‘Bulldozer: The Ballad of Robert Moses’ Opening Night

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Karen Nowosad

The new Off-Broadway show Bulldozer: The Ballad of Robert Moses opened last night. The show from Bulldozer Partners in association with Aaron Grant Theatrical is a rock musical about Robert Moses. Moses was one of the most polarizing figures in New York political history and was probably the most powerful unelected official ever in the United States. As a “Master Builder,” his projects included Jones Beach, the Verrazano Bridge, the renovation of Central Park in the 1930s, Lincoln Center, all of New York City’s public swimming pools, and the Westside Highway just to name a few.

Bulldozer: The Ballad of Robert Moses features music and lyrics by Peter Galperin who also wrote the show’s book with Daniel Scot Kadin. Karen Carpenter directs the show which features original songs played by a four-piece rock band.

The cast features Constantine Maroulis, as Robert Moses. Wayne Wilcox plays Nelson Rockefeller. Molly Pope plays activist Jane Jacobs. Ryan Knowles plays the Street Musician. Kacie Sheik plays Vera Martin.

Here are some photos taken after the Opening Night performance. Bulldozer: The Ballad of Robert Moses runs at the Theatre at St. Clement’s, 423 West 46th Street, where it will play through Jan. 7, 2018.

All photos are by Lianne Schoenwiesner, Spotlights Photography.

Cast of ‘Bulldozer: The Ballad of Robert Moses’ (left to right) Wayne Wilcox, Molly Pope, Constantine Maroulis, Kacie Sheik, and Wayne Wilcox

(Left to right) Constantine Maorulis, Karen Carpenter, Peter Galperin, Ryan Knowles, Kacie Sheik, Molly Pope, Wayne Wilcox

Aaron Grant Theatrical joined by Constantine Maroulis, Peter Galperin, and Karen Carpenter

Constantine Maroulis

Wayne Wilcox

Molly Pope

Kacie Sheik

Ryan Knowles

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‘An Act of God’ Brings Kathleen Turner to George Street Playhouse

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Karen Nowosad

The legendary Kathleen Turner (God) stars in David Javerbaum’s “An Act of God” at George Street Playhouse with her archangels Stephen DeRosa (left) as Michael and Jim Walton (right) as Gabriel. (Photo by T. Charles Erickson)

Now playing at New Brunswick’s George Street Playhouse through Dec. 23, 2017 is An Act of God. This very funny play stars the legendary Kathleen Turner in the lead role as God. George Street’s own David Saint provides direction for a cast which also includes two archangels: Steven DeRosa as Michael and Jim Walton as Gabriel. Written by David Javerbaum, this play was a major hit on Broadway during 2015 with Jim Parsons and 2016 with Sean Hayes. This version marks a departure from males playing the lead role with Ms. Turner playing the lead part.

An Act of God begins with setting up who’s who is in the show. After a few words about creation, the audience hears that God has decided to come down to New Brunswick.  The twist is that God comes in human form. The audience also hears that tonight that human form is of a woman, the well-known actress, Kathleen Turner. The purpose of God’s coming is to announce a revised set of the Ten Commandments.  In doing this revelation, God answers many of the deepest (and not so deep) questions that have plagued mankind since Creation. Regarding creation, “God” explains that  she wasn’t doing any godding so she decided to create a universe.

Ms. Turner’s comedic timing is impeccable she delivers the lines with absolute certainty in her trademark deep voice. But she also commands the stage when the concerns of mankind are presented. That ability to distinguish the moods of the moments in the show makes her a fascinating performer to watch.

Kathleen Turner (God) Photo Credit:© T Charles Erickson Photography

In addition to the fine acting, there are so many lines in the show that bring the laughter out in the audience. For example, she refers back to the time of Guttenburg inventing the printing press and points to a book that archangel Michael is holding and says “1495 was a time when literacy meant something.” This humor has a good effect since modern technology is mentioned in the show like taking selfies and cell phones. The home crowd appeared to get a kick out of her reference to being in New Brunswick, the home of Rutgers, the only state university that doesn’t include the state’s name they represent in their school title.

