Island City Stage starts its lucky 13th season with a new adaptation of the longest running musical in history.
This new adaptation makes the main couple two young men and the parents plotting to get them to marry mothers instead of fathers. The revision gives to life to an old chestnut and makes some of the dated original lines about “a gay life” inside jokes. Director Andy Rogow has added another layer to the production mirroring the opening with closing in a theater, that is tied together perfectly at the end of the show. To say any more than that would ruin it. So I’ll leave it at that, except to say, that the direction overall is a triumph for Rogow and should garner him plenty of awards this season. His choices make some of the more dated parts palatable (although marrying off a 16-year-old boy still doesn’t sit well, perhaps the character should be made at least 18). The cast is phenomenal across the board. Louis San Luis brings incredible depth and expression to his mute character. Jonny Lee Jr. and Kevin Hinscape are strong as the young couple and Jesse Luttrell’s El Gallo has the voice and all the charisma the role calls for. Jeni Hacker and Margot Moreland as the plotting mothers are a delight, and Michael Gioia and Rayner Gabriel steal their scenes as a pair of hammy actors. This is a strong start for Island City’s season and a must-see show.
“The Fantasticks”
Island City Stage
Through Nov. 17
Slow Burn Theatre kicked off its 15th season in style with a terrific production of “The Witches of Eastwick.” The Broadway level production features a terrific ensemble, talented stars in the lead roles, each more than up to the task, and a gorgeous set. The less said about the costuming the better (some of the “gowns” looked like rejects from the bridesmaids’ rack at Ross for Less, and Felicia Gabriel’s housecoat-ugh!). Patrick Fitzwater’s direction is everything you’d want it to be, in that you don’t notice anything until your jaw drops. I just wish all this effort was put into a script and score that was worthy of the talent being expended. Slow Burn’s mission is to showcase less often produced works. Sometimes there’s a reason that shows aren’t often produced. This show is a stinker and no matter how much you polish this rock, it ain’t gonna be a jewel.
“The Witches of Eastwick”
Slow Burn Theatre Co.
Through Nov. 3
