Review: Jerusalem at Fells Point Corner Theatre

By Jason Crawford Samios-Uy

Running Time: 3 hours with two 10-minute intermissions

I’ve heard it said that a story about a day-in-the-life of someone doesn’t make for good theatre because, real life can actually be quite boring. Then, another school of thought is that day-in-the-life pieces are engaging because of the drama and emotion of real life.  Whichever side of the fence you’re on with day-in-the-life pieces, Fells Point Corner Theatre’s latest offering, Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth, Directed by Ann Turiano, gives us that glimpse into a day-in-the-life of an interesting character with interesting friends trying to get through a day of county fairs, alcohol and drug binges, and side-stepping the law.

Sitting Down from Left to Right: David Shoemaker as Ginger, Dylan McKenzi as Tanya, Kelly Hutchinson as Pea, Sean Coe as The Professor, Nate Krimmel as Lee, Terrance Flemming as Davey. Credit: Fells Point Corner Theatre

From what I could gather, briefly, Jerusalem takes place in Flint in one day, St. George’s Day, as well as the annual local county fair. Johnny “Rooster” Byron, a local drunk, addict, ne’er-do-well, and Pied Piper figure, knows his days are numbered on his land as the local officials want to evict him to make room for new development. His friends (some under-age) gather frequently throughout the day to relieve him of his supply of alcohol and drugs while his young son wants him to take him to the fair and a thug, the step-father of a missing girl, wants to give him a good thrashing. And… yeah… that’s about it. If anyone else has anything to add, please feel free to do so.

I’ll admit, this piece could be going over my head because I didn’t see or hear much of a plot, other than a stubborn dude, Rooster, played superbly by Ian Blackwell Rogers, saying “F**k You!” to the world and going about his business but Rogers plays him in a way that I was invested in him, much like his friends. A highlight of this piece is David Shoemaker, who takes on the role of Ginger, Rooster’s oldest mate who seems to understand him better than the others, and his natural delivery and take on the “sidekick,” true-friend character is phenomenal. Director Ann Turiano knocks it out of the ballpark with her staging and she keeps the piece moving smoothly throughout, and it’s easy to follow, but I think it’s the script that I can’t figure out.

The cast of Jerusalem. Credit: Fells Point Corner Theatre

Set Design by Christopher Flint and Scenic Art by Kim Speaks also seems to be a bit much for the space. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an outstanding design and the audience is transported to this trashy little plot of land in the English countryside, but it may have been too much for the intimacy of Fells Point Corner Theatre. Authentic, no denying, with a full trailer façade (which is impeccable), and turf covered stage with vines and trees strewn about, but the shit load of just about everything including an old commode, seems to draw more attention from the action than needed.

Ian Blackwell Rogers as Rooster. Credit: Fells Point Corner Theatre

Performance-wise, this is a large ensemble and, yes, some are more apt than others but, overall, the entire ensemble works well together to create this motley crew that follows this charismatic leader… almost sounds cultish, doesn’t it? The dialects were 50/50 and I lost a lot of dialogue because of it, but not enough that I still couldn’t follow the story. Most of the actors and actresses were apt enough to be believable British-folk, and honestly, depending on where you are in Great Britain, it’s kind of difficult to understand the different dialects anyway, so, kudos on authenticity. The character work is commendable such as Nate Krimel as Lee and Terrance Flemming as Davey, the young, party-boys, and Sean Coe as Professor and Michael Salconi as Wesley, the older friends of Rooster, who have been around and seen most, if not all.

Overall, the production value and performances were admirable and the show itself is entertaining. My frustrations with this piece probably root in my not getting what the show is about but, production-wise, Turiano and her cast and crew have put on a polished, thoughtful production that you should check out.

