‘Hans Christian Andersen – Tales Real & Imagined’

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Karen Nowosad
Playing at The Duke, W. 42nd St NYC

Hans Christian Andersen is long time beloved writer of some of most famous fairy tales of all time. Maybe I never grew up because I still love hearing the tales of this great writer. “The Princess and the Pea” and “The Ugly Duckling” are some of his most famous works. A new play, Hans Christian Andersen Tales Real & Imagined, produced by The Ensemble for the Romantic Century, looks at his life. The play does a marvelous job of showing how autobiographical Andersen’s writings are. His fairy tales cross boundaries of age, nationality, and beliefs. They also are a reflection of a man who had a lot of disappointments and discontent with himself. And yet, he was able to leave the world over 3,000 tales which bring joy to many.

Written by Eve Wolf, Executive Artistic Director of Ensemble for the Romantic Century, the play delves into the life of Hans Christian Andersen giving theater goers an opportunity to explore influences that fueled his creativity.The story is told though acting, puppetry, and classical music. The play is well designed with the right amount of each of the these components used.

The story is sad and it has some shocking moments. So warning: this is not a play for young children. It is a sad but realistic look at a writer whose talent brings magic moments to many who read his tales.

How the Story is Told

The play explores how Andersen’s complicated personal life inspired so many of his tales. Jimmy Ray Bennett plays the title role. The unraveling of this complicated tale begins with the character Hans Christian Andersen trying to summarize his life. He says it was a happy one.

Donald T. Sanders, ERC Director of Theatrical Production, directs the play which seems pleasant enough as that happy idea begins the show and we see how The Princess and the Pea comes to be. However, as the story continues, the young Andersen is shown as pretty much of a failure in school activities. His attempts at being an actor fail as his ability to write begins to come into his life.

Eventually he meets Edward played by Daniel Moody and at some performances Randall Scotting. Edward does not return the love Andersen desires, however, their attachment as friends remains for many years. He has relationships with other men and women, none of which work out. None are as important as Edward throughout his life. The Edward character is a Countertenor who sings several very powerful songs throughout the show.

After his rejection from Edward, Andersen appears to get his life in order and begins to become very successful as he acquires fame and fortune. As the play continues, we learn how poor he truly was as a child and the fate of his family who he appears to have deserted. Although he had wealth and fame, this part of his life seems to haunt him. Even in death, it seems he could not properly be situated. All in all, a very difficult life.

And yet all of this is critical to understand how autobiographical Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales really are. For example, in the scene right before intermission we see the creation of the little mermaid and the symbolism that he is basically a fish out of water as his friend Edward is to be married off.

“I am the water in which everything is mirrored. Often it gives me joy and blessings, but at times it is my torment. What a strange being I am!”

This quotation written by Hans Christian Andersen as a diary entry appears in the program’s Musicology Notes. It truly summarizes what the play tries to show about this man. Despite adversity, we see a man who gave a tremendous literary legacy to the world through his writing. The characters and tales he created bring joy and enhanced imagination to all who read and enjoy his stories.

Artistic Aspects of the Show

In addition to the acting, the play features puppet artists Craig Marin & Olga Felgemacher, founders of Flexitoon, one of the world’s most celebrated puppet production companies. The puppets used provide a variety of vividly designed characters to bring the story to new levels.

One of the most poignant puppets is a very small clown who represents Andersen. It has such a tragic little face on it and the movements are so sincere that you just feel sympathy for him as he goes through so much.

The movement provided by the puppet artists make the puppets seem to come alive at times. There are also very large ones which represent characters with oversized parts of personalities. The intermingling of the puppets with the actors provides a unique effect that adds a lot to the story telling and also emotion of the tale itself. In the early part of the play, scenes of his lack of success as a student are performed. Everything he attempts fails. To emphasize how defeated he felt, a very large headed puppet is used to represent the headmaster. This man is critical of him because Andersen is creating his own written work rather than adhering to the curriculum. The use of this puppet allows the audience to get a better feel of what Andersen might have experienced during that degrading time.

The Music

Another artistic aspect of the show is the music which complements and gives a better understanding of the action taking place. The music of Henry Purcell and Benjamin Britten is used in a variety of scenes throughout the play. Max Barros and Carlos Avila are on pianos along with percussionist Shiqi Zhong. The presence of these performers with their instruments on stage is always a highlight of The Ensemble’s shows and this one continues that grand style.

Additional Information

Show Running Time: Approximately 2 hours with one intermission

Performances: Limited Run – Now through May 25, 2019.

Tickets: Can be purchased online at Dukeon42.org; by phone at 646-223-3010; or in person at The Duke on 42nd Street at 229 West 42nd Street.

