The A.R.T. Reaches A New Zenith of Audience Participation - Anna Deavere Smith in "Notes From The Field: Doing Time In Education"

From her first days as Artistic Director at the American Repertory Theater, it has been part of Diane Paulus' vision to innovate new ways for audiences to be intimately involved in the artistic process of whatever work was being developed and performed.  That vision reaches its apotheosis in the inaugural work that kicks off the A.R.T.'s 2016-2017 season: Anna Deavere Smith's "Notes From The Field: Doing Time In Education." This deeply moving work of art depicts the tragedy of the "School-to-Prison-Pipeline." This play, in three unique Acts, is built upon interviews that Ms. Smith conducted as she criss-crossed the country seeking to gain understanding of why the U.S. has the highest rate of incarceration of any developed nation. Her vision, which pairs beautifully with that of Ms. Paulus and the A.R.T., is to move audience members toward "empathic imagination and action."

The structure of this play begins with a "Radical Welcome" by leaders of the local Boston-Cambridge community, followed by Act I, which contains sixteen vignettes in which Ms. Smith channels the voice and ethos of each of the characters she interviewed. In these narrations, she weaves verbatim quotations from these women and men into moving monologues that capture that individual's role in, or perception of, some aspect of the "School-to-Prison-Pipeline." Then there is a 25-minute break for "Act II," in which audience members are assigned to discussion groups of 8-10 individuals.  During this period, each audience member is asked to reflect on what they have just seen and heard and felt, and to share with other members of their small group how they feel they are being moved to respond to their new found understanding of the "School-to-Prison-Pipeline" problem.  Then everyone reassemblies for a Coda performance by Ms. Smith - four additional vignettes that serve to inculcate some hope that the problems that have been depicted in Act I may not be completely intractable or unsolvable. PArticularly poignant was the final segment in which Congressman John Lewis recounts how a former Klan member visited the Congressman in his office.  The man came with his son. "I am one of the men who beat you when you were in Mississippi as a Freedom Rider.  I was to ask your forgiveness, brother!"

The overall effect of this play is stunning and deeply moving - moving one to tears at an emotional level and moving each individual to want to find a way to make a difference.

Underscoring Ms. Deavere's bravura performances is an original score by bassist Marcus Shelby. He draws on twin pillars of the blues - communication and empathy - to give a sense of triumph over tragedy as a continuing musical motif.  He and his bass viol often stand on the stage just to the side of Ms. Deavere. She frequently pauses, looks at him, engages in a "call and response" moment - with her eyes or with her voice - and then she continues, renewed and recharged.  In that sense. Mr. Shelby functions as Ms. Deavere's on stage muse.

Anna Deavere Smith and Marcus Shelby
in "Notes from the Field: Doing Time in Education."
A.R.T. Through September 17th
Photo: Evgenia Eliseeva

The vignettes are drawn from conversations with individuals who are Black, Latino and Native American - groups most impacted by the "School-to-Prison-Pipeline." Some of the most memorable among Ms. Smith depictions of these individuals are two segments that involve Sherrilyn Ifill, President of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.  Ms. Ifill highlights the systemic nature of the problem, describing decisions that have been made about policy and investment. At the other end of the spectrum are the segments featuring Abby Abinanti, Chief Judge of the Yurok Tribe in California and Linda Wayman, high school Principal from Philadelphia.  In each case, these women highlight the importance of choosing to make a difference in one life - to care, to like, to love - at least one at-risk individual and by doing so, show them to way to ascend "A Staircase They Cannot See." Judge Abinanti was present for the opening night festivities, and added a humble and dignified reminder of the scope of Ms. Deavere's vision for stopping the hideous flow of lives through the Pipeline.

One of the most searing monologues came in the segment that recounts the death of Baltimore resident Freddie Gray, who died of a severed spinal cord at the hands of Baltimore police officers.  As Ms. Smith recreated the funeral oration given by Pastor Jamal-Harrison Bryant of Empowerment Temple AME Church. We were no longer in a theater, but we were in church, hearing how we needed to find a way to break out of the box. I was moved to tears.