Final thought… Jerusalem, though entertaining with splendid performances, just isn’t my cup of tea. It seemed to be a good story of standing your ground and sticking it to the man, but there was a lot of stuff to get through to get to that message, (IF that’s the message, not to mention, it’s about a 3-hour journey (but with two intermissions to break it up, nicely). The set was immense for the intimate space, but I’m assuming the clutter is what they were going for, so, it works… in a way. Overall, it’s a well put-together production so I’m thinking it’s just the script I’m having second thoughts about but, Fells Point Corner Theatre always manages to put on a great show with fantastic production value so, I’d chalk it up to a success, with minor reservations, in the end.

This is what I thought of this production of Jerusalem.… what do you think?

From a different angle: The Bad Oracle or B.I.T.R. Sisters

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Jerusalem will play through February 3 at Fells Point Corner Theatre, 251 S Ann Street, Baltimore, MD 21231. For tickets, call 410-276-7837 or purchase them online.

Review: Fun Home at Baltimore Center Stage

By Jason Crawford Samios-Uy

Running Time: Approx. 90 minutes with no intermission

If you ask anyone about their family, it’s rare someone will come back with, “Oh, my family’s just your everyday, normal family.” If they do, they’re probably lying. Every family has its quirkiness. Sometimes it’s what makes us love them, other times it makes us hate them, but there’s no changing it and we learn to deal with it, or we don’t. It’s all up to us. When it comes to homosexuality, it can get tricky for some, depending on the family. Speaking from experience, it was a breeze for me, but I know there are others who have had a more difficult time. In Baltimore Center Stage’s latest production, Fun Home, with Music by Jeanine Tesori and Book & Lyrics by Lisa Kron, we get a glimpse into one family’s story of a lesbian daughter and her closeted gay father with the background of a funeral home in an ordinary town in Pennsylvania. This production is Directed by Hana S. Sharif, with Music Direction by Evan Rees, and Choreography by Jaclyn Miller.

(l-r) Jeffry Denman, Liam Hamilton, Michelle Dawson, Molly Lyons, Andrea Prestinario, and Jon Martens. Credit: Baltimore Center Stage

Briefly, Fun Home is based on an autobiographical graphic novel of the same name by Alison Bechdel concerning her complex relationship with her closeted father in the mid to late 70s in a small town in Pennsylvania. Through flashbacks, of childhood and college years, the present day 40-something Alison tells the story of her own coming out and coming to terms and of her own father’s coming to terms, as well as her own realization that her beginning was his end.

Scenic Design by Scott Bradley & Projection Design by Hana S. Kim is simple, but stellar. Bradley has managed to use a sparse stage and set pieces to represent various locations in the old Victorian house and their use of the trap doors to bring in different pieces such as a representation of an old car and living room is quite clever. It keeps the stage clean and the transitions smooth as not to hinder the action of the piece. The carefully selected projections and animations add great value to the piece and, running in tandem with the action and dialogue, adds variety to the setting and immerses the audience in each scene. Bradley and Kim are to be commended for their efforts.

Andrea Prestinario, Molly Lyons, and Jeffry Denman. Credit: Baltimore Center Stage

Karen Perry’s Costume Design manages to take the audience from the past to the present and back again, flawlessly. The 70s (much like every other decade) had a certain style and Perry has captured this look in a way that isn’t campy (except in one number, “Raincoat of Love” in which it is required – gold platforms and all) but authentic and it’s kind of a cross between modern and vintage which works beautifully for this piece. Her instincts are spot on and kudos to her for her design.

Though a production like Fun Home doesn’t require much choreography, Choreographer Jaclyn Miller has taken those bits that do require it right back to the era in which they take place. Reminiscent of The Brady Bunch or Partridge Family (though more of the former), or even the Jackson 5, Miller has created engaging and upbeat moves for the ensemble in numbers such as “Welcome to the Fun Home” and “Raincoat of Love” and the results are delightful. “Welcome to the Fun Home” consists of only children but they managed the choreography beautifully which tells me Miller knows her cast and fashions dances that will enhance their performances, and it does indeed. The fun, fluffy, bubble gum pop “Raincoat of Love” is no different and looks as if it were snatched off a music special of the 1970s. Again, there’s not much choreography to speak of, but what Miller has put on the stage is splendid and adds that extra “oomph” to an already engaging show.