For more information: Visit romanticcentury.org

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‘The Brothers Paranormal’ A Startling Story

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Karen Nowosad
A scene from ‘The Brothers Paranormal’ at the Beckett Theatre. (l. to r.) Roy Vongtama , Vin Kridakorn , Dawn L. Troupe, and Brian D. Coats – Photo credit John Quincy Lee

Review – The Brothers Paranormal

The Brothers Paranormal is in its World Premiere at New York City’s Theatre Row. It is part of the Pan Asian Repertory’s 42nd Season. It is a ghost story with some tense scenes where an actor plays an apparition who does mean things. But the play has a lot more to it than a paranormal story. It probes into some issues that are often overlooked in today’s world. This review discusses only a few of those issues. Certain pieces of these issues need to be seen as they are revealed in the play to get the full impact.

The story is well thought out and written by playwright Prince Gomolvilas. He creates a story that is both appealing and surprising all in one show. He develops the characters slowly so that the role they play in the story comes out a step at a time. But as this happens, a light of recognition of the significance of their characterization brings in new understanding of what is taking place.

I’m one of those people who closes their eyes while watching a scary movie either on television or in a movie house when something frightening happens! But I always am assured that the screen is between me and the action. However that was not the case with The Brothers Paranormal. This show makes you feel like you are actually involved with apparitions and the spirit world beyond. It was only as the real story was revealed in the second act that I started to feel relaxed in my seat which was very close to the side curtain. I was on my guard that something might jump out there that I wasn’t expecting. What would have happened? Nothing except that my own sense of control might get loosened. And that is a good result of what this play does; it allows you to be open to issues that are “haunting” our society today. It won’t hurt you, it will let you look at them and gain some knowledge of their existence.

The Story

With direction by Jeff Liu, a strong cast of characters bring this impactful story to life. The cast includes Brian D. Coats as Felix, Natsuko Hirano as Jai, Vin Kridakorn as Max, Emily Kuroda as Tasanee, Dawn L.Troupe as Delia, and Roy Vongtama as Visarut.

The Brothers Paranormal begins with an appearance by a crazed “ghost” or apparition appearing on the stage which creates a stir right from the start. When the lights come on, the first brother, Max, is speaking to Delia. Max is from a family with a Thai background and Delia is African American woman. She has come to him to seek relief from a ghost who is haunting her in her home. Max is the salesperson for a business he and his brother Visarut run designed to investigate paranormal incidents.

Max tells Delia that he was friends with a boy at a summer camp who it turned out died 2 years before in the camp’s pool. He tells her this to get her thinking he has the ability to see the dead. She is reluctant so he tells her his job is to debunk ghost ideas. But he tells her this to prepare her for the truth. He next says there is something in her eyes that tells him this is real. She decides to hire him. She doesn’t want to be run out of her house. She and husband left their home because of Katrina and she doesn’t want to have to leave this home now too.

After Delia leaves, brother Visarut tells Max his story about the boy is from a Thai movie. He says that he conned her to which Max explains he had to do it to make his first sale in 6 months. They need the money.

The brothers arrive at the home of Delia and Felix, her husband, equipped with light sensitive camera equipment and audio taping methods. They set up the equipment and wait for an appearance. The ghost appears and but only Delia sees her. The scene is treacherous as the spirit unleashes her fury. As things settle down, Felix says he wants to speak with Max as he has some information he needs to know because they may be in danger. That conversation never takes place as Felix is hurt by the ghost and the first act ends.

Running along side of the story of Delia and Felix and the ghost is the story about Max and his family. His mother, Tasanee, is seen at several points during the show. She has conversations with Max trying to help him gain a better understanding of the Thai culture. Max is a child of Asian born parents who was born in the United States. His brother was born in Thailand and suffers the same feelings of being an outsider as his mother does. Although Max has the advantages of a fine college education, he lives with his mother and brother; both of whom had difficulties the previous year. There is no doubt that he cares deeply about both of them.

As discussions continue, Tasanee explains to Max that moving to U.S. was hard for her. Eventually Max realizes that she has been suffering from depression. He says Asian American women have the highest suicide rates. And from that, he is able to process some difficult concepts.

The play ends on a most unexpected note. A connection forms during the show between Max and Delia and it is furthered at the end. But there are many revelations before that happens. You need to see this show to find out what they are.

Themes Underlying the Story

Playwright Gomolvilas explains that the play has disparate themes: “the trauma of displacement (from one’s country of origin, from post-Katrina New Orleans, from the corporeal world); the high incidence of mental health issues among Asian immigrants; and the different ways in which people cope with incredible loss.”  All of these are covered throughout the story and they weave all together.

Press notes include this quote from Director Jeff Liu about his thoughts on the play. “It is also a drama about how we deal with grief, complicated by family legacies of mental illness and depression.  It‘s about two unlikely heroes, both members of embattled minorities in this country, who find a way to connect and support each other through the worst that life has to offer.”

The Brothers Paranormal gives an intense visit to the theater. It explores the horror genre involving ghosts and the supernatural But it also is an insightful look at how people deal with loss particularly that of their home. This show is a good one to see.

