Corey Tazmania and Melissa Macleod Herion with Pheonix Vaughn looking from behind. Photo courtesy: SuzAnne Barabas
A new play by Victor L.Cahn has opened at Long Branch’s New Jersey Repertory Company theater. The title, Villainous Company: A Caper for Three Women, gives some clues to what the play is about but it also can be interpreted in several different ways. The interesting thoughts created by the words used in the title are only a part of what is in store for audiences who see this show because just when you think you’ve got it figured out, it takes a turn and throws you into an entirely new direction. This ingenious writing style helps make Villainous Company an interesting piece of theater to see.
The story centers on a young woman, Claire, who returns to her home only to realize she left one of her packages back at the store. The room she enters has shelves decorated with beautiful pieces of art, statues, and other precious items. She makes a phone call to a store where she shopped that very day. Claire is certain she left a package with a purchase she made at the cash register and she asks if they have found it. However, they can’t seem to find the package and are confused about her purchase. While still on the phone, there is someone at the door named Tracy who works for the very store Claire was calling. She tells Claire she has found the missing item and is there to return it to her.
The story takes on an uncomfortable feeling as Tracy makes her way uninvited into Claire’s home. Their discussion is interrupted by Joanna who comes in by using her own key indicating she has some sort of ownership to Claire’s home. The three engage in a discussion where eventually Tracy reveals who she really is and by doing so, the other two begin to explain more about themselves. But to say anymore than this would ruin the opportunity to see the plot unfold and to be able to enjoy the twists and turns and surprises it holds.
Corey Tazmania and Pheonix Vaughn – Photo courtesy: SuzAnne Barabas
The three women are played by Melissa Macleod Herion (Tracy), Corey Tazmania (Joanna), and Pheonix Vaughn (Claire). High praise goes to them for fine acting and to Director Suzanne Barabas for working with Mr. Cahn’s well written work to make these characters not only come to life, but to present each one of them as unscrupulous and saving the biggest character surprise until the end. An all woman cast as villains is not something usually seen. This show breaks that tradition quite well.
Corey Tazmania, Pheonix Vaughn and Melissa Macleod Herion Photo courtesy: SuzAnne Barabas
The production team for this show includes Jessica Parks (Set Design & Props), Brian Snyder (Technical Director), Jill Nagle (Lighting Design), Merek Royce Press (Sound Design), Patricia E. Doherty (Costume Design), and Jennifer Tardibuono (Stage Manager).
Villainous Company: A Caper for Three Women is playing now through Sunday, June 5, 2016. Tickets may be purchased by calling 732-229-3166 or at www.njrep.org. Performances take place at the New Jersey Repertory Company, 179 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ.
*theatervisit