The creative team that enables Ms. Smith to present these vignettes in such an effective way include a simple set of sliding panels, designed by Riccardo Hernandez, Costumes by Ann Hould-Ward, Lighting by Howell Binkley, Sound by Dan Moses Schreier and Projections by Elaine McCarthy. Tying all of these elements together with great care and precision is Director Leonard Foglia.

How impactful is this play? Well, my guest for the evening teaches in the Boston Public Schools. As we were reflecting, during the post-performance party, on what we had experienced, he said: "I have to find a way to get my colleagues to come and experience what I just experienced." At that moment, Diane Paulus approached us, and I was able to introduce her to Aaron.  I asked him to repeat to Diane what he had just said to me.  Diane immediately brought us to one of her staff members, who gave Aaron her contact information.  Within 24 hours, they had made arrangements for Aaron to bring up to 60 of his colleagues to see the show at a special educators' discount. I cannot wait to see how 60 transformed educators will lead to a cascading effect of more and more students being shown how to ascend that "staircase they cannot see."

I do not want to over-use the phrase "MUST SEE," but it applies to "Notes From The Field." The production will continue at the A.R.T. through September 17th.

A.R.T. Website

Enjoy - and be moved!

Al

Review of "Jack & Louisa - Act 2" by Andrew Keenan Bolger and Kate Wetherhead

Andrew Keenan Bolger and Kate Wetherhead have built upon the successful first installment of this series as they narrate the continuing interesting journey of Jack and Louisa, theater geeks extraordinaire.  Jack and Louisa's friendship is once again challenged as they prepare for their school production of "Guys and Dolls."  They have to face an unexpected obstacle of bullying from an unlikely source - the Director who has returned to her alma mater in Shaker Heights after a career as an actress in NYC. Belinda is jealous of the fact the Jack had appeared as a child actor on Broadway, while her dream had fallen short of glory on the Great White Way.

The ways in which Jack and Louisa separately choose to respond to Belinda's bullying is instructive for the young audience for whom this book has been written. We learn how trying it can be to live up to the age old adage of "the show must go on." Important lessons are learned by all of the principals in this fun tale.

Enjoy!

Al

"Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand - The Riveting Story of Louis Zamperini,a WWII Survivor

Laura Hillenbrand follows her spectacular biography of race horse Seabiscuit with the gripping tale of Louis Zamperini's life and tribulations as a downed airman in WWII.  "Unbroken" is written in Hillenbrand's inimitable style, blending global events with personal anecdotes from the lives of Lt. Zamperini and his family and fellow airmen.

Prior to the war, Zamperini had overcome serious obstacles to become one of the best milers in track and field history, competing in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin with Jesse Owens and other famous American Olympians. As America entered WWII he became a bombardier flying B-24s in the Pacific Theater.  When his plane ditched in a remote part of the Pacific, Louie and two colleagues survived the crash, and drifted thousands of miles for more than 47 days before being picked up by a Japanese ship.  During those weeks they endured unthinkable hardships: one of their companions died aboard the life raft, they were repeatedly attacked by sharks, and strafed by Japanese planes.

After Louis and his pilot, Russell Allen Phillips were "rescued," an even more harrowing journey began, as both men were incarcerated in a series of brutal Japanese POW camps.  The vivid descriptions of camp conditions and the inhuman brutality of many of the prison guards are gut wrenching.  The depth of depravity that Louie and his fellow prisoners had to endure is unimaginable, and the fact that he survived to live a  productive life is a testament to his incredibly resilient and unbreakable will and spirit.

The author does not shrink from telling about Louie's post-war troubles with alcohol, rage and PTSD. The account of Zamperini's reluctant encounter with evangelist Billy Graham,is touching and instructive, for it proved to be the event that allowed Loutie to finally come to peace with his hatred of the worst of the Japanese guards, Mutsuhiro Watanabe, "The Bird,"  Louie was finally free of the haunting nightmares and his need to seek revenge.

As I was reading this book, one of my close friends saw the book in my hand and said: "This book changed my life!"  The story of Louie Zamperini and his trials and tribulations is that inspiring.

Enjoy!

