Posts Tagged ‘repertory theatre of st louis’

The Rep’s Stunning “Twisted Melodies” Features Outstanding Performance, Production Values

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , on October 9, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Twisted Melodies
Created and Performed by Kelvin Roston, Jr.
Directed by Reggie D. White
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
October 6, 2023

Kelvin Roston, Jr.
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The latest production from the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is one St. Louis audiences may have seen before, but not in the same way. Kelvin Roston, Jr.’s Twisted Melodies–a one-man show about famed singer and musician Donny Hathaway–played at the Black Rep in 2016, and Roston has appeared in multiple productions of the show in various places since then. Now, at the Rep under the direction of Reggie D. White, the show gets a new look with some truly astounding production values, and still serving as an ideal showcase for the supremely talented Roston in the lead. 

It seems like Roston could not have chosen a better subject for his one-man show, as Roston’s musical talents and acting prowess shine in their portrayal of the legendary but troubled Hathaway. The construction of the show itself also provides a unique look into the life, music, and mind of Hathaway, who was a celebrated performer and artist, but who also struggled with paranoid schizophrenia. The story allows the audience into Hathaway’s creative mind as he works on a new project from his hotel room in New York in 1979. The audience is treated by Hathaway as apparently another hallucination, but a good one–supportive, instead of the menacing visual and auditory ones he experiences throughout the show, represented through the truly astounding technical effects of lighting designer Xavier Pierce, sound designer G Clausen, and projections designer Mike Tutaj. The richly appointed set by Tim Mackabee is transformed from a neutral space to a hostile one with chilling immediacy, as Hathaway tells his personal story and struggles to finish his latest composition. There’s also excellent work from costume designer Dede Ayite, outfitting Roston in a stylish, period-appropriate outfit that aids in his portrayal.

As for Roston himself, his performance is a tour-de-force, as I was expecting since I’d seen it before, and it has all the power and sheer vocal prowess I had remembered, along with excellent musical ability on the keyboard. He does a great job of sounding like Hathaway, telling the story through music and song as well as through his vivid acting. His vocal range is impressive, and his portrayal is one of astonishing depth and veracity. 

Even if you saw it before, Twisted Melodies from the Rep is a show that needs to be seen. Whether you are familiar with the music of Donny Hathaway or not, this is an essential performance to witness, with technical effects that are simply stunning. It’s an education for those who may be unfamiliar with Hathaway and his place in the history of American popular music, as well as vivid look at the devastating effects of mental illness. Most of all, though, it’s a profoundly excellent showcase for a superb performer and performance. 

Kelvin Roston, Jr. and Set
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting Twisted Melodies at COCA’s Catherine B. Berges Theatre until October 22

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Strong Performances, Stunning Staging Highlight The Rep’s Must-See “Lehman Trilogy”

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , on September 12, 2023| Leave a Comment »

The Lehman Trilogy
by Stefano Massini, Adapted by Ben Power
Directed by Carey Perloff
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
September 8, 2023

Firdous Bamji, Scott Wentworth, Joshua David Robinson
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Rep is opening their new season with a much talked-about, award-winning play that’s really three plays in one, as its title suggests. The Lehman Trilogy examines the lives and history of three immigrant brothers and the company they founded, as well as the legacy they left behind, along with a critique of American corporate greed and its impact on society over the years. It also provides an ideal platform for a trio of memorable acting performances and some truly stunning production values that highlight the work of an impressive crew and creative team. 

This is a long show, running at about three-and-a-half hours, and the cast of three (Firdous Bamji, Joshua David Robinson, and Scott Wentworth) plus one onstage musician (Joe LaRocca) get quite the workout with so much stage time, character changes, and quick pacing. The story begins with the three German Jewish immigrant Lehman brothers, Henry (Wentworth), Emanuel (Robinson), and Mayer (Bamji), who start off selling fabric and suits, and then farming equipment before becoming cotton brokers and finally bankers, eventually moving their business from Montgomery, Alabama to New York City. We see the brothers’ entrepreneurial spirit develop, as well as their differing talents and roles in the company as it grows, and eventually, passes along to their descendants, including Emanuel’s assertive son Philip (Wentworth), Mayer’s inquisitive son Herbert (Robinson), and later, Philip’s worldly son Robert (Bamji). The third act moves the company into the late 20th and early 21st Centuries, as its fortunes rise and fall with the stock market, and trends of the times. It’s all told in a brisk but occasionally poetic manner, and is driven by the dynamic staging and eye-catching production values.