(l-r) Molly Lyons, Andrea Prestinario, and Laura Darrell. Credit: Baltimore Center Stage

Evan Rees takes the reigns as Music Director and his work on this production is terrific. Musically Directing a Tony award winning piece is no small feat but Rees has stepped up to the challenge and has accomplished the goal. It doesn’t hurt that his cast is musically apt, and Rees has guided them to beautiful and emotional performances making for an very entertaining evening of theatre. Shout out to the exceptional orchestra of this production including Alex Aucoin (Percussion), Andy Axelrad (Reeds), Zack Branch (Basses), Amelia Giles (Violin/Viola), Gerry Kunkel (Guitars), MaryAnn Perkel (Cello), and Even Rees, himself, on Keyboards and serving as conductor.

Taking the helm of this production is Hana S. Sharif and her Direction makes it clear she has a hearty comprehension of this material and her presentation is impeccable. The pacing is upbeat when it needs to be and slows down when required but always engaging. Sharif understands telling a story in flashbacks and jumping back in forth in time and presents it in a way that is easy to follow making for smooth transitions and story-telling.

(l-r) Molly Lyons, John Martens, and Liam Hamilton. Credit: Baltimore Center Stage

Moving on to the performance aspect of this piece, the younger members of this ensemble consist of Jon Martens as John Bechdel and Liam Hamilton as Christian Bechdel and these young gentlemen are already setting themselves up for successful careers. Both boys portray their supporting characters with confidence and ease making them a joy to watch during their scenes and especially their fun performances in numbers like “Welcome to the Fun Home.” They hold their own throughout and give strong performances.

Two other supporting roles are taken on by Shannon Tyo as Joan and Justin Gregory Lopez as various characters. Tyo is clearly comfortable in her role as she delivers her dialogue naturally and she puts the audience at ease with her portrayal of this friendly, but straight forward character of Joan, the love interest of Alison. In the same vein of authentic portrayals, Lopez shines in his various roles, showing his ability to play different characters exiting and entering only moments apart. He’s believable in his portrayals and, vocally, Lopez is a powerhouse as he exhibits in his featured number, the nostalgic, upbeat “Raincoat of Love.” Kudos to both Tyo and Lopez for jobs very well done.

(l-r) Laura Darrell and Jeffry Denman. Credit: Baltimore Center Stage

Through flashbacks, Laura Darrell as Medium Alison and Molly Lyons as Small Alison give exquisite performances. Darrell, though looking a little older than the oldest Alison, gleams as the college aged Alison and completely embodies her role. Her rendition of the poignant and humorous “Changing My Major” is a memorable one and shows off her beautiful, strong vocals. She has a deep understanding of her character’s conflicts and portrays them effortlessly. Also, the young Lyons is brilliant as the youngest version of Alison and gives a confident performance well beyond her years. Vocally, Lyons stands her ground and belts out a near flawless “Ring of Keys” making for an impressive and charming performance, overall.

Molly Lyons. Credit: Baltimore Center Stage

A definite highlight of this production is Michelle Dawson as Helen Bechdel, the matriarch of the Bechdel family and a woman who is just trying to keep her family together, in spite of her husband. Dawson’s performance is superb as she emotes the emotion and strife this character is feeling throughout. Her gentleness with the character is in beautiful contrast of the obvious turmoil she is feeling inside. Her strong and confident performance of “Days and Days” in the second act is show-stopping and makes the audience take notice. Dawson is to be commended and applauded for her efforts in this role.