Al

"Butler" by Richard Strand at 59E59 - A Must See - Must Close This Sunday

I had hoped to see and review "Butler" a few weeks ago, but an unexpected appointment with emergency knee surgery in Boston postponed my trip to NYC.  I am glad that I was able to hobble my way to 59E59 for one of the performances of "Butler" late in the very successful run of this New Jersey Repertory Company production of Richard Strand's marvelous play.

Based upon a real event that took place early in the Civil War in the Commonwealth of Virginia, "Butler" tells the story of how Union Major General Benjamin Franklin Butler (Ames Adamson) handled the unexpected appearance at his fort of three runaway slaves seeking refuge. The spokesman for the runaways is the indomitable Shepard Mallory (John G. Williams), who admits that he annoys everyone with his brash style. He immediately runs afoul of recent West Point graduate, Lt. Kelly (Benjamin Sterling).  The opening scene is brilliantly written and executed, as Kelly has the unfortunate responsibility of informing General Butler of the surprise appearance of Mallory and his fellow runaways.  The verbal interplay between Kelly and Butler is clever and hilarious, with a strong emphasis on the use of the words "demand" and "astonished"! Equally entertaining is the subsequent sparring between Mallory and Butler. In this case, the adjective "convoluted" plays a leading role.

According to a surface reading of the law, General Butler is obligated to send the slaves back to their rightful owner, a CSA Colonel Mallory.  The Colonel sends Major Cary (David Sitler) to collect the slaves. The scene in which Butler and Major Carey wrangle concludes with a proffered toast with Genera Butler's fine sherry that leaves Carey apoplectic.  It turns out that Butler, a lawyer prior to the war, had used some clever and convoluted reasoning to refuse the demands of Cary and Colonel Mallory. The pivotal word in this exchange is a creative definition of "contraband."

John G. Williams as Shepard Mallory
Ames Adamson as Major General Butler
"Butler by Richard Strand
New Jersey Repertory Company
59E59 through August 28th

Strand's writing features a wondrous blend of humor and high drama, with each of the four characters drawn with precision and specificity.  Adding to the overall superb impression of this play is the gorgeous set designed by Jessica L. Parks, depicting General Butler's finely appointed office.

Each of the four actors is impressive, projecting individual eccentricities and scintillating chemistry in their interactions with one another. Director Joseph Discher has them performing at the top of their game, and each performance is award worthy.

Continuing the theme of excellence in production values are the costumes by Patricia E. Doherty, Lighting by Jill Nagle and Sound by Steve Beckel.

Benjamin Sterling as Lt. Kelly

John G. Williams as Shepard Mallory

Ames Adamson as Major General Butler

"Butler by Richard Strand

New Jersey Repertory Company

59E59 through August 28th

When Obie Awards are handed out for this season, I will be disappointed if "Butler" is not well represented.  If you can find your way to 59E59 between now and Sunday, you will not be disappointed. This is one of the finest plays I have seen this year.

Enjoy!

Al

Bad Habit Productions Presents "A Man Of No Importance" - A Total Delight

From his entrance, replete with subtle sighs and a face that looks like it wants to apologize for itself, Nicholas Magierowski-Howe had me in his thrall.  His depiction of Dublin bus conductor, Alfie Byrne, is both powerful and heartbreaking. Alfie worships Oscar Wilde, quoting him on his bus route and directing Wilde plays at the local parish.  And like Wilde, Alfie harbors a "love that dare not speak its name" for the handsome young bus driver, Robbie Fay (a very fine Dan Prior).  By fits and starts, Byrne summons up enough courage to begin to act on his desires, with consequences that are both tragic and gratifying.

Cast
"A Man Of No Importance"
Bad Habit Productions
Calderwood Pavilion
Through August 28th
Photo by Earl Christie Photography

This little gem of a musical is based upon the film of the same name.  The book is by legendary playwright Terrance McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.  Under the skillful direction of Daniel Morris, the action is presented as if the community players are telling their own story in the local parish hall. Meghan MacFadden leads an excellent live orchestra.

