Review: ‘I, Snowflake’ by Anthem Theatre Company (Boston, MA)

As part of their “Cabinet of Curiosities” festival, Theatre On Fire and Charlestown Working Theater bring Anthem Theatre Company’s newest play ‘I, Snowflake’ to the stage. It is described as a post-election reaction play, a commedia tragi-farce for the world we now live in. Devised by Anthem Theatre Company, it was conceived, written and directed by Anthem’s Artistic Director Bryn Boice. This play was created out of the results of the ‘Snowflake Questionnaire’ sent out by the theatre company in November of 2016 following the election.

Cast of 'I, Snowflake'. Courtesy Anthem Theatre Company

Scenically minimalistic, the words spoken by the cast are the focus of the play; which allows them to more fully resonate with audience members. The intimate space allowed the audience to become engrossed in the stories being told. Using various theatrical elements including simple movement, music, singing and mime the all-female cast shared the concerns, fears, thoughts and feelings of the many people around the country who participated in the survey. Creatively written and directed by Bryn Boice, the play flowed seamlessly from one subject to the next. Each scene focused on a different issue including the Supreme Court, reproductive rights, violent crime, divided families and more. They were welded together by a recurring theme: the feeling of déjá vu.   

The ensemble includes Leighsa Burgin, Olivia Caputo, Siobhan Carroll, Katie Finkelstein, Caitlyn Jones, Erica Jade Simpson, Sharon Squires, Sylvia Sword and Maryanne Truax. Julee Antonellis, featured as Snowflake, performed almost entirely in mime. Her facial expressions, physicality and interactions with the ensemble were superb. Overall, the cast was wonderfully in-tune with one another, actively listening and reacting to the words spoken by their fellow actors. Their lines, spoken one right after the other or overlapping, kept the pace of the play brisk and the audience engaged. Additionally, with each line they spoke, the actors were believable and seemed to really feel and believe what they were saying. ©

While this interesting and socially relevant new work has completed their three performances, “The Cabinet of Curiosities” festival runs until May 27^th. For more information on these companies and their upcoming productions visit www.anthemtheatre.org, www.charlestownworkingtheater.org and www.theatreonfire.org.

Boston Ballet’s latest triple bill production “Robbins/The Concert” delights audiences (Boston, MA)

Boston Ballet’s latest triple bill production includes a Boston Ballet premiere, a world premiere, and an audience favorite. Each ballet features uniquely beautiful choreography and wonderfully showcases the talented dancers of the company. Conducting the Boston Ballet orchestra, who did a marvelous job with each musical variation, was guest conductor David Briskin.

John Lam and Lia Cirio in George Balanchine's Stravinsky Violin Concerto © The George Balanchine Trust;

photo by Igor Burlak Photography, courtesy Boston Ballet

Opening the production is the Boston Ballet premiere of the “Stravinsky Violin Concerto” which first premiered at the New York State Theater in 1972. It features the music of Igor Stravinsky with choreography by George Balanchine. It is being produced through a special arrangement with The George Balanchine Trust and in accordance with the Balanchine Style® and Balanchine Technique® Service standards as established and provided by the Trust. The ballet included four segments: an opening and a closing with the full cast of dancers, while featuring two couples dancing a pas de deux in the middle two sections. Toccata, the first part, was upbeat with lively dancing by the company. Aria I was beautifully danced by Lia Cirio and John Lam. They had a fantastic partnering connection and were captivating to watch. Aria II highlighted very nice technique from partners Lasha Khozashvili and Seo Hye Han. Capriccio was fantastically flirty and fun. This enjoyable ballet was a great start to the evening.   

Boston Ballet in Jorma Elo's Creatures of Egmont; photo by Igor Burlak Photography, courtesy Boston Ballet

The second piece is a world premiere entitled “Creatures of Egmont” by Boston Ballet resident choreographer Jorma Elo. It features twelve dancers, six men and six women, who are constantly moving. Dancing in this ballet on opening night were, Lia Cirio with Lasha Khozashvili, Misa Kuranaga with Paulo Arrais, Dusty Button with Sabi Varga, Seo Hye Han with Junxiong Zhao, Maria Baranova with Patrick Yocum and Addie Tapp with Drew Nelson. This ballet is physically challenging for the dancers and includes many lifts and flipping of partners, in addition to a myriad of jumps and turns. Each pair of dancers were superbly matched and danced beautifully together. Elo masterfully matched his choreography with the various musical pieces he selected for this ballet. The choreography often featured angular lines paired with both smooth and sharp movement. The dancers all displayed impeccable musicality, technique and understanding of the choreography. Their lines and extensions were exquisite. The overall artistry of this ballet and the dancers within it was outstanding to watch.  

