Premier Stages ‘Water by the Spoonful’ Will Tear at Your Heart

Posted on July 20, 2016 by Karen Nowosad

Playing through July 31, 2016 at Premiere Stages in Union, NJ

The Premiere Stages launched their 2016 – 2017 with the New Jersey premier of the Pulitizer Prize winning drama Water by the Spoonful. At last Friday’s Opening Night, Producing Artistic Director John J. Wooten welcomed the audience with some very thoughtful reflections on the role of theater in society. He said that there is power in theater being able to address social issues and changes in society. After attending the performance that evening, it can be said that the play bears witness to his words.

Written by Quiara Alegría Hudes, Water by the Spoonful was the winner of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The story revolves around a family who has been pulled apart by drug addiction. Odesssa Ortiz struggles daily to keep her addiction to crack under control by facilitating an online support group. Clever staging allows actors to provide the lines they have typed into the threads of the support group site where they go by their screen names: Orangutan, Chutes & Ladders, and Fountainhead. Their online interactions create a virtual family which eventually leads to several meetings between the members.

Odessa’s son, Elliot Ortiz, is an Iraq war veteran who has returned to his hometown of Philadelphia. His combat experiences have led him to have nightmares and signs of PTSD. His distain for his mother comes out when his aunt with whom he lives dies and he visits his mother to get money from her for flowers for the funeral. His aunt (who we never see in the play) was a legend in the Puerto Rican community where the family grew up and lives for all the good things she did. His mother, whose addiction tore the family apart, is a stark contrast to the good lady who died. Another character is Yasmin Ortiz who is Elliot’s cousin. She has worked hard, studied in school, graduated and now works as a professor at a local college. Her love and care for Elliot help him to eventually face the ghosts that are haunting him.

The intimate size of the Zella Fry Theatre provides an opportunity for audiences to experience this play in a very powerful way. There is more to the plot that has to be seen acted out and there are scenes in this show that will rip your heart out. Great care has been given to detail and emotion that is captured by the actors. One of those scenes occurs towards the end of the show when Odessa is struggling to regain herself after a slip back into drugs.

Zuleyma Guevara as Odessa and Zack Calhoon as Fountainhead in the Premiere Stages production of Water by the Spoonful by Quiara Alegría Hudes. Photo by Steve Hockstein/Harvard Studio.

Zuleyma Guevara as Odessa and Zack Calhoon as Fountainhead in the Premiere Stages production of Water by the Spoonful by Quiara Alegría Hudes. Photo by Steve Hockstein/Harvard Studio.

As shown in the photo, she is being cared for by Fountainhead. Although another scene is being played out on the other side of the stage, audience members just have to glance over at this bathing scene taking place to see the complete emersion into the moment that is taking place. It is a moment that will tear at your heartstrings and long be remembered.

This production is directed by Kel Haney. The professional company of actors provide characters who are very real and who touch the souls of those experiencing this play. The company includes Zack Calhoon (Fountainhead), Sean Carvajal (Elliot Ortiz), Zuleyma Guevara (Odessa Ortiz), Kana Hatakeyama (Oranguttan), Ethan Hova (Professor Aman/Ghost/Policeman), Jamil A. C. Mangan (Chutes & Ladders), and Emma Ramos (Yasmin Ortiz).

About the Show:

Running Time: Approx. 2 hours with one intermission
Location: The Zella Fry Theatre on the Kean University main campus in Union, NJ
Performances: Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 3:00 and 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm. Through July 31, 2016.
Contact for Info and Tickets: Tickets are $30 standard, $20 for senior citizens and Kean alumni, and $15 for students and patrons with disabilities. Significant discounts for groups of 8 or more apply. To make reservations or to order a season brochure, please call the Kean Stage Box Office at 908-737-SHOW (7469) or visit Premiere Stages online at www.kean.edu/premierestages.
Suggested Audience: Mature teens – adult. This show will be of special interest to those who follow the concerns of the military’s needs particularly with PTSD. Also, theater goers who are interested in addiction recovery and education.
Additional Information: Audience members are invited to further engage with the issues raised by Ms. Hudes’ thought-provoking play through Premiere Stages’ 2016 Talk-Back Series, which offers free post-show discussions with community leaders and local experts after select matinee performances. The theatre’s first talk-back, focusing on Recovery & Education (Sunday, July 17 at 3:00 pm), will feature Sabrina Sabater, Recovery Counselor, and Morgan Thompson, Recovery Mentor/Outreach Coordinator, for the Raymond J. Lesniak ESH Recovery High School in residence at Kean University, as well as Christopher Freeman, Community Recovery Supervisor for The College of New Jersey. Additional topics and dates include Water by the Spoonful in Rehearsal & Performance with Ms. Haney (Sunday, July 24 at 3:00 pm), and Technology & Community Building (Saturday, July 30 at 3:00 p.m.) with Dr. Mary Chayko, Director of Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies at Rutgers University’s School of Communication and Information.

