"Good With People"

Andrew Scott-Ramsay and Blythe Duff star in David Harrower's "Good With People," launching the 2013 Brits Off Broadway festival at 59E59 Theaters. Photos by Carol Rosegg

Having a nuclear test site in your town might put a damper on tourism. Helensburgh, Scotland has been made relatively desolate. 

People come, but just for day trips, as Helen Hughes (Blythe Duff) laments in "Good With People," David Harrower's play enjoying a NY premiere at 59E59 Theaters, through April 21st.

Helen works at the Seaview Hotel where Evan Bold (Andrew Scott-Ramsay) is one of the few guests. Evan, who's been in Qatar and Peshawar as a charge nurse for many years, has returned for his parents' remarriage.

Blythe Duff  and Andrew Scott-Ramsay star in David Harrower's "Good With People," launching the 2013 Brits Off Broadway festival at 59E59 Theaters. Photos by Carol Rosegg

Evan and Helen share an unpleasant history since Evan, out of loyalty to his dad's job at the naval facility, was one of the boys from the base who bullied her son Jack after he protested nuclear testing.

The actors are both very good story tellers, holding the attention, despite a minimal story to tell.

Puns and misapprehensions provide some modicum of amusement in "Good With People,"

but Harrower's very short script seems a bit self-indulgent. Long pauses seem like superfluous dramatic tics in a play that is just an hour long.

"Good With People" is the Scots part of 59E59's annual Brits Off Broadway festival. It is produced by Traverse Theatre Company and Datum PPaines Plough.

For more information about "Good With People," and Brits Off Broadway, please visit 59e59.org..

In The Mood for Love?

With Valentine's Day approaching, many of us turn our thoughts to couplehood-- which includes love, of course, and often much more.

Cora Bissett as Helena with Matthew Pidgeon as Bob in "Midsummer [a play with songs]" by David Grieg, who also directs with songs by Gordon McIntyre. Costumes by Georgia McGuiness. at the Clurman. Photo by Douglas Robertson 

Each year, Carol Tambor heads to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to sample the unusual and find the play she deems to be "Best of Edinburgh." The Carol Tambor Theatrical Foundation then presents the play thus designated to New York audiences. Last year the work was "Leo" (See review on these pages.)  This year, "Midsummer [a play with songs]"by David Grieg, who also directs, at Theatre Row's Clurman Theatre through January 26th, shares the Award with "Mies Julie," currently running at St. Ann's Warehouse.

"Midsummer [a play with songs]" is an early Valentine's gift from Ms Tambor to us. In "Midsummer [a play with songs]" romance is a by-product of a quest.  

Searching for meaning in booze, sex and bondage (it's a long story!), Helena (Cora Bissett) and Bob (Matthew Pidgeon) find something far more valuable-- friendship and ₤15,000.

When they meet, Bob is reading "Dostoyevsky... to cheer himself up." Despite his overtly intellectual endeavors, Bob is "a f****** underachiever." Their match-up is improbable. He is a low to mid level crook, and she's a swanky divorce lawyer.

Photo by Douglas Robertson. Helena (Cora Bissett) and Bob (Matthew Pidgeon) in "Midsummer [a play with songs]" by David Grieg, who also directs with songs by Gordon McIntyre. Costumes by Georgia McGuiness.

"Midsummer [a play with songs]" is not for everyone. Love and romance mingles with philosophical asides and silliness in this not strictly linear tale. Songs are interspersed with the narrative and dialogue. "And so-- when you see them -- the runners," Helena says, "weaving and glistening through the crowds-- you might think, 'look at them, the fools, they're trying to run away from death,' -- but they're not-- they're honestly not-- they're running towards something...."

The central bed is the all-purpose set, cleverly designed by Georgia McGuiness, which also has convenient storage for some of the props the actors need.

Photo by Douglas Robertson of Matthew Pidgeon as Bob and Cora Bissett as Helena in "Midsummer [a play with songs]" by David Grieg, who also directs with songs by Gordon McIntyre. Costumes by Georgia McGuiness. 

While you're in a romantic mood, take your sweetie to see "Perfect Catch," being reprised at Canal Park Playhouse on Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm and 4pm through February.

"Perfect Catch," billed as "Throw-mantic Comedy"  takes mime and juggling to Hollywood. Just watching
Jen Slaw and Michael Karas toss umbrellas to the soundtrack of "Singing In The Rain" is worth the price of admission.