Dan Prior as Robbie Fay
Nicholas Magierowski-Howe as Alfie Byrne
"A Man Of No Importance"
Bad Habit Productions
Calderwood Pavilion
Through August 28th
Photo by Earl Christie Photography

Set in 1963 in conservative Dublin, the action plays out with Alfie's sister, Lily (a very convincing Mary O'Donnell) waiting patiently for Alfie to find the right girl so that she can marry the butcher, Mr. Carney (Kevin Fennessy), an amateur thespian who usually plays the male lead in Alfie's productions.  Lily does not suspect that "the right girl" will never come along for her brother.  Mr. Fennessy is impressive both as Carney and as the ghost of Oscar Wilde, who urges Alfie to give into his temptations.

Complications multiply when Alfie decides to mount a risky production of Wilde's "Salome," to which Carney has strong moral objections. Alfie finds his princess in Adele (a wonderful Dani Berkowitz), one of the riders on his bus. Adele brings her own secrets to the little theatrical troupe, and high drama ensues.

The music and lyrics are tuned perfectly to fit the intimate performance space at the Calderwood Pavilion.  They reflect the Irish setting and ethos of the play, and have a homespun feel that is apt. Special recognition should go to Dialect Coach Steve Emanuelson for helping the players bring Dublin to Boston's South End. The cast is strong from top to bottom. Gillian Mackay-Smith plays a fun double role as Mrs. Patrick and a memorable Sully O'Hara.

Nicholas Magierowski-Howe as Alfie Byrne

Mary O'Donnell as Lily Byrne
"A Man Of No Importance"

Bad Habit Productions

Calderwood Pavilion

Through August 28th

Photo by Earl Christie Photography

This play runs through August 28th, and should not be missed.

Bad Habit Productions Website

Enjoy!

Al

CAST

Dani Berkowitz, Adele Rice
Catherine Lee Christie, Mrs. Curtain
Kevin Fennessy, Carney/Oscar Wilde
Ian Flynn, Rasher Flynn/Carson
Kevin Hanley, Father Kenny/Brenton Beret
Gillian Mackay-Smith, Mrs. Patrick
Nick Magierowski-Howe, Alfie Byrne
Mary O’Donnell, Lily Byrne
Kim Onah, Miss Crowe
Nick Osborne, Ernie Lally
Dan Prior, Robbie Fay
Nicole Vander Laan, Mrs. Grace/Kitty
Arthur Waldstein, Baldy O'Shea

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company Continues To Delight Boston Audiences - "The Boys From Syracuse" - With Boston Landmarks Orchestra, 7:00 PM, Wednesday 8/31 at The Hatch Shell

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company
and
Boston Landmarks Orchestra
Entertain Boston Audiences
The Hatch Shell
Photo by Andrew Brilliant/Brilliant Pictures

Following a highly successful production of "Love's Labour's Lost" on Boston Common, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will delight Boston audiences one more time to close out the summer season.  On Wednesday evening, August 31st at 7:00 PM at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, CSC will join forces with Boston Landmarks Orchestra to offer a concert version of the classic Rogers and Hart musical, "The Boys From Syracuse."

(FYI - because of my recent knee surgery and recuperation, I was only able to attend one of the final performances of "Love's Labours Lost," so could not post a review before the show closed. It was one of the best productions in the 20 year history of CSC's Shakespeare on Boston Common.)

Plan to join me on the Esplanade on the 31st for what promises to be a memorable night.  Elliot Norton and IRNE aware winner Jennifer Ellis, fresh from her triumphant singing of the National Anthem at Fenway Park, leads a stellar cast.

Rodgers and Hart’s The Boys from Syracuse

A Concert Performance—in music and dance
In collaboration with Boston Landmarks Orchestra

Steven Maler, director

Christopher Wilkins, conductor

Yo-El Cassell, choreographer

A landmark Broadway musical from the swing era is reborn on the Esplanade. The Boys from Syracuse, based on Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, is often considered the finest of all Rodgers and Hart creations. Familiar songs include ‘Falling in Love with Love,’ ‘Sing for Your Supper,’ and ‘This Can’t Be Love.’ This ‘concert performance with dancing’ marks only the 2nd professional performance of the inimitable big-band style original 1938 orchestrations.

*If it is raining on the 31st, the concert will be postponed to September 1st at the Hatch Shell. If it is also raining September 1st, the concert will be moved to a location TBA on the 1st.

Enjoy!

Al