Northampton Center for the Arts & Skyscraper Project
Northampton, MA
May 17, 2014
by Jarice Hanson
One of the most influential architects of his day, Louis
Sullivan transformed city space by constructing the skyscraper; a marvel of
engineering and an artifact that signaled the change of urban life and drew
they eye toward the sky, complete with creativity, and a vision of endless
possibility. In director Chris Rohmann’s skillful hands, the realization of the
play, written by David Auburn, becomes a metaphor for the Northampton Center
for the Arts’ transformation of a former health club into the Valley’s most
exciting new arts space.
The play takes place in 1997 on the eve of the demolition of
Sullivan’s last skyscraper to make way for even taller, more contemporary
buildings. Each member of the acting ensemble -- John Sheldon, Katelyn Tsukada,
Carissa Marie Dagenais, Pam Victor, R. Steve Pierce, and Troy David Mercier --
ably play their parts honestly and with passion. While much of the play takes
place with characters in dyads, each group has moments of wonderful connection
to each other. The performers go beyond any stereotypical traps of characters
playing for the laugh, and as a result, the play richly unfolds and allows the
imagination of the actors and the audiences to “see” the building as it was,
and suggest may become. Weaving romantic comedy, memory, history, and
contemporary notions of what it means to really care for people and art, the
play presents the magical realism of theatre and good storytelling.
Director Rohmann uses the space wisely, suggesting a multi-dimensionality of “place” with minimal props, lighting, or theatrical
contrivance. Still, the running crew deserves a shout-out for such fine timing
and professionalism.
This is the first play to “inaugurate” the Arts Trust
Building, which will soon be refashioned into a black box theatre and arts
venue. "Skyscraper" involves many of the Valley’s most ardent theatre
contributors, and as one of the first public performances in a space dedicated
to collaboration and creativity, the play marks an important passage of time,
promising good things to come as the arts and the community evolve together.