As “God” explains the reason for coming down to New Brunswick, we learn that a redo of the 10 Commandments is purpose of the visit. For example, a new commandment is  “Thou shalt not kill in My name.”   God looks at the audience and says “It’s flattering but not needed.” Another very funny one was ” Thou shalt not tell Me what to do.” Examples given included nuances such as sneezing and you say “God bless you.” God replies, “Don’t tell me who to bless!”

Amidst all of the laughter though is another side where the concerns of mankind that have been a part of discussion for centuries are mentioned. How does God explain bad things that happen in the world? And why do people have to suffer? These issues provide some very poignant moments in the show.

If you are open-minded and looking to have a good laugh, this show will fill the bill. There are some topics of an adult nature dealing with sex that would make this a show to keep to mature audiences.

Additional Information about An Act of God:

Running Time: 90 minutes – no intermission

Location: George Street Playhouse, 103 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ on Rutgers University’s Cook Campus

Performances: Now through Dec. 23, 2017

Contact for Info and Tickets: Visit the George Street Playhouse website at www.GeorgeStreetPlayhouse.org, or call the box office at 732-246-7717.

Suggested Audience: Adult subject matter is presented

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Immersive Theater Makes ‘Counting Sheep’ Riveting and Memorable

Posted on December 10, 2017 by Karen Nowosad

the Lemon Bucket Orkestra and some members of the cast of ‘Counting Sheep.’ Photo Credit – Mati Bardosh Gelman

For those who believe that theater can a difference with the way people look at world issues, go see the U.S. premiere of the musical Counting Sheep. If you are not convinced that it can make a difference, then take a chance and go to see it now through its final performance on Sunday, December 17, 2017.  You will come out of that show with a whole new outlook on the power of live theater.

This show will rock you to your core.

Counting Sheep is an immersive theatrical experience which brings audiences inside the heart of the 2013 – 2014 Ukrainian revolution on Maidan Square. Public protests began in Independence Square in Kiev and eventually led to the resignation of Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovych deemed to be embroiled in corruption. Fighting continues to this day. Hundreds of people have been killed.

Counting Sheep is a personal retelling of the uprising that succeeded in toppling the Ukrainian government. Created by Mark Marczyk and Marichka Marczyk, this production is inspired by their own experiences right on the streets during the protests.  Direction is by Kevin Newbury.  The show features a guerrilla folk opera band from Toronto, the Lemon Bucket Orkestra. The songs are sung entirely in traditional Ukrainian polyphony. Even if you don’t speak the language, you will get what is being said by the intense emotion from the performers.

Shows are at 3LD Theater, 80 Greenwich Street, downtown in New York City.  This enormous space provides three walls of wide and tall screens on which actual video footage taken during the protests are shown. There is also a roving videographer who films events taking place during the show and those project as well. Audiences are encouraged to document the revolution so the use of cameras is allowed.

Photo by Karen Nowosad

Tickets are available in two zones: immersive and viewing only.  The immersive ticket includes some food and inclusion in the action of the show. Viewing patrons sit on wooden bleachers along the sides. It is important to note that immersion in this show appears to be very safe and well done. The cast was very gentle working with the crowd and very kind to everyone.  My original plan was to just view since I was writing about the show. But suddenly, I felt compelled to join in and I was readily accepted.

The show begins with a peaceful meal taking place and moves to the beginnings of crowd action in the square. Eventually fighting breaks out and those who elect to be immersive may find themselves helping the cast members to fortify the barricades, throw bricks (not real ones), and even dance at someone’s wedding. The action is nonstop; no intermission. The ending will get you thinking and wondering what a price has been paid.

Photo by Karen Nowosad

The wonderful cast of Counting Sheep features Mark Marczyk, Marichka Marczyk, Dmytro Nechepurenko, Eli Camilo, Jaash Singh, Michael Louis Johnson, Nathan Dell-Vandenberg, Oskar Lambarri, Tamar Ilana, Stephania Woloshyn and Volodymyr Bedzvin.

Performances of Counting Sheep are on Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8PM with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 3PM.

This show is so well done it has to get a future run in New York City. Get to see it while it is still downtown because this could be the next Great Comet theatrical experience. And yes, they, too, serve pierogi that are very good!

Don’t miss it.

To see other photos I took at the performance, visit the Facebook page for Let’s Go to the Theater.

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