To get tickets for "Midsummer [a play with songs]," visit www.telecharge.com. To learn more about "Perfect Catch," visit www.canalparkplayhouse.com

When Love Is Enough: Gary Henderson's "Skin Tight"

Peter Saide as Tom and Sarah-Jane Casey as Elizabeth in "Skin Tight" by Gary Henderson at 59E59 Theaters.
Photo by Carol Rosegg

"Remember that time..."  "Yes," she answers.  He protests "You don't know what I was going to say." She answers "I don't have to. I remember everything."

"Skin Tight," at 59E59 Theaters in a One Year Lease production through December 1st, is an abstract love story by Gary Henderson, based on "The Magpies," a poem by New Zealander Denis Glover.

Peter Saide as Tom and Sarah-Jane Casey as Elizabeth in "Skin Tight" by Gary Henderson at 59E59 Theaters. 
Photo by Carol Rosegg

"Skin Tight," bristles with sensual provocations. It is intense with eroticism, frank language and nudity. Gary Henderson's  short play is oddly interesting, opening with an fierce and well-choreographed  (by  Natalie Lomonte, former dance captain for Spiderman) smackdown between an man and a woman. "Skin  Tight"  is about the enduring love between Tom (Peter Saide) and Elizabeth (Sarah-Jane Casey). 

Sarah-Jane Casey and Peter Saide in "Skin Tight" at 59E59 Theaters. Photo by Carol Rosegg

The parade of their lives goes from childhood games to wartime separation, from waiting and wanting to infidelity and loyalty. It is a steamy tale, told with good humor. The fighting is brutally savage and very acrobatic.    "Skin  Tight"  is  both romantic and completely grounded. 

The place names trip lovingly off Tom's tongue. "Point Pleasant. Fairlie. Little nothing names full of magic," he says. "Tekapo. Pukaki. And the rivers. The Waitaki. The Rangitata." Tom and Elizabeth have a lifetime to talk over, yet they are both fit and young, truly a handsome pair. 

"Skin Tight" is an ode to reminiscences, shared forthrightly. Peter Saide and Sarah-Jane Casey are a very fetching couple, physically attractive, even imposing. They embue the story of "Skin Tight" with  a natural grace and charm.

For more information on the production, visit www.59e59.org. 

   

 

Greed Kills, Well, Not Really, in "Fly Me To The Moon"

Katie Tumelty and Tara Lynne O'Neill in Marie Jones' "Fly Me To The Moon." Photo by Vinnie Loughran

Fans of Hitchcock's "The Trouble With Harry" or "Waking Ned Divine" can take heart in Marie Jones' "Fly Me To The Moon."

Loretta Mackie (Tara Lynne O'Neill) and Francis Shields (Katie Tumelty) are community care workers, which translates roughly as nurses' aides, for Davy Magee, a lonely bloke who loves Sinatra tunes and needs round the clock assistance.

Katie Tumelty as Francis and Tara Lynne O'Neill as Loretta share a lighter moment after Davy's gone.
Photo by Vinnie Loughran  

Well-intentioned, overworked and underpaid, the two spend their days with their charge, running errands for him to  place the occasional bet with his bookmaker or pick up his government check. Francis, a bit of a self-centered schemer, left on her own when Loretta is late, takes Davy into the toilet from which he doesn't emerge.  It's Monday, the day Loretta picks up his check, Francis goes to the bookies for any winnings.  

And there-in lies the plot of "Fly Me To The Moon." Francis and Loretta get in deeper and deeper. "Well there is no turnin' back now is there?," Francis says. "You didn't tell her he was dad, so according to her [the nurse on the phone] Davy Magee is still alive. Why did you not tell her he was dead?" Loretta's answer: "I was scared." 

"Fly Me To The Moon" mines the thin terrain of this not entirely original premise. Katie Tumelty and Tara Lynne O'Neill exhibit well seasoned comic timing. Tara Lynne O'Neill's Loretta lets greed and need get the better of her good-nature. 

Loretta and Francis shift through Davy's few belongings. Photo by Vinnie Loughran.

For more information on "Fly Me To The Moon," visit www.59e59.org.

Love Gone Drastically Awry in "Tender Napalm"

Explosive love affairs sometimes turn into even more explosive marriages.