(l-r) Jeffry Denam, Molly Lyons, and Andrea Prestinario. Credit: Baltimore Center Stage

Standouts in this production are Jeffry Denman as Bruce Bechdel and Andrea Prestinario as Alison, the two pivotal characters around which this story revolves. This being the first time I’m experiencing Fun Home live, I’d done some light research before attending this performance, but I wanted everything to be fresh, so I limited my research. I had no idea how shady the character of Bruce Bechdel and it’s a little unnerving to know he’s based on a real person. That being said, Jeffry Denman is spot on in his portrayal of Bruce Bechdel. His authenticity in playing a man who is caught between two worlds is believable and, vocally, Denman is a wonder with a smooth timbre that resonates throughout the theatre. His performance of the emotional and heavy “Edges of the World” brings his character together and gives a better understanding of this person and his inner-conflict. In tandem with Dennam’s portrayal, Andrea Prestinario is an absolute joy to watch. Her portrayal of the present day Alison is so splendid, it’s easy to connect with this character instantly. She is confident and comfortable in this role, which puts the audience at ease, as well. Working as the narrator of this story, Prestinario skillfully walks us through each scene and her slight interactions within the scenes are subtle and she certainly makes this character the heart of the story. Vocally, she is a powerhouse as seen in her performance of  the tense but thoughtful “Telephone Wire.” Prestinario should be applauded for her work and I can’t wait to see more from this able actress.

Final thought…  Fun Home deserved every accolade it received and continues to receive. Not only is the text well though-out and put together, the music is modern and catchy, but heartfelt. The production at Baltimore Center Stage is top notch with exquisite talent and should not be missed this season. There is not one weak link in this chain of performers and everything from Set Design to staging to Music Direction is on point. The story in Fun Home been around for ages and will probably continue on for ages and this particular presentation of a family in crisis, learning about each other, and how to deal with each other has everything – poignancy, humor, sadness, and hope. Get your tickets now, before it’s too late. Come on down to the Fun Home! You won’t regret it!

This is what I thought of Baltimore Center Stage’s Fun Home… What did you think? Please feel free to leave a comment!

Fun Home will play through Feburary 24 at Baltimore Center Stage, 700 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD. For tickets, call the box office at 410-332-0033 or you can purchase them online.

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Review: In the Closet at Third Wall Productions

By Jason Crawford Samios-Uy

Running Time: Approx. 2 hours with one intermission

Everyone copes with things differently and there’s really no “right” way to cope with any situation that may come your way. There are fighters, there are flighters, there are talkers, and those who shut down into themselves, but, again, there’s no right way to deal with things. When bad things happen in someone’s life, he or she must find his or her own way of coping. In Third Wall Productions‘ latest offering, In the Closet by Siegmund Fuchs, Directed by Emily Daubenmire, gives us an interesting take on a coping mechanism that may or may not be relatable to many but makes one think about how we all are individuals in dealing with crisis in our own lives.

In the Closet concerns itself with John, a young man who has just had relations with another man for the first time, an old man dealing with the illness of his husband, a middle-aged man dealing with getting older and a community with which he doesn’t relate anymore, and a 20-something man who is a victim of rape and told he must act straight on the stand in court, all in a metaphorical closet to which they’ve escaped because of these varied reasons. Throughout, the older men are working to get John to walk back out of the closet by discussing experiences each have been through, good and bad, as well as trying to explain what the closet is. Will they be able to get John out of the closet or will they all be stuck there forever, not being able to face the real world or themselves? In the Closet forces us to ask ourselves what would we tell our younger selves about our lives and what would we ask our older selves, if we had the chance?

Author Siegmund Fuchs has given us a well put-together script and tells an interesting story making for a pleasant evening of theatre. His dialogue is natural, for the most part, though there are a few bits where the wording probably looks better on paper than it sounds coming out of an actor but, overall, it’s a solid, thoughtful script. His characters are fleshed out well and their individuality and similarity are subtle but clear in the dialogue. Each character is going through his own turmoil that makes for a diverse and engaging script. Though Fuchs’ concept is clever, the “twist” is somewhat predictable but thought-provoking, and well though-out nonetheless.

One drawback for this production, unfortunately, is Set Design by Patrick Rudai and Jordan Hollett. To make a long story short… it is too much for this space. Yes, the setting is a closet, and yes, most closets are small, however, with the amount of items on this set, including set pieces and decorations, it was very cramped and the small ensemble seemed to have trouble navigating and maneuvering around each other during the scenes, which did distract, at times. It looks great, don’t get me wrong, the authenticity and detail are apparent which is a plus for Rudai and Hollett, but it hinders the action rather than helps it and, sometimes, less is more. Overall, it’s a good design, but could be scaled back.