What especially holds interest, though, is the wonderfully versatile cast. The three actors play a variety of roles between them, with clever staging and brisk transitions adding to the energy. All three players are strong, with Bamji especially notable in highly contrasting roles as the mild-mannered Mayer and the enterprising Robert. Robinson is also excellent in balancing comedic moments with drama, and is especially adept as playing Herbert’s transition from childhood to adulthood. Wentworth also puts in a strong performance, playing the more commanding characters with particular strength. All three hold the audience’s attention for the duration, with able, melodic support from LaRocca on clarinet and a series of other instruments. 

The other stars of this production are its design and designers. Sara Brown’s set is marvelously kinetic, adapting to the various eras of the time and reflecting the changing eras as the background shifts from packing crates and boxes in the 19th century, to smoother lines and neon in more recent times. The dazzling projections by Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew add a lot of energy to the visuals, as does Robert Wierzel’s dazzling lighting. There’s also excellent sound design by Mark Bennett and Charles Coes, and memorable original music by Bennett that reflects traditional and increasingly modern styles as the story progresses. 

Although the story tends to lose a little bit of steam and focus towards the end, the actors and crew keep up the energy all the way through. In terms of energy, acting, and staging, this show is a remarkable feat. Especially in terms of quality of performance, it’s a stunning work of theatre. 

Joshua David Robinson, Scott Wentworth, Firdous Bamji
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting The Lehman Trilogy until September 24, 2023

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The Rep Explores a Fascinating Relationship with Well-Cast “Gruesome Playground Injuries”

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , on April 26, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Gruesome Playground Injuries
by Rajiv Joseph
Directed by Becks Redman
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Steve Woolf Studio Series
April 21, 2023

Jessika D. Williams, Brian Slaten
Photo by Phillip Hamer
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

Gruesome Playground Injuries is a somewhat provocative title for a play. Although there are injuries involved, and some sensitive subject matter, this is primarily a play about a relationship. As part of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’s Steve Woolf Studio series, and utilizing the excellent black box theatre space at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, this is a cleverly staged, quirky and intriguing production that features a first-rate cast and striking production values.

Written by Rajiv Joseph, directed by Becks Redmond, and starring Brian Slaten as Doug and Jessika D. Williams as Kayleen, the play follows its two characters in a format that’s not exactly linear, but doesn’t seem random either. We first meet Doug and Kayleen as 8-year-olds in Catholic school, waiting in the nurse’s office because Doug has injured himself riding his bike off the school roof, and Kayleen has an upset stomach.  The two bond over juvenile humor and gross-out jokes, and their contrasting personalities are shown more clearly as they grow. The adventurous and loyal Doug, and the more anxious, insecure Kayleen have several key meetings over the years, as they become friends, drift apart, and then reconnect in a series of memorable moments, occurring in five year increments and told in an order that makes sense as the events of the play unfold. The players also stay onstage for the duration of the show, changing costumes in between scenes and marking their characters’ ages with a marker on a large mirrored backdrop. 

It’s an intense show, with balanced moments of humor and drama, and well-drawn characters whose connection is made all the more believable through the excellent performances and chemistry of Slaten and Williams, who portray their characters and their evolving relationship dynamic with energy and credible emotion. Their thoroughly engaging performances and director Redman’s well-paced staging work together to tell a believable, highly involving story.

The technical qualities of this production are also strong, serving the story well and helping to advance the mood and energy of the story. The carpeted unit set, designed by Diggle, is versatile and makes an appropriate backdrop for the action as the characters grow from childhood to adulthood. The set does have aspects of a playground, as suggested by the play’s title. There’s also evocative lighting by Anshuman Bhatia and superb sound design by Kareem Deanes, as well as appropriately atmospheric music by David Gomez. The costumes, by Carolyn Mazuca, are well-suited to the characters and changing times, as well as working well for the quick scene changes as the story progresses.

It’s worth noting that there is some sensitive subject matter here, including discussions of depression, physical injuries, self-harm, and sexual assault. It’s a vividly portrayed, often irreverently humorous tale of two people who share a lasting bond despite periodic long separations. Gruesome Playground Injuries may suggest gore and guts in its title, but what’s really at its core is the intense connection of the memorable characters.  Although the ending is somewhat abrupt, the story itself is a vivid, characterful theatrical experience. 

