Dorrance Dance: A Tap and Musical Sensation

Jacobs Pillow, Becket, MA

www.jacobspillow.org

through July 5, 2015

by Mary Ann Dennis

“Listen to my feet and I will tell you the story of my life” was the line from the “pre-talk” that resonates. In The Blues Project, Michelle Dorrance returns to Jacobs Pillow with her all-star dancers featuring tap soloists Derick K. Grant and Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards as well the stirring and soulful live music by renowned folk/blues composer Toshi Reagon and her band BIGLovely.

According to the New Yorker, Dorrance is “one of the most imaginative tap choreographers working today”. Not knowing what is being played each night, Dorrance gets a lovely surprise by Reagon's sparking excellent improv tap/music you. A great dialogue is "spoken" between these musicians as a distinctive style that is incredibly thrilling to watch musically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Dorrance notes that since she was 18-years old, she wanted to work with Toshi Reagon because she wields music the way Dorrance wields tap. This is a rock concert with guitarists' instruments seemingly to a conversing. That is exactly what the audience sees and feels from the musicians and dancers and between the dancers themselves.

Grant, a known Broadway dancer, defies nature on his toes as he slides through syncopations. Sumbry-Edwards, former tap coach to Michael Jackson, rattles off music with her feet. Amazing.

This hour-long show runs straight through, connecting one phase to another. The moments between each are sensitive, overlapping as one or two artists remain onstage while the next moment starts. Each dancer showcases his/her ability and personality in solos within the numbers and duets. The troupe's unison percussions are jaw dropping.

A few words about lighting -- the design sets the mood perfectly for the lively choreography, making it all quite a visually intriguing production.

A big “thank you” to the cast for keeping the tap alive! Dorrance is a two for one deal: You get a deal: music AND dance. Music AND Dance.

The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy: DISCORD

Chester Theatre Company, Chester, MA

www.chestertheatre.org

through July 5, 2015

by Mary Fernandez-Sierra

What would happen if some of the greatest writers who ever lived could be transported to the same place and time, and any of us were fortunate enough to witness the event? Oh, the possibilities…

This is exactly what happens in Chester Theatre Company’s brilliant and beautiful season opening production. Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, and Leo Tolstoy find themselves sequestered together after their deaths, apparently to fulfill some task unknown to them. The mystery of their mission, the finely wrought portrayals of these three literary geniuses (as well as truly out-of-this world scenery, costumes, and gorgeous lighting) all combine to create a mesmerizing evening of theatre.

The production will be particularly fascinating for admirers of the three writers, as the script literally dances with words and ideas from well-known works. Audience members unfamiliar with their writings will still be caught up in the story and the marvelous production values, but knowledge of the in-jokes and quotations simply adds an extra fillip to the fun.

All three actors shine in their roles. The pace as they clash and collaborate is positively dizzying; ideas, philosophy, insults, and admiration fly about the stage in an intellectual ping-pong match, which is a joy to follow. Ezra Barnes brings a soulful sincerity to Thomas Jefferson, contrasting with Rik Walters’ bravura and flamboyance as the inimitable Charles Dickens. Michael Sean McGuiness is earthy and passionate as Leo Tolstoy, adding his own gutsy gusto to what he calls the trio’s “triangular duel” about faith, reason, and love. They make a superb triumvirate, bantering back and forth between comedy and drama with ease.

Bravo to scenic designer Ezra Barnes, lighting designer Lara Rubin, and costume designer Charles Schoonmaker, for enhancing the story with extraordinary arts and skills; and much honor to director Byam Stevens, whose staging and tempo make a play about words - and the men behind them - come to life.

Shining City

Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield, MA

www.barringtonstageco.org

through July 11, 2015

by Jarice Hanson

If this review had a title, it would be “A Perfect Night at the Theater.” Shining City is a well-crafted, thoughtful play full of surprises by Conor McPherson, interpreted impeccably by a talented cast that includes Mark H. Dold, Wilbur Edwin Henry, Deanna Gibson, and Patrick Ball. Director Christopher Innvar knows how to use the intimate space of the St. Germain stage to full advantage, and draws the audience into the action from the subtle, pre-curtain rainfall in the background to the last moment of the 95-minute production that takes your breath away.

Photo by David Fertik

The story begins with the awkward first meeting of a psychologist and his a new client. Ian (Dold) and John (Henry) engage in the initial small talk the way men do—staccato utterances peppered with affirmation and uncomfortable attempts to go beyond the superficial, but as John’s pain unfolds, the audiences learns of his late wife and his personal demons. John is suffering and knows that desires are sometimes as misleading as the thoughts he battles in his mind. He is searching for a reality that he knows may not exist, and the reality that emerges brings the stories of the two men into alignment, and simultaneously bridges mind/body, and theare/reality.

The artistic vision shared by every member of the cast and production team is so clear, the audience can’t help but be moved by the individual stories and the sense of aloneness that emerges in Ian’s cold little Dublin office. When John comes to terms with his loss in a brilliantly effective monolog, Ian’s body language not only communicates understanding on multiple levels, but the audience is treated to a master class in acting and interpreting the text. Dold and Henry are a formidable duo, and with McPherson’s words and Innvar’s guiding hand, the production gives its viewers something to think and talk about.

The title, "Shining City," refers to a Biblical passage (the play is Irish, so guilt and religion are expected) but the storytelling is unforgettable.

Vespers of 1610, Claudio Monteverdi

Boston Early Music Festival Ensembles

Mahaiwe Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA

www.bemf.org

June 20 2015

by Barbara Stroup

Fresh from a Boston performance of this and other Monteverdi works, the artists from the Boston Early Music Festival delivered a confident and stunning performance in the Mahaiwe.

