broadway hit and hit movie “The Sunshine Boys” is brought vividly to life with a terrific cast and direction at 2^nd Story Theatre in Warren. It is packed with typical Neil Simon humor and propelled by the terrific paring of Bob Colonna and F. William Oakes as the former vaudevillians teaming up for a big network television show on CBS as a tribute to legends of comedy like themselves.

            During their 43-year career as a team, Lewis (Oakes) and Clark (Colonna) there was a seething animosity growing until they called it quits as a team about 12 or 13 years prior to the reunion. They have not spoken since. This reunion is not all hearts and flowers as those hidden anger and disappointments surge to the surface. Oakes and Colonna are perfect as the team struggling to get back in step with their old act. It is Willie’s nephew, Ben (Nicholas Thibeault) who is also his agent who brings it all together.

            Bob Colonna is a delight as the feisty, somewhat crank and determined Willie. He harbors years of unexpressed resentments that finally surge to the surface. For a long time he has not worked  and the question is will he let those past hurts get in the way or just go along with it to be back on top again. Colonna is a sheer delight with impeccable comic timing and a wizened humor that is always on target. He handles the one liners with zest and perfection.

            F. William Oakes is his longtime partner and many times nemesis, the man who ends up spitting in his partner’s face with  words that engender spit and is always close up when he does it. He is also the man who pokes Willie when close to him trying to make a point. It drives Willie crazy. He is also the man cares deeply about Willie and what they accomplished and misses it and would love to revive it. Oakes is the perfect foil for Colonna. He is impeccable as the somewhat fussy and proper Al.

            Oakes and Colonna are a sheer delight together. Always right on the mark in this winning comedy. The laser target the jokes and tired routines and bring them vividly to life with comic dexterity and aplomb.

            There is strong support here too like from Nicholas Thibeault as Willie’s nephew Ben, Thibeualt is pitch perfect as Ben who looks up to his uncle and usually gives in to his whims like bringing him forbidden cigars when he brings the copy of Variety. He holds his uncle in high regards even thought the old man drives him crazy with his quirks and demands. Lauren Ustaszewski as the voluptuous nurse in their skit is hilarious, making the most of very opportunity the play it up right.

            Some of the funniest moments occur when Willie and Al meet again after so many years. The rapport between the two is evident as well as flare ups with it the old animosities for even more laughs. He jokes come fast and furious and right on target.

Ed Shea directs with a perfect touch. He has a talented cast and heads them off in the right direction with just the right touches.

The scenic and lighting design by Max Ponticelli is right on the mark.

This is a fun summer caper, sure to please with impeccable performances and laughs galore. Enjoy it and you will.

“The Sunshine Boys" runs through Aug. 28 at 2nd Story Theatre, 28 Market St., Warren. Tickets are $30, $21 for those 21 and under. Call (401) 247-4200, or visit 2ndstorytheatre.com.

“Avenue Q” at Ocean State Theatre

By Richard Pacheco

            “Avenue Q” at Ocean State Theatre is a real gem, loaded with sass, ribald energy and a terrific cast. Imagine Sesame Street on horny, raunchy steroids and you’ve got it. It is funny and irreverent as it tackles looking for your purpose in life. This is the musical that swiped the Tony from “Wicked” in 2003 and you can see why. It’s all done with puppets and a talented cast of adults in the obscure wilds of New York city.

            It circles around Princeton a recent graduate with a BA in English who finds himself embroiled in too many bills, ending up jobless before he even starts work and his wannabe romance with Kate Monster a real sweetie who want to start a school for monsters. Of course Princeton is trying to escape the clutches of Lucy the Slut and the Bad Idea Bears always ready to lead them into temptation and beyond with no resistance whatsoever.

The songs are outrageous and fun and tackled a variety of issues with a smart and rambunctious attitude that is endearing in the midst of its bawdy verve and full of truth in the middle of it all.

Tommy Labonaris is a delight as Princeton the novice gradate with and English degree and also as Rod, a conservative Republican who finally realizes he is gay. He has a terrific voice and shines in his songs. With the company he is terrific in “What Do You Do with a BA in English.” The same with the insightful and funny “Purpose” His duet with Kate Monster “A Mix Tape” is pure fun as it delves into the mixed feelings of a budding romance. As Rod he is equally impressive with songs like “My Girlfriend, Who Lives in Canada”

Rochelle Weinrauch is on hand for both of his loves, the sweet, kind Kate Monster and the sultry tramp and vamp Lucy the Slut. She has a wonderful singing voice full of power and sensitivity. Her duet with Princeton is a enchanting, full of conflicting emotions and sincerity. As Lucy she is an equal delight, at once sultry, sexy and sluttish. She shows it  all off to its best with “Special.”