Jessika D. Williams, Brian Slaten
Photo by Phillip Hamer
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Repertory Theatre is presenting Gruesome Playground Injuries at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center until May 13, 2023

This review was originally published at KDHX.org

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The Rep’s Riveting “Express” is a Visually Dazzling, Well-Acted Must-See

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , on March 25, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
by Agatha Christie
Adapted by Ken Ludwig
Directed by Hana S. Sharif
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
March 24, 2023

Armando Durán
Photo by Phillip Hamer
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Rep’s shows have long been known to have high production values, but with their latest show, I think they’ve outdone themselves. In this production of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, the technical  aspects are so impressive, they threaten to upstage the also superb cast. It’s a vibrant, thrilling, dramatic, and often humorous staging where every note rings true, and the technical aspects lend a cinematic flair that makes this show a true must-see.

Murder on the Orient Express is one of Christie’s better-known stories, and it’s been filmed several times over the years for the big and small screens. Here, as adapted by Ken Ludwig, the cast has been pared down a little and the story streamlined slightly, but the tone is classic Christie, and Hana Sharif’s brisk direction keeps the story moving along in a well-timed, almost filmlike way, as the legendary Christie detective Hercule Poirot (Armando Durán) tells the story after a brief filmed introduction that has the feel of classic Hollywood cinema. The action begins in a hotel, as Poirot prepares to embark on the storied Orient Express train. He fortuitously runs into his old friend Monsieur Bouc (Jamil A. C. Mangan), who runs the train line and helps Poirot secure a ticket for what he hopes will be a relaxing journey. Soon, however, the detective finds himself surrounded by intrigue, as a collection of disparate characters converge on the train, and of course, there’s a murder. Of course, Poirot has to solve the case, but it’s not easy when everyone around him seems to be hiding something, and the train itself becomes caught in a snowstorm. I won’t give away the conclusion, but it’s one of Christie’s more inventive ones, and it’s made especially believable here by means of staging and the excellent cast.

The memorable characters are cast especially well, with Durán leading the way as the determined, clever Poirot. Mangan, as Bouc, is also strong, showing a lot of charm and energy as he assists Poirot and tries to maintain order on the train. Standouts also include the marvelous Ellen Harvey as the strong-willed, much-married American Helen Hubbard; Gayton Scott as exiled Russian Princess Dragomiroff; Fatima Wardak as the devout, nervous missionary Greta Ohlsson; and Christopher Hickey and Aria Maholchic (the understudy, filling in for principal Margaret Ivy) as the secretive lovers Colonel Arbuthnot and Mary Debenham. Cameron Jamarr Davis is also memorable as Hector MacQueen, private secretary to Joel Moses’s shady, boorish Samuel Ratchet; and Michael Thanh Tran lends strong support as dutiful train conductor Michel. This cast is supported by a small ensemble of Webster University students (Luka Cruz, Kyleigh Grimsbo, Colby Willis, and usually Maholchic), lending to the overall filled-out, movie-like feel of the production. 

Also contributing to that cinematic flair is the truly spectacular set by Tim Mackabee, which meticulously recreates a series of locales, including several train cars, and utilizes the stage’s turntable to magnificent effect, with scene changes meticulously timed to go along with the richly produced, filmlike score by composers and sound designers Charles Coes and Nathan A. Roberts. There are also dazzling projections by Michael Salvatore Commendatore and marvelous lighting by Jason Lynch, contributing to the overall 1930s atmosphere and thrilling tone of the story. There are also excellent period costumes by Fabio Toblini that contribute to the overall atmosphere of the show.

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is a riveting, thrilling, cinematic marvel that captures the essence of classic Christie tales while also maintaining an “Old Hollywood” sense of glamor and style. It’s an expertly choreographed, technically dazzling show that holds the audience’s attention from the very first moment. The cast is excellent, but the set is so spectacular that the train itself becomes a character in the show as well. It’s a wonderful old-fashioned whodunit with style, energy, moments of well-timed humor and credible drama. It’s a remarkable feat for the Rep.

