"Gabriel" Takes Wing At Stoneham Theatre - A MUST SEE - Through May 14th

As I sat watching the New England Premiere of "Gabriel" by Moira Buffini last evening at Stoneham Theatre, I thought to myself: "This is what a thoroughly satisfying night at the theater should feel like." Set Designer Matthew Lazure has designed a gloriously rustic home for six outstanding actors to tell the story of the mysterious visitor who shows up on the beach on the Nazi-occupied island of Guernsey. Ms. Buffini's scintillating script has elements of mystery, political intrigue, poetry, and philosophical reflection all woven into a tight package of tension and complex relationships among the sextet of characters. The pitch perfect cast features veteran actors at the top of their game, and a representative of the next generation of performers who acquits herself wonderfully amidst this covey of seasoned professionals. The Direction by Weylin Symes is tight and flawless, with pacing that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Costumes by Gail Astrid Buckley define each character, Lighting by Jeffrey E. Salzberg signals shifting action and tone, as does Sound Design by David Reiffel. All in all, this is about as close to perfect as professional theater can be.

Georgia Lyman as Jeanne
Marissa Simeqi as Estelle
Josephine Moshiri Elwood as Lillian
Alexander Molina as Gabriel
Thomas Derrah as Major Von Pfunz
"Gabriel" by Moira Buffini
Stoneham Theatre
Through May 14th
Photo by Nile Haver/Nile Scott Shots

Let's consider the six characters and the actors who bring them to life on the Stoneham stage.

• Major Von Pfunz (Thomas Derrah) is the newly appointed commander of the occupying forces on the island of Guernsey. He and his troops have taken over the Hermitage, the ancestral home of the most prominent of the families on the island. He visits the displaced Becquet family in their temporary home, a humble cottage with no indoor plumbing for a toilet. He pretends not to speak English, and thereby teases out of Jeanne Becquet (Georgia Lyman) some damning information. This sets in motion a tug of war between the two of them that is a mini-war within the larger conflict of WWII. Mr. Derrah is so good as an actor that he has become more than an actor; he has become a destination. What I mean is that as soon as I learn that he has been cast in an upcoming play, I make sure to engrave the dates on my calendar so as not to miss another bravura performance. His Major Von Pfunz is a complex bundle of tics, grunts, gesticulations, vocal harangues, poetic reveries, and Machiavellian machinations. He is peerless in developing this kind of a role.
• Cheryl McMahon is Lake, the long-in-the-tooth and crusty cook for the Becquet family. She may be a servant, but she also rules with an iron hand. Ms. McMahon is perfect in this pivotal role, at first refusing to help to rescue Gabriel, and then becoming a strong advocate for him.
• As Jeanne Becquet, Georgia Lyman once again demonstrates her versatility as an actor. Jeanne's son, Michael, is off to the war, flying for the RAF. She is strong and gritty enough to be willing to do whatever it takes to protect her remaining family and household from the ravages of war. She crosses swords with Major Pfunz in a beautifully written and perfectly acted first scene, and the tension between them grows until the final explosion. She is regal at one moment, and debased the next. In this war of wits, she brings a strong arsenal of words and wiles.
• Josephine Moshiri Elwood is Lillian, daughter-in-law to Jeanne. As a Jew living under a false identity, she spends each day under a sword of Damocles. The arrival of the Major who takes a strong interest in the family ratchets up the level of danger for Lily. She plays a pivotal role in rescuing and nurturing Gabriel. Ms. Elwood is strong in this role that demands both courage and gentleness.
• Alexander Molina is the enigmatic Gabriel. He is found unconscious and naked, having apparently washed up on the beach. For days he totters between life and death in the Becquet cottage. When he finally awakens, he has no memory of who he is or where he has come from. He speaks fluent English and German. Is he a British soldier, a Nazi, an island resident? Throughout the play, various other characters try to define who he is, and he serves as a mirror, reflecting their individual desires and prognostications. This is a difficult role to play, for Gabriel is a true tabula rasa upon whom each other person tries to inscribe their own needs and expectations. Mr. Molina, returning to the Stoneham stage after appearing here in "Laura", is magnificent in this challenging role. Gabriel demonstrates in a number of ways that his body begins to function before his mind is fully engaged. It is a strong and mesmerizing performance.
• Marissa Simeqi is Estelle, daughter of Jeanne and precocious resistance fighter. Early in the play, Estelle draws a chalk square on the cottage floor, invoking mystical powers to bring her brother home, or to send an angel. When the mysterious and nameless man appears, she dubs him "Gabriel." Estelle is insidious in the ways she finds to torment Major Von Pfunz, and in many ways she is the emotional heart of this drama. Ms. Simeqi presents one of the finest performances by a young actor I have seen in quite some time. She is confident, and clearly understands the subtle subtexts of the issues that her character wrestles with. This engaging and charismatic actor has a bright future.

Marissa Simeqi as Estelle

"Gabriel" by Moira Buffini

Stoneham Theatre

Through May 14th

Photo by Nile Haver/Nile Scott Shots

If you are familiar with Stoneham Theatre, then this is a great time to return. If you have never been, I strongly suggest you make your reservation now. You may also want to book a meal a few doors down Main Street at the fabulous Felicia's restaurant. Be an angel and take someone with you to see the near perfect "Gabriel." You have only until May 14th. Do not miss this play.

Stoneham Theatre Website

Enjoy!

Al

Stoneham Theatre Website
.
Enjoy!

Al