Additional Information About the Show

Running Time: Approx. 2 hours with one 10 minute intermission

Location: Beckett Theatre at Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd Street, New York City

Performance Schedule: Tuesday – Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The show runs through May 19, 2019.

To Get Tickets and More Information: Tickets may be purchased at www.telecharge.com, (212) 239-6200, or by visiting the box office.  Group, senior and college discounts are available at www.TelechargeOffers.com.

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‘Too Heavy for Your Pocket’ a Moving Drama

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Karen Nowosad
Too Heavy for Your Pocket GSP 4-19 050Too Heavy for Your Pocket, by JirÈh Breon Holder, directed by LA WilliamsGeorge Street Playhouse 4/21/19Set: Wilson ChinCostumes Asa BenallyLights Jason LyonsSound: Chris Lane Photo Credit: T Charles Erickson© T Charles Erickson Photographytcepix@comcast.net

Now playing at New Brunswick’s George Street Playhouse is the drama Too Heavy for Your Pocket. The play by Jiréh Breon Holder runs though May 19 and also marks the final show at the interim location at Rutgers’ Cook Campus.

Under the direction of LA Williams, Too Heavy for Your Pocket follows two couples who live in Nashville, Tennessee in the Summer of 1961. Both couples are hard working and striving to improve their lives. The play opens as Sally-Mae Carter, played by Joniece Abbott-Pratt, is graduating from a beauty school. Landon G. Woodson plays her husband, Tony Carter. He is very proud of his wife’s accomplishment and makes sure to let her know this.

Also coming to the graduation are the Carter’s friends Bowzie and Evelyn Brandon. As Donnell E. Smith plays Bowzie, the first signs of his discontent become apparent as the play has several solo scenes where he is outside thinking and then showing strong reaction. This discontent is an important feature of the first act because it leads to his leaving a promising college career with scholarships funding his way. Felicia Boswell plays Evelyn Brandon, who works as a singer. She is proud of all the accomplishments around around her but still looks for her place in life.

The first part of the play is light-hearted and fun to watch as the two couples interact and prepare to go to Sally-Mae’s graduation. Little secrets begin to reveal as Tony brings out a box from under the refrigerator and gives Bowzie some money and Bowzie’s outdoor thinking scenes. So between these pieces, the scene is set for the major concentration of the action.

As the play progresses, more comes out about each person and each couple. The Carters have gone through marital infidelity from Tony and Sally-Mae is reluctant to trust him. Evelyn wants to believe in Bowzie but when she becomes pregnant, she doesn’t tell him widening the gap between the two.

The Underlying Issue

The play is a commentary on how the Civil Rights issues of the day were affecting people of color at that time. The chance for Bowzie to go to college tuition free is celebrated. However, one stumbling block comes in immediately: he must pay for a remedial summer course he must take in the summer before he enters the school. Money is tight and that point is not given much emphasis. But, he appears make it into school and then decides to leave it all and join The Freedom Riders.

Bowzie joins them and is arrested and put in jail. In the second act, the focus comes to rest on his letters that he reads aloud as they are sent to Sally-Mae. The letters are rough to hear as the conditions the arrested are living under are terrible. It is through those letters that the audience learns more about that time period, so critical in the history of Civil Rights.

Eventually, Bowzie learns that Evelyn is expecting a child and he makes a decision that might surprise some. That decision shows a very humanistic side that people who were involved with the movement faced. Decisions about how to live one’s life while fighting for the causes of freedom underlies all the action of the play. The Freedom Ride movement affects all of the characters of the story and this is well played out in the second act.

Strengths of the Play

Too Heavy for Your Pocket is well staged with a strong cast. The acting of the four characters is powerful including many times that is heartbreaking. The references to the needs of the couples and the effects of the bigotry of the day on them is crucial to all of their lives. This comes through very well. Lighting is well used to allow movement between scenes to happen very easily. The play has all the important ingredients needed for a moving drama. The only criticism might be that the first act gets a little slow in the middle. But then, as Bowzie makes his decision to go out with the Freedom Riders, the pace picks up. However, that might be viewed as how life really does move along.

Historic Views of The Freedom Riders

The Freedom Riders were Civil Rights activists who rode interstate buses into segregated states in the south beginning in 1961. Their goal was to challenge the non-enforcement of the Supreme Court decisions about busing. George Street Playhouse does an outstanding job of providing the audience with materials to read about the Freedom Ride Movement. I highly encourage anyone going to see this show to go to the cafe area and see the display created for this show. Seeing this first helps give a better understanding of the underlying issue upon which this play is based.

Additional Information

Too Heavy for Your Pocket runs now though May 19, 2019 at George Street Playhouse. The location is on Rutgers’ Cook Campus, 103 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ.

The running time for the show is about 2 hours with one 15 minute intermission.

The show is especially recommended for those who like plays with historic basis and dramas.

For tickets, call 732-246-7717 or visit georgestreetplayhouse.org.

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