Cast of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
Photo by Phillip Hamer
Repertory Theatre of St Louis

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express until April 9, 2023

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Thought-Provoking “Confederates” at the Rep is Compelling, Superbly Cast

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , on February 18, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Confederates
by Dominique Morisseau
Directed by Elizabeth Carter
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
February 17, 2023

Tatiana Williams, Tiffany Oglesby
Photo by Liz Lauren
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Rep’s latest production, from celebrated playwright Dominique Morisseau, is one of three regional premieres around the United States. Confederates is an inventively structured look at the lives of two Black women in different situations and historical eras, but who both struggle for freedom in their own ways. With stellar production values and a first-rate cast, this show makes a strong impression and is sure to provoke much thought and conversation. 

The stories play out in interspersed scenes, focusing on Sandra (Tatiana Williams), a professor at a prestigious university, and Sara (Tiffany Oglesby), an enslaved woman on a plantation during the Civil War. Sandra is dealing with various issues, both personal and professional, including a recent divorce, conflicting expectations from her students and colleagues, as well as trying to find out who placed a photoshopped image on the door of her office. Sara, who has grown up on the plantation, helps out her brother Abner (Xavier Scott Evans), who has run away to join the Union Army, and is faced with the unexpected return of Missy Sue (Tracey Greenwood), the daughter of the plantation’s owner, who has a plan for the conflicted Sara. Both central figures are forced by circumstances to reflect on their own positions and take action, dealing with systemic injustice and striving for freedom on their own terms, many times being forced to figure out who their true allies are, if any.

The leading performances are both excellent, with Williams and Oglesby both exuding strength, stage presence, and credible emotion as their characters endure a variety of challenging circumstances and relationships. The rest of the cast members each play two characters, and all are strong, with Celeste M. Cooper as Sandra’s academic colleague Jade and as the enslaved, conflicted Luanne a particular standout. There’s also excellent support from Evans as Abner and Sandra’s student Malik, and Greenwood as the entitled Missy Sue and Sandra’s student assistant Candice. The staging is dynamic and well-paced, with occasional moments of humor amid the increasingly intense drama.

The set design, by Nina Ball, is inventive and visually striking, with contrasting wood floors representing the divide between eras and locations most of the time, but also serving as an effective setting when the whole stage is required for some key moments in Sara’s story. There’s also effectively evocative lighting by Xavier Pierce, and excellent use of projections by Micah Stieglitz. Ricky German’s costumes are excellent, as well, suiting the characters well as being versatile to provide for quick changes for the performers who play different characters. There’s also compelling use of sound and music from composer/designer T. Carlos Roberts. All of these technical elements work well to represent the two eras and locations as well as providing a thematic connection between the stories.  

Confederates is a compelling, story that provokes much reflection and thought. There are many important issues portrayed here, in the person of two memorable, vividly portrayed characters and their situations. It’s a must-see show that can be a catalyst for important and challenging conversations. It’s a remarkable production from the Rep.

Tatiana Williams, Celeste M. Cooper
Photo by Liz Lauren
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting Confederates until March 5, 2023

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The Rep’s “Side by Side” Is a Hit-or-Miss Tribute to a Musical Theatre Legend

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , on February 7, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Side by Side by Sondheim
Directed by Reggie D. White
Choreographed by Heather Beal
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
February 3, 2023

Phoenix Best, Paul HeeSang Miller, Saidu Singlah, Amy Spanger
Photo by Phillip Hamer Photography
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

Since Stephen Sondheim died in 2021, many performers and theatre companies have offered their various tributes, in the form of special performances, concerts, and productions of his shows. Now, the Rep is taking the opportunity to salute this legend of musical theatre with a somewhat understated production of the revue Side by Side by Sondheim, focusing mostly on his works up until the mid-1970s. Although this production has its moments, the performances are hit-or-miss, and it could use more energy and presence.

As narrator Alan Knoll points out early in the production, there isn’t much here in terms of a plot. Instead, the show is presented as an overview of Sondheim’s work up until about 1976, when this revue first debuted in London’s West End. in fact somewhat amusing to hear Knoll refer to 1976’s Pacific Overtures as one of Sondheim’s “later works”. Still, even with the somewhat dated elements and obvious exclusion of Sondheim’s work from the late 1970s and forward, the show as written is intriguing, and I imagine it could be a great success with more consistent performances. The cast includes late-addition Knoll, as well as performers Phoenix Best, Paul HeeSang Miller, Saidu Sinlah, and Amy Spanger, accompanied by Kris Pineda and Stephen A. Eros on Piano. 