Then there is the wonderful Lovely Hoffman as Gary Coleman, yes, that Gary Coleman who is the superintendent of the building. She is  wining in her duet with Nicky, “Schadenfreunde.”

The rest of the cast is just as winning and fun, the amusing mix of outrageous and very human and down to earth in the mist of their trials and tribulations.

Jason Parrish directs it all with deft energy and ability.

Tyler Perry’s set is a successful mimicry of Sesame Street for adults. Justin P. Cowan’s musical direction is full of spunk and irreverence sparked by some fabulous voices.

Choreographer MK Lawson keeps it all spirited and full of fun.

You really don’t want to miss this one for a rollicking good time at once ribald and impertinent.

“Avenue Q" runs through Aug. 21 at Ocean State Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick. Tickets are $39-$59. Call (401) 921-6800, or visit oceanstatetheatre.org..

“Wizard of Oz” at Theatre by the Sea

By Richard Pacheco

            The well loved classic tale of the Wizard of Oz made so famous in the Judy Garland movie is brought vividly to life on stage at Theater by the Sea with a terrific cast full of zest and enthusiasm and some impressive sets and special effects. Yes, no doubt you have seen the movie dozens of times but this little venture onstage live is clever, fun and imaginative.

            There is flying in the show but not too spectacular, but the portion where Dorothy's house heads skyward behind a scrim is vivid, vital and impressive. The effect is repeated again at the end with facial closeups that are more impressive. The entire world seems to tumble upside down on stage, all done very effectively. The entire production is sheer delight, fun for all ages.

            Devon Parry is Dorothy, who must venture far away from home to learn to fully appropriate it as the source of her heart's desire. She is pert and perky in the role, a delightful transformation of girlish charm with a strong voice. She sings “Over the Rainbow” with skill and emotional nuance. She is excellent in the role.

            Of course there are the usual familiars here, those farm folk who follow Dorothy into the land of Oz The Scarecrow (who is Hunk on the farm) played with flair by Stephen Perotvich. He is a perfect mixture of floppy and dedication as the scarecrow, He is a delight when he sings “If I Only Had a Brain” with style and aplomb.

            Then there is Danny Rothman as the Tinman and on the farm known as Hickory. He too is fun in the role full of energy and sincerity. When he sings “If I Only Had a Heart” with Dorothy she shines with gusto and poise.

            The last of the trio who accompanies Dorothy is the Cowardly Lion( known as Zeke on the farm) played with gusto and energy by Richard E. Waits. His duet with Dorothy, “If I Only Had Nerve” is sheer comic fun, thoroughly enjoyable.

            There are more carryovers from Kansas and Dorothy’s life there. There is the cranky and nasty Elmira Gulch who transforms into the truly despicable and devious Wicked Witch of the West. And Tom Gleadow who is both Professor Marvel and the magnificent, all powerful, Wizard of Oz. Of course there is Uncle Henry who becomes the Winkie General in Oz.

            Billy Sprague Jr. directs with vitality and a sense of sheer fun making it all a delight. The musical direction by Esther Zabinski is right on the mark.

            The sets designed by Kyle Dixon are impressive like the wonderful house Dorothy lives in with her aunt and uncle. The show is well put together and a fun filled evening.

            It is a fun filled romp that will intrigue the entire family.

            “The Wizard of Oz" runs through Aug. 13 at Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Rd., Matunuck. Tickets are $47-$67. Call (401) 782-8587, or visit theatrebythesea.com.

“Damn Yankees” at Ocean State Theatre

By Richard Pacheco

            “Damn Yankees” currently at Ocean State Theatre is a vintage musical but in this production it is showing its age. There are some rough edges here not just in the musical itself, signs of strain in the performances. There are some fun moments it\n it but there is too much of feeling of something missing throughout.

            The story is the tale of old Joe Boyd a lifelong Washington Senators fan who is distressed by their constantly losing record. He gets the opportunity from Mr. Applegate to transform not only that record but his secret desire to play baseball into reality. The price for all this, Joe’s soul of course. Yet Joe is reluctant to leave his beloved wife on long standing behind to pursue his dreams. Despite that, he does so anyway.       