Premiere will also offer a series of informal pre-show talks every Saturday evening 45 minutes prior to performance in the lobby of the theatre.

Please call 908-737-4092 for a list of sign-interpreted, audio-described or open-captioned performances. For more information, visit Premiere Stages online at www.kean.edu/premierestages.

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The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ’s ‘Coriolanus’ is Dynamic, Powerful, and Timely

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Karen Nowosad
'Coriolanu' is playing through July 24 at The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ - Photo by Jerry Dalia

‘Coriolanu’ is playing through July 24 at The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ – Photo by Jerry Dalia

A leader of troops returns from a great battle to his home city as a hero. He is granted a valued position in the leadership ranks, but a faction who also wants power turns the people against him. Does this sound like modern day news? It certainly could be. However, this is the basic scenario that guides the plot of the play Coriolanus written by William Shakespeare. The insights about human needs for power haven’t changed much since it was written in the 1500’s including the personalities and what one will do to achieve that power. I came away with a greater appreciation for Shakespeare’s ability to identify and write about people, their humanity and their failings which are universal.

Playing until July 24 on the Kirby Stage in Madison of the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Coriolanus is classified as one of the Bard’s Tragedies. This is not a play that is frequently performed but it really should be because there is just something so unique, something so special about this play that makes it stand out. This particular production which is directed by Brian B. Crowe, has some fine elements to it that make it a must see show this summer.

Photo by Jerry Dalia

Photo by Jerry Dalia


One of those elements that gives a unique flair to the entire production is the 20th century modern costuming and use of props. The dresses on Coriolanus’ family are soft flowing. Darker colors are used for the mass crowds. Modern utensils are seen used by the tribunes that include clipboards and speakers. The sets are quite sparse but very functional and great use is made of the entire theater space which at times makes the audience feel that they are actually in the play itself.

Photo by Jerry Dalia.

Photo by Jerry Dalia.

The plot is based on the story of the downfall of famed Roman General Caius Martius Coriolanus. It is not a highly complex piece to follow as the story has several main parts that are developed. As the play opens, angry citizens of Rome have gathered to voice their concerns that the leaders of Rome are hoarding food during a time of famine. As Menenius Agippa tries to appease them, Martius enters. He quickly leaves as word of incoming armies is heard. Bravely, he charges out gets his soldiers and an intense battle occurs which he wins. The battle scene’s intensity is increased as incoming armies race down the theater aisles and powerful sword fights take place on stage. Walls close and open to add to the stress of the moment and finally, Caius Martius can claim his victory over his enemy, the Volscians, led by Tullus Aufidius. This battle scene is in the very early part of the play yet it is one of the most dynamic parts of the play for its action and perfectly executed battle and sword fighting choreography.

Photo by Jerry Dalia

Photo by Jerry Dalia

Upon his return, Caius Martius, who beomes known as Coriolanus, is welcomed back as a hero and his family, particularly his mother, Volumnia, who encourages him to seek political authority. This opens an interesting part of the Caius Martius’ persona, that of being a man who has two sides within him struggling for control. He wants power and yet he is insecure at the same time. His family is the strength in his life and his mother seems to be a force to be reckoned with. With their encouragement, he meets with the Senate who agrees to make him a consul, but he must first submit himself for the public’s approval. Here is where we can really see parallel to current day when the tribunes, who are representatives of the common people, stir up the populace. Their scheming to cut the public support of Caius is overwhelming and he does not receive the support he needs. And although he won a great battle for them, he is branded a traitor and exiled from Rome. After a final plea from his mother, he attempts one more time to regain political power, only to be killed in the end.

The story unfolds through the fine acting of a large cast that includes Nobles of Rome, Commoners of Rome, and The Volscians. A special mention goes to the following whose roles are so pivotal to the plot. Leading the cast as Coriolanus is Greg Derelian who turns in a standout performance of a complex man. The role of his mother, Volumnia, is played by Jacqueline Antaramian who demonstrates how forcefully in a quiet way a mother can influence her son. Bruce Cromer plays Menenuis Agippa, a patrician. Mr. Cromer successfully shows how loyalties can switch rapidly. In the roles of the Tribunes are John Ahlin and Corey Tazmania whose deceptive campaign to discredit Coriolanus is so well presented that it makes the final turns of the plot easy to understand but not necessarily to be pleased with the results.