Taking the helm of this production is Director Emily Daubenmire and, though, overall, the piece runs smoothly, staging is a bit erratic. The set isn’t helping matters when it comes to the staging, but during certain points, the pacing of this piece comes to a near halt. Daubenmire seems to have a good grasp on this material and text but the execution is haphazard. For example, there are a few scenes in which one actor must complete a simple task but the dialogue doesn’t begin until the task is complete making for elongated moments of awkward silence that could be eliminated with simple transitioning techniques. This is not to say the entire production is messy, it’s a very well put-together production and it’s my assumption that the set has a big hand in the problems in staging, but, as the Director, Daubenmire should be watching more carefully to make sure these problems are smoothed out before opening.

Moving on to the performance aspect of this piece, H. Ray Lawson takes on the role of Man #1 (the old man) and Mike Zellhofer tackles the role of Man #2 (the middle-aged man). Lawson has a good comprehension of his character, who is the wisest of the quartet, but he does have problem with his lines, leaving long moments of silence where you can see the cogs turning to remember lines. His delivery is a bit stiff but his effort is top-notch. However, beyond these troubles, the character’s sincerity and caring shines through naturally and Lawson obviously feels deeply about this character and his portrayal us poignant and authenticity is apparent.

Zellhofer, as Man #2, has a strong grasp of his character and he has a strong presence making for an admirable performance. Though sounding a bit scripted in delivery, he still manages to bring an authenticity to the role that makes the character heartwarming and charming. His character has a sorted past, as they all do, but Zellhofer really understands the trials of his character and expresses it well. In one intense scene toward the end of Act I, Zellhofer shines in both character and delivery and makes for a shining moment in the production.

Rounding out this small ensemble are Stephen Foreman, who takes on the role of Man #3 (the young man) and Angel Duque portrays John (and even younger man). Foreman gives a commendable performance as the young man who has come to terms with his homosexuality but has endured a horrible incident that has forced him back into the closet, for the time being. Foreman has a clear grasp on his character and portrays him in a way that shows his understanding. His delivery is natural and he seems comfortable in the character making for a well-rounded and believable performance.

A highlight of the production is Angel Duque and his performance is solid with an obvious comprehension of his role. He seems to embody this character of John and portrays him with defined emotions and a sense of uncertainty that is required. His delivery is smooth, and his presence is robust, making for an enjoyable and engaging performance, overall.

Final thought…  In the Closet is an interesting take on a very personal experience that is individual to all. The production certainly has its flaws but is still a good story with a good script and, with each performance, I’m certain the wrinkles will be ironed out. Staging and some delivery of the text might need work, but the dialogue is thoughtful and weaves a multi-generational story that cleverly concerns only one person. It makes us think hard on whether or not we can forgive our past trespasses and look toward an uncertain future. In this day and age of learning to be yourself and having to have a thick skin, this is an important story that needs to be told and seen.

This is what I thought of Third Wall Productions’ production of In the Closet… What did you think? Please feel free to leave a comment!

In the Closet will play through January 27 at Function Coworking Community, 4709 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD. For tickets, you can purchase them at the door or online.

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Review: Thank You, Dad at Rapid Lemon Productions

By Jason Crawford Samios-Uy

Running Time: Approx. 2 hours with one intermission

On November 18, 1978, tragedy struck in a little stretch of land in Guyana, in South America, where some 900 people lost their lives because of on crazed man. News hit hard in the United States because most of these folks were lost, disenchanted Americans, including a United States Senator. Some of you might know this story and the story of Jonestown, led by the Reverend Jim Jones and the final act of revolutionary suicide that occurred over four decades ago and Rapid Lemon Prouctions‘ latest offering, Thank You, Dad by Aladrian C. Wetzel and Directed by Donna Ibale, gives us insight into the man behind the tragedy, Jim Jones. Through Three acts, we learn of his beginnings, his ministry with The People’s Temple, and then ultimate insanity that took the lives of the people who followed him.