Eschewing more modern presentations with many on each part, Conductor Stephen Stubbs chose to offer the audience the transparency and clarity that best benefit this late-Renaissance sacred work, using nine singers and 15 instruments.

The Vespers of 1610 was performed in its entirety and in the order in which the composer published it. In his pre-concert talk, co-Artistic Director Paul O'Dette convincingly described the evidence used to make this choice. These remarks of both Stubbs and O'Dette helped clarify the architecture of the piece and showed not only the reverence in which it is held, but the amount of musicological research behind this performance.

Claudio Monteverdi

Utilizing instruments of the period, the ensemble achieved a well-blended sound whether supporting vocal parts or performing alone. Particularly outstanding was gambist Erin Headley, who had barely a measure of rest but who provided an anchor for the entire continuo section with her smooth and fluid sound. The section included the director at times, playing chitarrone, an organ, cello, double bass, harp along with Odette on chittarone. Upper line instruments made singular solo and ensemble contributions appropriately, including the longest trombone ever seen by this reviewer. Cornetto playing was particularly effective, but even so, the use of recorders by the same players for brief respites was charming and welcome.

The vocal ensemble was faultless in pitch and drama. Their commitment to the text and to other parts was clear in both their solo "concerti" and ensemble sections. The audience let it be known that the entire performance was a joy by calling the players and singers back several times. It is a wonderful partnership to have BEMF in Western MA and it is hoped such appearances will increase.

Seminar

New Century Theatre, Northampton, MA

www.newcenturytheatre.org

through June 27, 2015

by Barbara Stroup

Four characters in search of success as fiction writers hire a writing guru, bond in various ways (not only literary), and occasionally discuss the meaning of art. “Seminar,” a well-paced play by seasoned playwright Theresa Rebeck, entertains audiences with some effective one-liners and a bit of predictability. This well-acted vehicle opens New Century Theatre’s 25th year, and was received with laughter and appreciation by a nearly full house at opening night.

Keith Langsdale brings a vituperative interpretation to his character of Leonard, the writing coach, embellishing the mean-spirited comments with appropriate physicality. Even when the audience learns its probable origins, the nastiness seems overdrawn. As his critiques assault each writer in turn, the blade becomes even sharper.

Myka Plunkett is engaging as Kate, the light-footed, preppy Bennington graduate and the first writer whose prose suffers Leonard’s attack. The lancing continues, until there is finally some hope that good art might exist among these writers. The surprise at the end comes from whose art “wins.” In the same scene, Kate is unnecessarily diminished. How Rebeck treats both female characters is a disappointment.

The use of a folk harp for sound, both live and recorded, enhances the production aurally, as did the use of multiple recorded speeches during the play’s only and most significant stage change. Often, the audience finds itself watching Langsdale’s back as he deliveres significant speeches, thanks either to direction or to set design. Somewhat buried in this script is some insights about creativity and the courage it takes, a theme worth addressing that makes the play worth watching.

Man of La Mancha

Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield, MA
www.barringtonstageco.org
through July 11, 2015
by Shera Cohen

As in past years, Barrington Stage (BSC) opens its mainstage season, this time for its 10th anniversary, with a blockbuster musical. Yet, mounting a tried ‘n true, oft-remembered Broadway show on a smaller scale does not by any means ensure success in text translation, actors’ skills, director’s imagination, or box office tallies.

Well, no worries here. BSC presents a splendid “Man of La Mancha” with nearly every element top-notch. Taking Cervantes’ dashing and dark, poignant and philosophical, simplistic and sincere portrait of the mythical Don Quixote, director Julianne Boyd places all the important elements worked by talented individuals in precisely the right places at the correct pace. The result is a magical piece of theatre.

Phot by Kevin Sprague

Lead actor, BSC “regular,” is Jeff McCarthy, physically looks the part(s) of Cervantes and Don Quixote. McCarthy, excellent in last summer’s “All My Sons,” should be credited foremost as an actor, secondarily, an actor who can sing very well. McCarthy plays a 60-something man who, in turn, portrays an older man. His voice is true to his character especially in the signature piece, “The Impossible Dream.”

Young actress Felicia Boswell takes her role seriously, down and dirty, in your face. Her eyes light up with anger, sinking her teeth into the spirit of Aldonza, “the kitchen slut reeking in sweat.” There’s a bit of a 21st century edge to Boswell’s voice, initially somewhat distracting but soon becoming raw and real. Other notables include Todd Horman (Padre) whose smooth baritone is comforting. Sean MacLaughlin (Dr. Carrasco) creates an endearing side to his character which this reviewer has never seen in any prior productions. There is so much potential to thoroughly enjoy Tom Alan Robbins’ Sancho, except for the Brooklyn-sounding accent in speech and song.

Not enough can be said about the tech/backstage crew. At first sight, before finding your seat, looms a dark, dirty stage engulfed in floating dry-ice -- a feeling of lifelessness. The set is metal and stone. Jail bars hang, then miraculously become church stain-glass windows. Choreographer Greg Graham works hand-in-hand (fist-to-fist, sword-to-sword) with fight choreographer Ryan Winkles. Music director Darren R. Cohen leads his nine-piece orchestra to sound like double, triple the talent.

Berkshires - Year 20 & Still Counting

Spring, 2015

by Shera Cohen

In mid-May of each year, I sit at my dining room table in front of at least 12 flyers, schedules, and promotional pieces from as many performing and visual arts venues in the Berkshires. This is my layout and plan to create three summer weeks of enjoyment entrenched in everything cultural for approximately six to eight people.

I have written my annual Berkshire article in different formats, perhaps not for the readers’ sake, but selfishly to give myself some new angles. I’ve done the diary, lumping similar genres, Best Of, and even alphabetical. This article will be true to my actual planning process -- what are we going to do in the mornings? The afternoons? The evenings? 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE