Remount of "Eyes Shut. Door Open" Is A "Must See" - At Warehouse XI in Union Square, Somerville - Through May 26th

In order to give you a sense of the recent remounting of "Eyes Shut. Door Open." I must ask you to take a few moments to read my review of the original staged production from August 2015.  Every I will say about this latest version stands on the shoulders of my original review.

Whiterhino Report Review of Earlier Production of "Eyes Shut. Door Open."

As impressive as was the original production of "ESDO," this remounting has raised the bar to new heights.  A fundraising campaign allowed for the production team to do wonders with a new set in a warehouse in Union Square that functions as a real art gallery, with Turner Street's adjoining Chelsea apartment.  In place of the blank canvases of "ESDO I," playwright Cassie Seinuk has produced a nice variety of paintings that represent Turner Street's abstract style with stylized eyes as a central motif.  A clever wall between Turner's living room and his studio allow for some stunning special effects during scenes in which Turner is haunted by the voice of "The Sandman."

The three actors were outstanding in the original production; each one is even more impressive and engaging this time around. Melissa deJesus almost slithers in her most seductive, serpentine moments. Victor Shopov shows vast emotional range between insouciance leaning against a pole in the gallery to total mania as the Sandman nightmare takes possession of him during the unexpected dramatic climax.  Michael Underhill's Palmer is even more physically representative of a jittery addict on the verge of self-annihilation.  The chemistry among the three characters grows from smouldering to explosive. It is as fine a piece of ensemble acting as one could wish for.

Melissa deJesus as Johanna
Victor Shopov as Turner
Wax Wings Productions
"Eyes Shut. Door Open."
Warehouse XI, Union Square
Through May 26th

My strong recommendation is to see this show ASAP.  Take a trip to Union Square in Somerville.(Easily accessible by #86 and #91 buses from Sullivan Square, Central Square or Harvard Square. Available parking in the area) Make an evening of it and grab a meal at one of Union Square's many fine restaurants and bars.

Michael Underhill as Palmer

Victor Shopov as Turner

Wax Wings Productions

"Eyes Shut. Door Open."

Warehouse XI, Union Square

Through May 26th

Wax Wings Productions FaceBook Page

Enjoy!

Al