In "Tender Napalm," at 59E59 Theaters through September 9th, man and wife take turns abusing each other. Bombast and bragging rights are frank and fertile ground for the ugly wreckage of their marriage.

Ameila Workman and Blake Ellis in Philip Ridley's "Tender Napalm"



They are embittered by the tragedy that has torn what love there may have been between them asunder. Their fighting and feuding goes well beyond the standard in its bile and brutality.

"Tender Napalm" is not an easy drama to watch or listen to, with its vituperations and imaginings. You don't want to get caught in the crossfire between Amelia Workman's and Blake Ellis's angry characters. Their exchanges are toxically foul-mouthed, even in an era of shameless liguistic free-for-all.

For more information, visit www.59e59.org.

"Slowgirl" exhilirates

"Slowgirl" at Claire Tow

So often it happens that bad things come from the exercise of poor judgement.

In Greg Pierce's "Slowgirl," produced by LCT3 at the new Claire Tow Theaer, and in a twice-extended run through August 5th, there is plenty of anguish to go around.

A tragedy brings Becky (Sarah Steele) to seek haven with her uncle Sterling (Željko Ivanek).

Like Becky, Sterling is harboring a secret.  The fast-talking Becky and her near-silent uncle are each complicit and share a sense of guilt for very different incidents in their lives.

Sarah Steele and Željko Ivanek Photo © Erin Baiano.

The mystery that is buried in "Slowgirl"unravels over four scenes at Sterling's Costa Rican jungle home.
Sterling's affection for his niece eventually gives him the impetus to move ahead.

Sarah Steele's privileged 17-year old hides her pain in bravado. Hers is a smooth and seamless performance. In the diminutive and lovely Claire Tow Theater, its easy to see Željko Ivanek's every raised eyebrow. His dismay as Becky chatters, blurting every inappropriate thought, is beautifully nuanced and perfectly timed.  Anne Kaufman's direction allows the plot to unfold unexpectedly, keeping the enigmaiic center of "Slowgirl" alive throughout.

The sets, by Rachel Hauck, and sound, by Leah Gelpe, imaginatively invoke the bucolic tropical forest.  Their designs add to the simple exoticism of "Slowgirl."

To get tickets and find out more about "Slowgirl" visit http://www.lincolncentertheater.org/.

Željko Ivanek Photo © Erin Baiano.

A word about the theater at LCT3:

The Claire Tow Theater sits atop the Vivian Beaumont and Mitzi Newhouse Theaters on the Lincoln Center Campus at 63rd and Broadway. The newly-built LEED-certified strucure is really extremely beautiful. It features along with its expertly designed 112 seat interior, a green roof; insulated glass and recycled materials were used in its construction.

The Claire Tow is a breathtaking space in which to showcase the works of emerging playwrights.

A Pitstop On Route To The Venerable Edinburgh Festival Fringe

In 1947 eight theater groups turned up uninvited to the then brand-new Edinburgh International Festival. These pioneering 8 went ahead and staged their shows; in 1959 these "fringe" players were made official by the Festival Fringe Society. The policy The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society established at the start was that "anyone with a story to tell and a venue willing to host them" could present on the annual programs.

59E59 Theaters offers some of those heading out to The Edinburgh Festival Fringe a place to tune up and refresh for the long trip. At "East to Edinburgh 2012," there are sixteen new shows prepping for the competition at the Festival Fringe to delight and intrigue.

Catch up with some old favorites, or meet up with some completely new productions, as the pre-Festival starts on July 10th and runs through July 29th.

Sarah Ruhl's "Dead Man's Cell Phone" rings in from the 19th to the 21st with a young cast. Teen angst set to 1960's Brit-pop rocks "MOD" in performances beginning on July 21st.

"Captain Ferguson's School for Baloon Warfare" makes another appearance at 59E59 before going across the pond to Scotland. (See our review from the eccentric Captain's earlier visit to 59E59.)

From monologues and standup to serious drama, East to Edinburgh showcases a taste of what the big Festival offers.

To find out more about East to Edinburgh and the other productions at 59E59 Theaters, visit, http://www.59e59.org/.