  At the park the ballplayers are not what you’d’ expect. Older, and somewhat overweight they do not evoke the image of professional baseball players.

            One of the standouts here thought is the young baseball players, Joe Hardy played by Matt Gibson who is a delight. He is charming with his shy boy attitude and modesty as the terrific ballplayers. He sings with sass and style. He is highly convincing.His tenor voice was elegant and tender.

            His nemesis is Mr. Applegate, the conniving, deceptive devil himself, full of double dealing and dirty tricks. Beau Allen is Mr. Applegate. He attempts a kind of suave elegance and indifferent poise that doesn’t really work. There are times when he seems awkward with his lines, uncertain. His voice isn’t strong either. Maybe I was just spoiled by seeing Jerry Lewis in the role in New York many years ago.

            Sally Ann Swarm is Joe’s Boyd’s wife Meg. Meg is loyal and devoted, a woman who loves her husband deeply despite his addiction to baseball.  She is the epitome of simplicity and dedication. At once unfaltering and yet saddened by her husband’s unexplained absence off on some obscure business trip. The duets she sings with Gibson are sweet and sincere such as “Near to You” and “A Man Doesn’t Know.”

            Then there is Lola, Mr. Applegate’s temptress, played by Lauren Gemilli. Lola is the epitome of sensuality and undaunted sexuality. For someone who is well over 100 years old, she slinks about cavorting with reckless abandon. She doesn’t seem sultry enough in the role. The kind of mind boggling sensuality the role demands seems missing here, stopping short. The proof is in the song, “Whatever Lola Wants” which seems to lack sass and sizzle.

            Director Aimee Turner tries to keep it all on course, but it doesn’t quite make it. It never seems to gel to make it the kind of fun fantasy it should be.

            Musical director Justin P. Cowan doesn’t quite pull off all the musical numbers and songs to best effect.

            The M.K. Lawson choreography however is mostly spirited and energetic. The conducting by Justin P. Cowan is precise and on the mark.

            While this Tony Award winning show has potential it is showing its age quite a bit. The cast doesn’t seem mange to pull it off or somehow enhance it and revivify it.    

            "Damn Yankees" runs through July 24 at Ocean State Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick. Tickets are $39-$59. Call (401) 921-6800, or visit oceanstatetheatre.com.

“West Side Story” at Theatre by the Sea

By Richard Pacheco

            “West Side Story” is a beloved Americana musical classic. The current production at Theatre by the Sea is vibrant with some stunning dancing and exceptional singers in the lead of Tony and Maria. It is long though, that first act gets really long, 90 minutes.

            The story is the modernization retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in downtown NYC. It started when choreographer Jerome Robbins approached Arthur Laurents and Leonard Bernstein about the musical idea. Sondheim later came on board with his debut as a lyricist. It was set in the 1950’s and focused on the rivalry of two gangs, and a war in culture clash.

            Bronson Norris Murphy is Tony, who helped found the Jets but ahs somewhat left it behind to work at Doc’s store. He is a young man just going through his life until meeting up with Maria at a dance. Then, his whole life and attitude change. He leaps into this ill considered and doomed affair with all his heart and the consequences are tragic. Murphy is poised and energetic, and his voice is outstanding. He shines in songs like “Maria” or his duet with Maria, “Tonight”

            Maria is played by Evy Ortiz who is perky, energetic and engaging. As the young Puerto Rican woman who is recently arrived in the city from Puerto Rico and is a seamstress and somewhat innocent of the conflicts in the big city. Her voice is superb, full of richness and emotion. She shines in her duet with Tony, “Tonight” or later in “One Hand, One Heart” another duet.

            Tyler John Logan is Riff who co-founded the Jets with Tony. He is cocky and self assured while always trying to be cool. He is outstanding in the “Jets song which opens the musical and in “The Rumble” song under the highway.

            Alexander Gil Cruz is Maria’s brother Bernardo, who is proud of his heritage and totally distrust the Americans. He is energetic and convincing in the role,

            Another fine addition to the cast is Dana Hunter as Anita, Bernardo’s girl. She too has a strong voice and shines in “America” which she sings with the Sharks girls and the wining duet with Maria, “A Boy Like That/I Have A Love.”

            The supporting cast is top notch with some fabulous dancing and robust energy.

Director Bob Richard makes good use of his talented cast. It is unfortunate that the musical runs so long and because of the long dance numbers slows down in the first act. But the dancing is simply remarkable.

Musical Director by Samuel Thorne Baglia and his conducting is on target.