The show covers Sondheim’s earlier works as a lyricist working with other composers on shows such as West Side Story and Gypsy, as well as his work as both composer and lyricist on shows like A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Company, and Follies. Also featured are some more obscure songs from lesser-known works, as well as television and film. 

The staging can be inventive on occasion, featuring Heather Beal’s energetic choreography, Tre’Von Griffith’s  music direction, and a simple set featuring a screen and eye-catching projections by Camilla Tassi, and flanked by the two pianists seated at grand pianos on either side. Xavier Pierce’s atmospheric lighting also adds flair to the staging, and Sharath Patel’s sound design is proficient, although there are occasional issues with the singers’ volume. 

As for those performers,  the biggest standouts are Knoll, in a personable and occasionally hilarious turn as the Narrator, and the appropriately named Best, who delivers several memorable solos on songs such as “I’m Still Here”, “I Never Do Anything Twice”, and “Send in the Clowns”. Miller also has his moments and a strong tenor voice, but Sinlah and especially Spanger struggle to maintain energy and consistency. After a somewhat lackluster opening, there are a few memorable group numbers, including a unique staging of “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” from Gypsy and an entertaining closing medley. It’s a fairly low-key production, and could use a little more energy in places.

Side by Side by Sondheim isn’t the spectacular tribute it could be, and I also think modern audiences might notice the lack of material from the composer’s more well-known later works like Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, and Into the Woods. Still, even though it focuses on his earlier works, this could be a much more vibrant show than the Rep has managed to produce. It’s not entirely a miss–there are certainly some memorable moments, especially from Best and Knoll, and there are some interesting bits of trivia to learn about the legendary composer and lyricist. Anyone who is a particular fan of Sondheim’s, though, might still be frustrated with the lack of energy and true sparkle.

Paul HeeSang Miller, Saidu Singlah, Phoenix Best, Amy Spanger
Photo by Phillip Hamer Photography
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting Side by Side by Sondheim at COCA’s Catherine B. Berges Theatre until February 19, 2023

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The Rep’s “Christmas Carol” is an Inventive, Energetic Gift that Continues to Entertain

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , on November 28, 2022| Leave a Comment »

A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Michael Wilson
Directed by Hana S. Sharif
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
November 25, 2022

Paul Aguirre, Guiesseppe Jones
Photo by T. Charles Erickson Photo
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’s holiday tradition is continuing with their lively production of Charles Dickens’s holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. The same adaptation by Michael Wilson that was staged to acclaim last season is back this year, and it seems to have found a new energy the second time around. With much of the same cast and the same stunning production values, the show carries an enduring message and a spirit that only seems more moving this year.

The story is well-known, following the classic Dickens tale with a few modifications, as the miserly, Christmas-hating Ebenezer Scrooge is confronted by a series of ghosts and forced to come to terms with who he was and what he has become, with the chance of reformation.  The casting is mostly the same as last year, and the players are more effective than ever–with Guiesseppe Jones at the center as Scrooge. Jones is joined again by Armando McClain as Scrooge’s longsuffering but optimistic clerk Bob Cratchit; Michael James Reed in a dual role as Scrooge’s maid Mrs. Dilber and the persistent ghost of his late business partner, Jacob Marley; Laakan McHardy, Paul Aguirre, and Eric Dean White as the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, as well as “real-world” merchants in debt to Scrooge; and a host of others repeating their roles from last year, joined by a few newcomers like Peterson Townsend as Scrooge’s cheerful nephew, Fred, as well as the younger adult version of Scrooge himself. There’s also a vibrant youth ensemble in the child and teen roles, split into two groups performing on alternating nights–I saw the “Green” ensemble.

It’s a strong cast all around, with Jones, Reed, and all three Spirits as the standouts once again, along with McClain’s eminently likable Cratchit, and Townsend making a strong impression as Fred. The Rep is also collaborating with local organizations COCA and Big Muddy Dance Company, along with Webster Conservatory, adding cohesive energy to the ensemble.

The production values are as stunning as ever, with the set design by Tim Mackabee, costumes by Dede Ayite, lighting by Seth Reiser, and projections by Hana Kim all contributing to the alternately dramatic, funny, and truly thrilling tone of the production. There’s also excellent work from composers and sound designers Nathan A. Roberts and Charles Coes as well as music director Tre’von Griffith. The music is a surprisingly effective blend of traditional European folk music, familiar carols, and hip-hop influences including a rap sequence and eye-catching dancing, inventively choreographed by Kirven Douthit-Boyd. 