Boston Ballet in Jorma Elo's Creatures of Egmont; photo by Igor Burlak Photography, courtesy Boston Ballet

Jerome Robbins’ “The Concert (Or, The Perils of Everybody)” was a playful, fun, and humorous ballet to end the production. Robbins’ choreography blends nicely with the music by Frederic Chopin and together they delightfully bring a collection of characters and their story to life.  Kathleen Breen Combes, Lasha Khozashvili and Dusty Button led the company with wonderful character roles. Each dancer’s character was specific and clearly portrayed to the audience through their acting and dancing. One standout section was when a group of ballerinas danced with numerous intentional and often comical mistakes. Being able to pull off intentional mistakes while staying in character is much more complicated than it may seem. It takes a lot of talent, technique, focus and teamwork. Their pristine musical timing and perfect facial expressions during this section made their dancing even more enjoyable. The audience clearly enjoyed this ballet as noted by their constant chuckles and by their giving it a hearty standing ovation. ©

Kathleen Breen Combes in Jerome Robbins' The Concert (Or, The Perils of Everybody);

photo by Igor Burlak Photography, courtesy Boston Ballet

This triple bill production is perfect for the dance enthusiast and runs about 2 hours including two intermissions. “Robbins/The Concert” performs at the Boston Opera House (539 Washington St, Boston, MA) through May 27^th rotating with Boston Ballet’s production of “The Sleeping Beauty”. Tickets and more information can be found at www.bostonballet.org or by calling the Box Office at 617-695-6955.

World Premiere of ‘My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend’ at Merrimack Repertory Theatre (Lowell, Ma)

Charissa Bertels in "My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend". Photo by Meghan Moore.

Closing out the season at Merrimack Repertory Theatre is the world premiere production of ‘My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend’ conceived and performed by Charissa Bertels, with book and lyrics by Christian Duhamel, and music and lyrics by Edward Bell. It’s the story of an actress, Charissa, and her much older companion, Milton, from whom she learns so much.  Its message is one of acceptance, personal growth, and the power of honest human connections and relationships. The detailed and creative lighting design by Brian J. Lilienthal paired nicely with the scenic design by Neil Patel. Additionally, it was wonderfully connected to the music and script, accenting and highlighting many moments throughout. Directed by Sean Daniels and with music directed by Kevin David Thomas, this one-woman-show features a variety of musical numbers, including up-tempos and ballads, each showcasing Bertels’ impeccable vocal abilities.

It didn’t take long for Bertels’ presence and fantastic, comedic story telling ability to enthrall the audience. Over the next 90 minutes the audience was in the palm of her hand, laughing at the witty one-liners, getting choked up during the more emotional scenes and songs, and thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. Her portrayal of Milton, his characteristics and voice, and her facial expressions and reactions as Charissa to his blunt and often times amusing comments were perfectly timed. With every song she displayed believable sincerity. Her powerful and incredible vocal range was highlighted in each song making it difficult to choose a favorite number. “What a View”, early in the show, was performed with genuine excitement and thrill. Just as “My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend” and “Together With You” were lighthearted and fun, “The Love Left Behind” and “Our Time” were tenderly moving and tear-jerking.

Within seconds of singing her final note in “What Counts” the audience leapt to their feet with robust applause and cheers giving Bertels a long-lasting standing ovation that was entirely well deserved. This touching and humorous musical is bound to not only tug at your heartstrings, but make you laugh and send you out of the theatre smiling. This new musical is a must see this May and Charissa Bertels’ performance is not to be missed! ©  

Charissa Bertels in "My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend". Photo by Meghan Moore.

Running around 90 minutes with no intermission, “My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend” plays at Merrimack Repertory Theatre, located at 50 East Merrimack Street Lowell, MA, with performances Wednesday through Sunday until May 21^st, 2017.  Tickets range from $70-$26 with discounts available for groups, students, seniors, Lowell residents, and military service members. To purchase tickets or find more information visit www.mrt.org or call 978-654-4678.