Additional Information about Coriolanus:

Location: The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Ave. (at Lancaster Road), Madison, NJ
Tickets and Info Contact: Call the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org
Special Ticket Pricing: 30 Under 30 Program
Suggested Audience: Early teens – adults
Dates: July 6 – July 24, 2016
Post-Show Symposium Performances: July 12 at 7:30 p.m.; July 16 at 2:00 p.m. July 23 at 2:00 p.m.
Know the Show: July 14 at 7:00 p.m. and curtain at 8:00 p.m.

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New Play ‘Struck’ Explores Questions about Life and Issues from the Past

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Karen Nowosad
Adam Bradley, Susan Maris, Matthew Shepard and Jenny Bacon in 'Struck'- Photo by Suzanne Barabas

Adam Bradley, Susan Maris, Matthew Shepard and Jenny Bacon in ‘Struck’- Photo by Suzanne Barabas

The New Jersey Repertory Company introduced the play, Struck, on June 30th. Written by Sandy Rustin, Struck is enjoying its World Premiere at the Long Branch theater which continues to produce new, high quality works, providing an entertaining visit to the theater. The play, which is directed by Don Stephenson, has a plot based on actual events that happened to the playwright. It also brings in a topic that was publicized recently in the media about returning artifacts stolen from Jews by the Nazis during World War II.

The events experienced by the playwright took place over a period of several months. Ms. Rustin was struck while in a car several times. It got her thinking about whether the universe wanted her to “wake up and pay attention to something” (quote from an interview in NJJN). The question became does the universe have forces at work or is it just random cells bumping into each other? This question becomes the basis of the action that takes place in Struck when Vera Resnick gets hit by a bicycle on the streets of New York City. She has some bad bruises on her legs and her back is out of alignment, but other than that, she survives very well. So well that she decides to call the man who was riding the bike that hit her. The young man, James, is relieved to hear that she is doing fairly well. He pays her a visit and through several discussions, Vera and James discover they are related. Or so it seems.

The focus of the play then moves from the accident to the topic of artifacts stolen from the Jews by the Nazis. However, to tell how and why that occurs would be exposing too much before seeing the play. Suffice it say that the unfolding of that part of the plot is very well written, very well performed, and a bit startling as it unfolds.

Adam Bradley, Susan Maris, and Jenny Bacon

Adam Bradley, Susan Maris, and Jenny Bacon – Photo by Suzanne Barabas

The storyline alone is a good reason to go to see Struck. Add to that a cast that is marvelous playing their roles and you have the makings of a show that is destined to make a name for itself. Susan Maris portrays Vera as a very open minded soul who is willing to get to know people and add them to her life. Maris does a fine job showing how the injuries from the accident have affected her body but not her zest for life which is the key to her happiness. Adam Bradley plays Vera’s husband, Nate. He is centered, balanced, and more than willing to do whatever he needs to do to make his wife feel comfortable and safe in their world. He is a devoted husband and his portrayal shows an inner strength of the character that probably helps Vera to be able to do some of the things she does.

Susan Maris, Jenny Bacon, and Ben Puvalowski - Photo by Suzanne Barabas

Susan Maris, Jenny Bacon, and Ben Puvalowski – Photo by SuzAnne Barabas

The role of Vicky, the neighbor from down the hall, is played by Jenny Bacon. Ms. Bacon has a wonderful sense of comedy and good timing that allows the Vicky character to inject some much needed humor at times. Her work with metaphysics fits in well with the concept of why accidents occur and then she shifts her psychic leanings to focus more on Vera. Special applause go out to Ben Puvalowski whose portrayal of the bicyclist, James, is very convincing. He moves his portrayal of James, a quiet, concerned young man who feels badly about hitting Vera into an entirely different character right before your eyes. This character is not pretty or nice. But he pulls it off well. There is also another character, Bertrand, played by Matthew Shepard, who doesn’t come into the action until towards the end of the play. His role provides a marvelous way to tie up loose ends and show the hope for the future for Vera and Nate.

Struck will play at New Jersey Repertory Company theater at 179 Broadway in Long Branch through July 31, 2016. Tickets are available www.njrep.org or by calling 732-229-3166.

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