Lance Bankerd as Jim Jones. Credit: Rapid Lemon Productions

Hands down, author Aladrian C. Wetzel has crafted an intelligent, thoughtful piece of theatre. It’s apparent she has done her research and has gathered together three important phases of Jim Jones’ life to present in this work. As one who has always been macabrely fascinated by this tragedy, I’ve spent hours online watching videos and films about Jim Jones and Jonestown, and Wetzel has hit the nail on the head in her presentation. The script is well put-together and engaging and it offers facts with an artistic license that doesn’t hinder the information. Jim Jones is a complicated man, obviously, but Wetzel has managed to tell his story, through his point of view, while showing the madness that was just under the surface that some people saw directly, while others saw only a savior. The dialogue is easy to follow and helps us understand Jones as a regular man, a self-proclaimed prophet, and madman. Whether you’re familiar with this sad story or not, you will walk away learning a little more about this complex man and the massacre of Jonestown. Wetzel is to be commended and applauded for her work and efforts.

Lance Bankerd as Jim Jones. Credit: Rapid Lemon Productions

Set and Property Design by Max Garner and Projection Design by Chris Uehlinger blend perfectly into this production and add great value as a whole. Set pieces and digital images and video are chosen wisely and help move the story along as we take this journey with Jones. The full back wall projections and simple setting do not take away from the storytelling of this piece and give just enough to put the audience in the scene to better understand what they are watching. The Baltimore Theatre Project is such a great venue and the perfect space for this production that was used wisely by Garner and Uehlinger.

Lance Bankerd as Jim Jones. Credit: Rapid Lemon Productions

Director Donna Ibale (with Justin Johnson, Chara Bauer, and Lee Conderacci) do a splendid job realizing their visions on the stage. Ibale has wisely chosen to use a blank stage with simple set pieces that does not get in the way of the telling of the story, but adds to it. Ibale seems to have a good grasp on who this tragic person was and the history leading up to his ultimate dastardly deed. The only drawback is the recorded voices filling in as followers and such as they sound too rigid and scripted to be folks talking from the heart or giving spontaneous responses. However, the text that is spoken does move the story along and gives Jones something with which the actor portraying Jones can work. Each act is presented as a sermon, of sorts, and we are forced to pay attention, making the experience all the more immersive. Simple sets, simple staging, but fantastic storytelling. Kudos to Ibale and company for their efforts.

Lance Bankerd as Jim Jones. Credit: Rapid Lemon Productions

Taking on a character in a one-man show is daunting and taking on the persona of a real person can be downright trying but Lance Bankerd, a veteran of Baltimore theatre, as the The Reverend Him Jones shows no signs of difficulty whatsoever. Bankerd effortlessly embodies the role of Jim Jones and, just like the man himself, keeps the audience enthralled. He completely transforms himself to create this character, inside and out. From the younger monkey selling Jones until the whacked-out Jones giving the death speech, he doesn’t falter once and keeps his performance consistent. It’s easy to see he has a magnificent comprehension of the character, the story, and the text and his delivery is natural and engaging. Hands down, it’s a tour-de-force for Bankerd and this is not a performance to be missed.

Final thought…  Thank You, Dad from Rapid Lemon Production is a fresh look at a story that has fascinated us for over four decades. It’s such a poignant story about lost, disenfranchised souls and the man who led them to death. How could this not be great fodder for a stage play? Wetzel takes all the facts and weaves a brilliant script, wisely keeping it simple as a one-man show. Ibale and company’s Direction and Bankerd’s performance are top-notch and the production, as a whole, is to be commended. You seriously do not want to miss this kick off production of the new Rapid Lemon Productions season. Get your tickets now!

This is what I thought of Rapid Lemon Productions‘ production of Thank You, Dad… What did you think? Please feel free to leave a comment!

Thank You, Dad will play through January 20 at Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD. For tickets, you can purchase them at the door or online.

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