There have been so many versions of A Christmas Carol over the years, and the material has proven to hold up well in various forms, because the classic themes of generosity, kindness, and redemption endure throughout the generations. With the Rep’s intention of making this show an annual event, I thought it might seem stale doing the same adaptation again, but I was mistaken. In fact, this year’s version is even better than last time. It might be nice to see them change up the  adaptations at some point, but this one works so well with all the performance and technical elements pitched just right. It’s an ideal theatrical start to the holiday season in St. Louis.

Cast of A Christmas Carol
Photo by T. Charles Erickson Photo
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting A Christmas Carol until December 30, 2022

This review was originally published at KDHX

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“Private Lives” is a Witty, Raucus Romp at the Rep

Posted in Snoop's Soapbox, tagged , , , , , , , on October 8, 2022| Leave a Comment »

Private Lives
by Noël Coward
Directed by Meredith McDonough
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
October 7, 2022

Amanda Pedlow, Stanton Nash
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The latest entry in the Rep’s current season is a classic “comedy of manners” from celebrated British playwright Noël Coward. Private Lives is hilarious look at contrasting relationships, as well as marital expectations among the English upper class in the 1930s. As staged by the Rep, it’s a meticulously orchestrated, highly physical romp that brings a great deal of laughter from the audience, thanks to the superb direction and pitch-perfect cast.

As the old saying goes, some couples can’t seem to live with or without one another. One such couple is former spouses Elyot Chase (Stanton Nash), and Amanda Prynne (Amelia Pedlow), who haven’t seen each other for five years until they suddenly find themselves staying next door in the same French hotel on their honeymoons with their respective new spouses, Sibyl Chase (Kerry Warren) and Victor Prynne (Carman Lacivita). While each professes to be devoted to their new spouse at the beginning of the play, once they see one another again, Elyot and Amanda can’t help but be drawn together, despite their volatile, clashing personalities that eventually led to the breakup of their former marriage. Of course, there is the matter of their current spouses, who haven’t previously met but find themselves having to work together to confront Elyot and Amanda, with potentially explosive results. 

This is a show that’s more about the characters and their interactions than the plot. The plot is fairly simple, in fact, but the relationships are anything but simple, as Elyot and Amanda deal with the intense magnetism that drew them together as well as the intense conflicts that drove them apart, and their new spouses have to contend not only with aspects of their partners that they hadn’t seen before, but with their new acquaintances as well, along with their own burgeoning personality conflict. This is a show that highlights Coward’s famous wit, as well as as the intense chemistry and conflict among lovers. It’s also oh-so-British and oh-so-1930s, with sharp humor, a bright, energetic tone, and a few memorable musical moments featuring memorable period tunes. The atmosphere is impeccably maintained, with a richly detailed set by Lex Liang, marvelous costumes by Kathleen Geldard, excellent lighting by Colin Bills, and superb sound design by Lindsay Jones. 

As for the cast, they are stellar, with sizzing chemistry between Nash and Pedlow as the intense, witty, and emotional Elyot and Amanda. These two bring much energy to their roles, and their chemistry is like that of a classic old film pairing. There’s also excellent work from their co-stars, with Warren hilarious as the needy Sibyl and Lacivita comically bewildered as the more strait-laced Victor. When all four are together, the comic energy is especially strong. There’s also a fine performance by Yvonne Woods in a small role as Parisian maid Louise. 

Overall, this is a show that sparkles with comic intensity and expert direction and pacing. It’s also one of those shows that makes me feel for the stage crew, since the beautifully appointed set isn’t so neatly organized by the time our leads get through with it, and each other. I hadn’t seen Private Lives before, but I’m glad this excellent production has been my introduction. It’s a classic comedy of wit, character, and passion, superbly staged at the Rep. 

Kerry Warren, Amelia Pedlow, Stanton Nash, Carman Lacivita
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting Private Lives at COCA’s Catherine B. Berges Theatre until October 23, 2022

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The Rep Opens the Season with Technically Dazzling, Enigmatic “House of Joy”

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , on September 3, 2022| 1 Comment »

House of Joy
by Madhuri Shekar
Directed by Lavina Jadhwani
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
September 2, 2022

Omer Abbas Salem (Center) and Cast of House of Joy
Photo by Eric Woolsey
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Rep is opening its new season with an ambitious new play. House of Joy blends elements of drama, action, romance, and fantasy, with a little humor thrown in for good measure. A lushly appointed period piece set during South Asia’s historic Mughal Empire, this is a fast-moving, emotionally compelling and visually and technically dazzling production, although the plot could use some streamlining and a little more focus. 

