“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.