The intersection of Beethoven and Quasimodo is Chekhov

Is it only the idealists among us who search for the unattainable? Can the melancholic also pursue it?
The premise in "The Hunchback Variations, A Chamber Opera," at 59E59 Theaters through July 1st, is a doomed collaboration between Ludwig von Beethoven (George Andrew Wolff) and Quasimodo (Larry Adams) to find a sound that will fulfill a stage direction in Anton Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard."
Quasimodo and Beethoven, both deaf and more than a touch ornery, are holding a series of panel discussions on the inevitable failure of their project. The attempt to create "the Impossible, Mysterious Sound" and "the Effects on Love and Friendship of Rehearsing the Creation of the Impossible and Mysterious Sound" are the subject for "The Hunchback Variations, A Chamber Opera." The sound is "impossible" because it is one of nostalgia for something lost or missing or not existent. Beethoven and Quasimodo are trying to find something that eludes the senses.

Mickle Maher, an original member of Chicago's Theater Oobleck which brought the musical play east, adapted the chamber opera from his eccentric little play "The Hunchback Variations." His libretto is set to Mark Messing's score for cello (played by Paul Ghica) and piano (Christopher Sargent.)
Adams and Wolff both have a wry demeanor and pleasant voices. They tell the tale well, revealing the details of the relationship between Quasimodo and Beethoven over the course of eleven "variations."
Quasimodo asks, "Where do we put the happiness that has not been forged?... Where is the room for keeping all the nothings?" Beethoven responds "I would like to think that such a room exists."

For a schedule of performances, visit www.59e59.org To learn more about the producing company, Theater Oobleck, visit http://theateroobleck.com

Year of Creative Scotland 2012: A Festival

Gerda Stevenson, playwright, director, actor (as Flo) and-Dave Anderson (as Jimmy) in “Murray Versus Federer.” Photo courtesy Communicado Theatre Company

Who doesn't like a festival? Embedded int he word is the possibilty of a happy-- okay, festive-- occasion. Everybody enjoys a celebration. What we are celebrating at 59E59 Theaters' "Scotland Week" are a couple of Scotland's fine playwrights and their supporting casts. The plays, "A Slow Air" by David Harrower, running through April 29th, and Gerda Stevenson's "Murray Versus Federer," on stage through April 22nd, are serious, even grim affairs. The latter about a couple, grieving over the loss of a son in war, and at war with each other. The former about a pair of siblings that have been estranged for the past fourteen years.

That is not to say that there is not plenty to celebrate here.

While "Murray Versus Federer" is written in short-hand, like the radio plays Stevenson scripts for the BBC, it is an intelligent and moving tale. It needs more time to pursue its subject in depth and allow its characters their full development, but what it gives us is subtle and well-written.

Gerda Stevenson, (as Flo) and Dave Anderson (as Jimmy) in “Murray vs Federer.” Photo © Jessica Brettle.

Grief is personal even when it's shared. In "Murray Versus Federer," Flo (Gerda Stevenson, also the writer and director), and Jimmy (Dave Anderson) are rent asunder in their bereavement. Their differences in temperament are underscored by their loss. Resentments lead them to blame each other.

"Well, tell me this, Mr. Expert," Flo says, "how come you kept yer mooth shut when Joe joined up? How come ye didnae dae yer schoolboy homework then, eh?" Jimmy explodes back at her "I'll no keep ma mooth shut just to keep a phoney fuckin peace in this hoose, a phoney fuckin peace that's packed wi lies. My son died fur lies, lies!" In "Murray Versus Federer," Flo and Jimmy share the stage with the memory of Joe, a Saxophonist (Ben Bryden), who alternately plays sad, soulful and jazzy tunes between the five short scenes.

"Murray Versus Federer," despite its brevity and because of the excellent acting, is affecting and intimate. The set by Jessica Brettle turns the small space into an elaborate living room with the catty-corner walls providing both background and a scrim behind which the Saxophonist is introduced.

Dave Anderson (as Jimmy) in “Murray vs Federer.” Photo © Jessica Brettle.

In "A Slow Air," the siblings long estrangement is temperamental as much as circumstantial. Athol (Lewis Howden)is a steady hard-working bloke whose built a business in construction and lives in the suburbs. His sister, Morna (Susan Vidler) is a free-spirited and rebellious single mother who cleans rich folks' houses. Like the dimly lit stage it occupies, "A Slow Air" fails to illuminate any of the many themes on which it touches.

Susan Vidler as Morna and Lewis Howden as Athol, across a divide created by Jessica Brettle's set design in “A Slow Air,” written and directed by David Harrower. Photo © John Johston.