            The dancing dominates this production it is simply dazzling dancing. It is energetic and vibrant full of energy and audacity. The Diane Laurenson choreography is impeccable.

            Kyle Dixon’s scenic design is vivid and impressionistic, very evocative and effective how it hints at an inner city tangle of places from the stoop outside a building to under the highway and more.

            "West Side Story" runs through July 16 at Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Rd. in Wakefield. Tickets are $47-$67. Call (401) 782-8587 or visit theatrebythesea.com.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” 2nd Story Theatre

By Richard Pacheco

“Tuesdays with Morrie” currently at 2^nd Story Theatre is a simple at times funny at times moving tale about inescapable death delivered by an excellent cast with great chemistry and impeccable skills. Written for the stage by Mitch Albion (who wrote the book)  and Jeffrey Hatcher  it is rich with laughs and simple yet ingratiating poignancy that moves the entire audience a feast for mind and heart.

                   It tells the tale of Mitch and now well known sport writer, radio and television sports commentator who once wanted to be a musician but gave it up in a dark moment to pursue the writing career which leads to great success. He was Morrie’s student at Brandeis who promised to keep in touch but never did. What altered this was when Mitch sees his former teacher on Nightline with Ted Koppel talking about dying of Lou Gherig’s disease. So despite the 16 year lapse Mitch decides to visit his former teacher. A newspaper strike makes it so that Mitch can visit Morrie more regularly and he does, faithfully. The book and play are based on the 14 Tuesdays they met.

            Jeff DiSisto is Mitch. He starts out as an eager undergraduate at Brandeis with a passion for music and an unfettered desire to be a musician.  Those goals fall aside                                                                                       and he is driven by ambition to be the best in his field as a sport writer. The only thing he can devote time to is his career. His interactions with Morrie change al that, as he goes from a man of relentless ambition to someone who cares. It is a superb performance, full of nuance and finesse. It is a sincere transformation.

            Jay Burke is Morrie a simple man well educated but full of aphorisms about life and not reluctant to share them liberally. He faces his impending death with grace, dignity and humanity, He faces it with a sense of humor that is compelling and natural. Burke is stunning in the role, always natural and on target. He offers a true humanity that is both inviting and engaging.

            Mark Peckham directs with finesse and simplicity. He keeps all on course with an underlying humanity and connection that goes from the funny to the moving, evoking the best from his actors.

            Ax Ponticelli’s set design is stunning evoking the office with a large tree and windows looming overheard and behind with fall foliage which frame the space effectively.

            The play runs for an hour and a quarter and is sheer delight. The sold out audience gave it a well deserved standing ovation for its moving and funny display which was sure to please. It sells out soon so get your tickets ASAP if you want to see it.

At 2^nd Story Theatre DownStage / June 3 to 26, July 14-17

28 Market Street, Warren, RI

1(401)247-4200 or www.2ndstorytheatre.com

“The Buddy Holly Story” at Theatre by the Sea

By Richard Pacheco

            “The Buddy Holly Story” currently at the Theatre by the Sea is a rip roaring good time with a vibrant cast full of energy and musical talent, playing their own instruments with skill and style. It is sheer fun.

            The story is a well known one for anyone who ever loved rock and roll, the rise to prominence of Buddy Holly from unknown to rock legend in a short space of time during the early golden days of rock and roll. It is packed with his songs and captures the exuberance and passion of his music. It follows his very brief career from a teenager from Lubbock Texas who abandons his country roots to become a full fledged rock and roller only to die tragically in a plane crash several years later.

            Michael Siktberg is excellent as Buddy Holly. He is poised, vibrant and talented. He has a strong voice and just the right finesse to deliver the Holly songs. He palys his guitar really well also.

            The rest of the cast is likewise exceptional.

            Jean-Pierre Ferragamo as The Big Bopper is riveting with his stage presence and singing sass. It is an impressive energetic performance. “Chantilly Lace” and “Shut” are sizzling hot and stuning.

            Albert Jennings as Richie Valens is powerhouse of raw sexual energy, full of flair and feisty. He shines when he sings “La Bamba” with relentless energy and vocal power.

            Cody Nable and Greg London as as the radio host who helps propel Buddy to ths top, Highpockets Duncan are energetic and convincing.

            Beatriz Naranjo as Buddy’s wife Maria Elena is poised, sweet and sincere.

