As an aside, this is my first visit back to Everyman Theatre company in Baltimore since before the pandemic's start. And it felt damned good. Everyman is my favorite theatre company in Baltimore. It is a repertory theatre with a very talented stable of 19 actors, many of whom I have also seen perform in productions throughout the region to great acclaim. It is always a delight to find their names among and cast.
As to the story---for anyone else who's never had the privilege--it's an allegory about the neurosis of the American intellectual at the onset of the second World War. Written in three acts which are simultaneously and loosely set in the fictional town of Excelsior, New Jersey with each act occurring at pivotal epochs/moments in life on earth. Timelines are intermingled to the point of being mere scrim upon which the actions, dialogue, and ideas of the characters are stitched. Now, I could be wrong about this, I haven't read any explanation or cliff notes--this is just how upon reflection it seems to me. Those of you who may know the play well, the degree to which I got it right speaks to this fine company of thespians and their power to embody the words and idea of Thornton Wilder low these nearly 80 years hence from their debut.
The historic ideas around which each act revolves include: Act I the advancing of the Ice Age, Act II the Great Flood, and Act III the end of a cataclysmic war. The action write small centers around the Antrobus family (father, mother, son and daughter) and their maid, Sabina. The first and last acts take place in the family home at "216 Cedar Street" (I remember such weird details) and the middle act takes place at Atlantic City on the boardwalk.
The things that really standout, the sets are beautiful and so are the costumes, the lighting and integration of video elements was truly spectacular. Starting acts I and II with grainy projected black & white news casts was a novel touch. The attention to detail of the props and especially a series of four amazing puppets: a baby triceratops, a young mammoth, a mangy dog and human baby were par excellence.
As to the actors. Not a slider in the entire cast. Each member down to the smallest roll was simply put, perfectly who they were meant to be. Several members played multiple parts, even a couple of the principal characters. Two that deserve singling out were Beth Hylton of Mrs. Antrobus and Zach Powell as Henry, her son. Beth demonstrated the power of restraint in her portrayal, so adroitly holding back until the ideal moment to strike and shine. Zach's character in general is supportive throughout the first two acts. In the third act; however, as the instigator of homicide in the world, he really had and seized the opportunity to show us what he's got.
As to the actors. Not a slider in the entire cast. Each member down to the smallest roll was simply put, perfectly who they were meant to be. Several members played multiple parts, even a couple of the principal characters. Two that deserve singling out were Beth Hylton of Mrs. Antrobus and Zach Powell as Henry, her son. Beth demonstrated the power of restraint in her portrayal, so adroitly holding back until the ideal moment to strike and shine. Zach's character in general is supportive throughout the first two acts. In the third act; however, as the instigator of homicide in the world, he really had and seized the opportunity to show us what he's got.
Now, having said two, I claim reviewer's rights to add a third. Felicia Curry in the role of Sabina was really in a class of her own. The role is throughout the binding that brings any semblance of order to the tale. It is also the character that breaks the fourth wall between the happenings on the stage and the audience--a conceit that could have easily become annoying in the hands of a lesser talent--more often than any other in a play where this happens often. She really commanded my attention and then rewarded me richly for my obedience--and did I mention that this play is 3 hours long?
A final word of gratitude--THANK YOU! Everyman Theatre for printing an actual program!
A final word of gratitude--THANK YOU! Everyman Theatre for printing an actual program!
Mammoth puppeteer (Bruce Randolph Nelson), Telegram Deliverer (Danny Gavigan), Triceratops puppeteer ( Helen Hedman), Mrs. Antrobus (Beth Hylton)
Mr. Antrobus (Jeffery A. Russell), Henry Antrobus (Zach Powell), Gladys Antrobus (Deidre Staples), and Mrs. Antrobus
Members of the Ensemble: Back row (Tony Nam, Hannah Kelly, Danny Gavigan), Front Row Act1 Sabina (Felicia Curry), Ensemble members (Helen Hedman and Bruce Randolph Nelson)
Mr. and Mrs. Antrobus
Mrs. Antrobus, Gladys' baby, and Mr. Antrobus
Gladys' baby, puppeteer (Hannah Kelly) and Act III Sabina (Felicia Curry)
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