The House of Joy of the title is the harem of an unnamed and unseen Emperor. The women of the royal household live here. The rules are that the women can’t leave and men (with exception of the Emperor) can’t enter, but the house’s steward, Salima (Omer Abbas Salem), who describes themself as “both” woman and man, can come and go as they please, and often serves as a source of information about the outside world for the women in the house, especially Princess Noorah (Aila Ayilam Peck), the ambitious daughter of the Emperor and the late Empress. The story’s main focus is essentially on Roshni (Tina Muñoz Pandya), who is fleeing the city after a violent altercation, and is recruited by Salima to fill a vacancy in the harem’s guard unit. Offered some safety and stability, Roshni agrees, and is trained by the guards’ captain, Gulal (Miriam A. Laube) along with other “junior cadets” including the outgoing and determined Hamida (Sumi Yu), who quickly becomes Roshni’s closest friend. Then, the action shifts to a year later, as the newest Queen, Mariyam (Emily Marso) is expecting a baby, who almost everyone is assuming will be the much-desired male heir to the throne. Mariyam, who is still not accustomed to royal life, is hoping for a girl, although she tries to keep that fact to herself, eventually sharing it with Roshni when the two finally meet under initially tense circumstances, and they quickly form a bond that seems to be aided in part by the house itself, which appears on many occasions to have a mind of its own. There’s also political intrigue in the form of Noorah, who has been doing much of the work in running the Empire behind the scenes,  and who harbors resentments toward her father and the new queen, as well as the societal expectations that keep her role in government hidden to the outside world. She sets in motion a plot that drives much of the action, especially in the second act, and loyalties are called into question, as the Empire, the guards, the royal household, and the house itself figure in the unfolding drama as tensions lead to their breaking point.

There’s a lot going on here, and my summary isn’t adequate in describing everything, as is expected since a play is best seen rather than merely described. There’s a degree of “unfolding mystery” here that’s especially intriguing, and some truly compelling characters and situations, but also there seem to be a few too many plots and subplots, and concepts that are brought up but not adequately fleshed-out. Especially as the political plot ramps up in the second act, the story becomes harder to follow, leading up to a somewhat open-ended conclusion that I’m sure is deliberate, but seems overly abrupt. The tone also shifts a bit too much at times, with moments of whimsical, more contemporary-seeming comedy blended with intense drama in ways that come across as jarring at times. It’s also one of those increasingly common period pieces that has the characters speaking in more modern-day language and speech rhythms, which I personally like sometimes and can find jarring at other times, depending on the play, movie, TV show, etc. Here, it mostly works, but there are moments when it can distract a little from the story. 

From a visual and technical standpoint, and in terms of pacing and staging, this show is a stunner. The action moments are truly thrilling, with excellent fight direction by Gaby Labotka, who also serves as the show’s intimacy director. Dahlia Al-Habieli’s detailed set serves as an ideal setting for this story, along with Stefania Bulbarella’s strikingly effective projection design. The set, projections, and the expertly crafted sound design by Pornchanok (Nok) Kanchanabanca work together well to bring this world, and the House of Joy itself, to life in a vibrant way that helps make the setting a character in itself. There are also marvelously detailed costumes by Oona Natesan and evocative choreography by Aparna Kalvanaraman that work well to immerse the show and the audience in the unique world of the play.

The cast is also strong, led by Pandya in a likable, determined performance as Roshni. There are also memorable turns from Salem, who exudes stage presence as Salima; Laube, as the tough but caring Gulal; Marso as the conflicted Mariyam, whose scenes with Pandya are especially convincing; and Peck as the scheming, determined Noorah, who is essentially a “villain”, but Peck’s performance makes her situation credible. The biggest standout, to my mind, is Yu as Hamida, who starts out as something of a comic “best friend” character but goes on a convincing emotional journey through the course of the show, and her friendship with Pandya’s Roshni is thoroughly believable. There’s strong ensemble chemistry all around, and the actors manage to hold attention even as the plot elements get a little confusing at times.