            The songs here are rollicking and fun from the first. In fact the second half of the show is pretty much the last concert hat Buddy did before he died in the plane crash. There are songs galore to enjoy, classic Holly hits like “Peggy Sue”, “Oh Boy”, “Maybe Baby” and tons more.

            The entire cast is a delight, a real pleasure to enjoy.

            Director Richard Salbellico keeps things moving swiftly along with and underlying raw power that is exciting and entrancing. It has a rock concert feel that is enthralling and undeniable.

            Musical director Michael Crotier coaxes the best out of his talent both in terms of singing and virtuoso musicianship; it is winning.

Kyle Dixon’s scenic design works well, vividly creating the right mod and atmosphere for each scene.

            “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story" runs through June 19 at Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Rd., Matunuck. Tickets are $47-$67. Call (401) 782-8587, or visit theatrebythesea.com.

“Educating Rita” at 2nd Story

By Richard Pacheco

            “Educating Rita” at 2^nd Story Theater is a sheer delight, deftly acted by Ed Shea and Tammy Brown, full of verve, finesse and emotional impact.

            Ed Shea who has spent most of his time at 2^nd Story as a director has more recently returned to the stage as an actor with some riveting performances and this is no exception. He is Frank, a failed poet, once the darling of the academic world, now more ad disheveled disaster of a professor on his last legs, one his way out more dedicated to alcohol than to academia. It is a dazzling performance, full of nuance and energy as he plays the bitter professor, disenchanted with his life and too fond of the scotch nips he has hidden throughout his office.

This is all brought vividly to life with his interactions with Rita, played by Tammy Brown as the feisty, sassy hairdresser who wants to plunge headfirst into learning with passion and determination. Rita is trapped in what is for her a dead end job and a bad marriage and she views this chance for education as her way out, her escape to a better life. She plunges with all her energy and determination she can muster. She craves the world of books and theater as her rescue, her way out of the mire she finds herself trapped within. Tammy Brown is terrific and the perfect match for Shea’s Frank. Her transition from the lower class British accent to more cultured is perfect. It also offers another dimension to her performance with is robust and skilled.

It all evolves over a series of very short scenes which almost seems at times too much and too quick. But there is an emotional wave which transforms it all into something rich and resonant. It traces not only Rita’s steps towards liberation and education, but also Frank’s increasing enchantment with her, even dare say following in love with her.

Rita recounts her adventures with other students as she glides from her disenchanted ignorance to feeling she is the intellectual equal of Frank.  As she grows bolder and more self confident, Frank grows a bit angry and irritated, even to the point of being jealous when she mentions the young male students she has come to know along the way.

British playwright Willy Russell sets the play entirely in the office of an open lecturer. It was also turned into a memorable film staring Michael Caine and Julie Walters.

Director Mark Pekham deftly manages all the rapid scenes with assurance and energy. He blends it all smoothly together.

The set by Max Ponticelli is excellent, ably capturing the atmosphere of a professor’s office.

This is an excellent production that you won’t want to miss. It is a sheer delight that satisfies on so many levels.

It will be presented until May 22 at 2^nd Story Theatre, upstairs, 28 Market Street, Warren. www.2ndstorytheratre.com 401-247-4200.

“The Winter’s Tale” at the Gamm

By Richard Pacheco

            The Gamm Theatre wraps up its current season with a splendid production of Shakespeare’s “The Winter Tale” with its many twists of plot and somewhat implausible ending but all a truly enjoyable ride along the way. The large cast is winning and moves along with energy and determination.

            King Leonte is tormented by raging jealousy. The play opens with the meeting of two lifelong friends, Leontes, king of Sicilia and Polixenes, the King of Bohemia. After nine months Polixenes series to return to his own kingdom to tend to his affairs and see his son. Leontes’ efforts to convince him to stay meet with failure so he sends his wife to convince his friend. Hermione agrees and convinces him to stay. Leontes is perplexed how she convinced him to stay so easily. He suspects his pregnant wife has been having an affair with him and that the child is a bastard.  He orders one of his lords to poison his friend but instead he warns him and they both flee to his kingdom.

            Furious Leontes publicly accuses his wife of infidelity and declares her child illegitimate. He throws her in prison over the protests of his nobles. She gives birth to a girl. Despite the fact that the oracle clears his wife, all plummets into disaster with the death of his son and his wife is reported dead. His infant daughter is left on the shores of his friend’s land. Then it rolls further long with more twists and turns pilling up along the way.

            The baby named Perdita is reared by and old shepherd. When she reaches 16 she falls in love with, yes, Polixenes’ son.

