The moment I entered the theatre to the spectacle that is Andrew R. Cohen's magnificent sets I thought--this is a set that won't be easy to live up to! However, when you have such a fabulous ensemble of fearless actors, a lesser set would have been unable to contain them.
Within the ensemble was a lovely mix of familiar faces and new talent. Certainly #1 on the list of amazing familiar faces was Maboud Ebrahimzadeh. The man is new and fresh in everything I see him in be it Shakespeare or some lame new work that was, save his presence, abysmal. Here as the star-struck Jerry Wiley who pines away for a fantasy love while his true love is dancing her heart out all around him. Other wonderful recognized players included Dylan Arredondo as Pasquale, and Donna Migliaccio and Julia. Donna brings a presence to every roll that just feels like it was written with her in mind. And Dylan is the very essence of fearless. He grabs the bull by the horns and rides through the China Shop with abandon.
Of the new to me side of the ensemble, two actors stood out. Tina Stafford as Mrs. Wiley was a whirling dervish of delights taking her character from a faux socialite to a conniving mud-wrestler all in the service of her ego--it was delicious. But the super glue at the center of it all was Rachel Felstein as Jo. Everything about her performance from her commit timing and physical slapstick to her operatic vocals was A-#1! At one point the idea of a young Carol Burnett came to mind, such was the genius of her performance.
I cannot recommend this one enough! On stage through March 10th--you DMV-er's have time to put this one in your "win" column.
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