Overall, House of Joy is an entertaining debut for the Rep’s 2022-2023 season. It’s full of intrigue, drama, romance, and humor, even if sometimes the plot can get a little cluttered. It’s still a stunningly realized work, especially in the visual and technical areas, with a strong cast and compelling subject matter. It’s a promising work that could use a little bit of editing, but for now, what’s on stage at the Rep is a compelling, well-cast story that’s worth seeing for the spectacle and memorable cast. 

Emily Marso, Aila Ayilam Peck
Photo by Eric Woolsey
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting House of Joy until September 8, 2022

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The Rep Brings Lots of Laughs With Cleverly Staged “39 Steps”

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on March 31, 2022| Leave a Comment »

The 39 Steps
Adapted by Patrick Barlow
From the Novel by John Buchan
From the Movie by Alfred Hitchcock
Licensed by ITV Global Entertainment Limited
And an Original Concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon
Directed by Kate Bergstrom
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
March 25, 2022

Futaba Shioda, Ryan Colbert, Jimmy Kieffer, Olivia Gilliatt
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The 39 Steps is a popular play, possibly because it’s so deceptively simple, with a small cast and a format that’s conducive to basically any budget. This latest production at the Rep is the fourth production I’ve seen in St. Louis over the last twelve years, including presentations by three different theatre companies. In fact, the first time I saw it was also the first show I saw at the Rep, in 2010. Even though they’ve staged it before, the Rep brings a new, fresh energy to this latest staging, led by a first-rate cast of four flexible and seemingly fearless performers.

I think one of the reasons this show is so popular, with theatre companies and audiences, is that it brings so much with seemingly little. It’s a small cast, and the production values can be as simple or elaborate as the director and company wants, but the true appeal is in the characters, and the energy they bring, with most cast members playing a variety of different characters. In fact, the only cast member who plays the same role throughout is the actor playing Richard Hannay (here played by Ryan Colbert), a Canadian living in London who unwittingly finds himself in the midst of an international espionage plot. After attending a seemingly innocent evening at the theatre, Hannay finds the experience turning ominous as he meets a mystery woman (played by Olivia Gilliatt), who soon ends up murdered in his apartment, but not until after she drops some hints of spies plotting a scheme that threatens to imperil the country in the leadup to World War II. Hannay is then forced to flee for his life, as he is suspected of murder, and along the way he meets a collection of characters from police officers to spies, to Scottish farmers and hotel keepers, as well as theatre performers, and eventually, a woman (also Gilliatt) with whom he becomes entangled (sometimes literally) in the process of trying to stop the plot and clear his name. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed comedy full of memorable characters mostly played by two “Clowns” (Jimmy Kieffer and Futaba Shioda), as well as three memorable women played by Gilliatt, while the hapless Hannay desperately seeks to find answers, and the audience is treated to a hilarious romp through English and Scottish cities, towns, farms, and railways. 

The cast and the staging make this show, and the technical aspects blend seamlessly  with the broad, hilarious performances to make this clever riff on classic spy stories, and particularly the films of Alfred Hitchcock, a treat from start to finish. Director Kate Bergstrom has staged the show with lots of action, and the cast is more than able to keep up, showing great physical comic abilities–and Kieffer and Shioda are especially adept at this. Kieffer and Shioda also show off their versatility in a range of different roles, as does Gilliatt in convincingly portraying three very different women–the mysterious Annabella, the lonely and infatuated Margaret, and the determined Pamela. As Hannay, Colbert shows a convincing blend of dashing charm, stubborn determination, and a little bit of goofy cluelessness. His chemistry with Gilliatt’s Pamela is especially strong.

The physical stunts are also well-staged, with kudos to fight director Michael Pierce. There’s a versatile set by Stephanie Osin Cohen that suggests an old-time theatre stage, but also is especially adaptable as pieces are moved around to form different set pieces as needed. Tilly Grimes’s costumes are also excellent and versatile, and there’s great atmospheric work by lighting designer Christina Watanabe, lending much to the old fashioned spy film look and feel of the show. 

The 39 Steps is popular for good reason. It’s fast-moving, funny, and crowd-pleasing, as well as being clever, witty, and evocative of an earlier era and genre of films. It’s an especially great showcase for an enthusiastic cast, and the Rep definitely has that. It’s an immensely enjoyable show, and the Rep has, once again, staged it with excellence.

Ryan Colbert, Futaba Shioda, Olivia Gilliatt
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting The 39 Steps until April 10, 2022

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