            From there it is a mere matter of untwisting the twisted to resolve all well which it does.

            Fred Sullivan directs with a keen eye and supple touch. It moves merrily along with zest and finesse, well acted and energetic. His appearance in the show as the rascal and mutton chopped rogue Autolycus is pure delight, bigger than life and ribald and energetic.

            Tony Estrela, the artistic director of the Gamm is stunning as Leontes. He is a dense mixture of jealousy and remorse, all vividly conveyed with skill and flair. In his able hands the tormented king is convincing and sympathetic despite his baseless jealousy.

            Karen Carpenter is the epitome of the unjustly accused Hermione, all poise and presence. She is sympathetic in her dignity and conviction, her protestations of innocence at being wrongly accused.

            Jesse Hinton is the longtime friend, King Polixenes, an honest man, a loyal friend. Hinson is excellent in the role, poised and elegant, full of confidence and a sense of royalty.

            Mark S. Cartier is wining at the old Shepherd. Nora Eschenheimer is charming as Perdita, easy going and energetic. Florizel, King Polixenes’ son is played by Jeff Church with gusto and finesse.

            The large cast is right on the mark, full of sincerity and liveliness. It is well worth seeing, an outstanding production.

            The set designed by Patrick Lynch is a bit stark and plain with not much to it. IT is not very evocative. The Jessie Darrell Jarbadan costumes are also fairly simple, not very elegant for royalty.

            The first act seems a lot like Othello minus Iago with its severe ever mounting jealousy. The second act seems more comedic in nature.  So it is more upbeat at the end however implausible it might be.

            "The Winter's Tale" runs through May 29 at the Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket. Tickets are $41-$49. Call (401) 723-4266, or visit gammtheatre.org.

           

“Arnie, Louis and Bob” at Trinity Rep

By Richard Pacheco

            “Arnie, Louis and Bob” currently at Trinity Rep is a world premiere by Katie Pearl who take something that would have been perfect fodder for someone like Pinter or Durang or Ives and turns it into something that is flooded with gimmicks and grows more and more pretentious and willful as it goes on. The tale of two brothers and a cousin, all of whom are eccentric and massively dysfunctional veers from amusing to indulgent playwrighting.

            It all goes awry when in the first act playwright Pearl rises to regale the cast about the goings on it is clear it is about to take a wrong turn. It is suddenly self indulgent and pretentious. 

            The three men live in their dead mother’s home and are wildly eccentric, each with their own foibles and quirks. Arnie dedicatedly follows an Indian guru while pursuing his lawn cutting business. And Bob drives a Zamboni for a living while dreaming of a better life and meeting pop stars and finally there is Louis who fights an often losing battle with depression while struggling with his autobiographical novel.

          

  The play was conceived when Perl was a graduate student at Brown and convinced the artistic director Curt Columbus to develop the play at Trinity through workshops leading to this production. Pearl has been thus far in her career a highly experimental playwright. This play is no exception. She lets her imagination run amuck here with the uncles meeting Peter Pan and Taylor Swift. What happens is it goes far off course with Pearl becoming a big part of the play often setting new directions for it mid stride.  It ends up too fantastical with little tether to reality and unfocussed and random. She consonantly regales the stage hand who also takes part to  “listen to the characters” advice which Pearl ends up avoiding regularly while pursuing her own fantasy indulgences amidst the cravings of her characters. Yes, it is about growing older, trying to find a mate and putting up with your relatives.

            It draws from the best of Trinity’s talent, Timothy Crowe, Stephen Berenson and Brian McEleney who area all delightful in their respective roles. IT also incorporates playwright Pearl who intrudes and redirects the action through out from her first appearance and stage hand Julia Atwood who also turns out to be a talent and amusing as she goes from playing Peter Pan to Taylor Swift with skill and dexterity.

            The first act offers plenty of promise and hints of richness, but the second act goes totally off track with its fantasy laden quirks like Bob after an encounter with Peter Pan floating off through the window never to be seen again. There is much potential here but largely unresolved.

Director Melissa Kievman who developed it as well as directed it needs to help the playwright clen of the self indulgent aspects which overwhelm the play at nearly every turn from when the playwright steps onstage,.

The set by Michael McGarty is insanely cluttered and overdone with too much visual clutter all over and making it at times hard to focus with a sensory overload.

It contuse through May 8. For tickets, call the box office at 401-351-4242. Group Sales at 401-351-4242 or online at online at: http://www.trinityrep.com