"A Slow Air" is structured as a double monologue. On the darkened stage (lighting by Dave Shea), in "A Slow Air" Jessica Brettle has designed a simple set on a roughly tiled floor that divides the two monologists. There is a high window on the back wall, and two wooden armchairs to which Athol and Morna withdraw like boxers into their corners.

For more information about the nearly month-long Scotland Week at 59E59 Theaters, please visit their website at www.59E59.org.

The Music of Violins

Sometimes the truth can seem so fantastic that it makes for a great story.

Mary Beth Peil as Erica in a photo by James Leynse

After a slightly slow start, "The Morini Strad," in a New York premiere at Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters through April 22nd, just begins to hum beautifully. Willy Holtzman's play is based on truth but it is fantastic in all the best senses--odd and imaginative; the characters "The Morini Strad," get a grip and hold on tight.

Michael Laurence as Brian with Mary Beth Peil as Erica in a photo by James Leynse

Erica (Mary Beth Peil), once a child prodigy, has only memories of her great performances (enacted by violinist Hanah Stuart) and her Davidoff violin. Age has diminished her capacities. No longer able to play, she is difficult, even unpleasant to everyone-- especially to the students she takes on. She invites Brian (Michael Laurence), a luthier, to come to repair the violin.

Hanah Stuart, Mary Beth Peil and Michael Laurence in a photo by James Leynse

Exacting and embittered, Erica asks Brian to sell the Strad. Beguiled by the promise of a huge payday, Brian invests his hopes and time in what may prove to be a futile endeavor.

Mary Beth Peil and Michael Laurence (with Hanah Stuart top) in a photo by James Leynse

Peil and Laurence beautifully play out the improbably affectionate relationship that develops between Erica and Brian. They give utterly believable and very moving performances.

Michael Laurence as Brian in his workshop. Photo by James Leynse

For tickets and a schedule of performances, please visit www.primarystages.org.

The Scottish Plays Open In April At 59E59

Not the one by Shakespeare whose name famously must not be spoken, but a new batch of plays coming directly from Scotland to kick off 2012—The Year of Creative Scotland are due at 59E59 Theaters beginning on April 4th. The celebrated playwright David Harrower will direct his “A Slow Air” which comes to NY from the Glasgow’s Tron Theatre, via a premiere at the Traverse Theatre at the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. “A Slow Air,” scheduled for a short run from April 4 through the 29th , examines the effect that the 2007 Glasgow Airport attacks have on an estranged family.

Allison Pill and Jeff Daniels in the MTC production of David Harrower’s “Blackbird.” Photo © Joan Marcus

(Find out more about David Harrower.)

“Federer Versus Murray,” a dark comedy about bereavement and war, was shortlisted for the London Fringe Theatre Writing Award in 2010 when it premiered at the Oran Mor in Glasgow. It subsequently went on the to 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it played the Assembly Hall. “Federer Versus Murray,” written and directed by Gerda Stevenson, will run from April 4th through the 22nd. The two-hander will be produced by Communicado Theatre Company and features Gerda Stevenson and Dave Anderson.

Here's an interview with Gerda Stevenson about "Federer Versus Murray:" Click here.

"The Door" Slams

Two men are sitting in an anteroom as a door bangs incessantly.

The story they unwind in Tony Earnshaw's "The Door," part of Brits Off Broadway at 59E59 Theaters running through December 11th, seesaws in search of the truth.

Tom Cobley and Chris Westgate in “The Door” by Tony Earnshaw. Photo by Tony Earnshaw

"The whole system collapses if you don't obey orders," Boyd tells Ryan. Ryan's answer is "The whole system is pointless if you do." What appears to be random disagreement over politics, tabloids news, and the existence of God, turns out to be very personal.

Ryan (Chris Westgate) and Boyd (Tom Cobley) are waiting to justify an incident that happened during their service in Iraq.

The tension between the two men is punctuated by the explosively slamming door. "Drives you round the loddy bend, doesn't it. Round the bloody bend,"
is a refrain that gets passed from hand to hand as the noise unnerves each man in turn.

Tom Cobley and Chris Westgate in Tony Earnshaw ‘s“The Door.”. Photo by Tony Earnshaw

The taut fifty minutes play, under Anna Adams able directions, goes from Beckettian absurdity to a surprising animated ending.

For more information on Brits Off Broadway and a schedule of performances for "The Door," visit www.59e59.org.