WHAT: The Stand
WHERE: Players' Ring in collaboration with Acting Out Productions Of Newburyport
BLURB: The premier of a truly smart and moving play by Jack Neary. Go!
HIGH POINT: The incredible performances. Go!
TL:DR: Funny, and heartbreaking, with memorable performances. Go!
It's a two, big thumbs-up for The Stand, by Jack Neary, making its debut at the Ring.
Oh, yes; this one is going to getcha good, lead you down a windy path and then deliver the promised smackdown.
Most patrons will find themselves uncomfortable somewhere along the line, and deeply affected, though not always by the same character as someone else. Stand is like that, divisive, like its characters.
The script, for the most part, is tooled exceptionally well, the conversations are honest if not disturbing. Neary weaves a carefully weighted and perceptive humor through much of the time-relevant piece, lulling the viewer as he trickles in the discomfort, and lets the tensions gain deeper and deeper footing.
Okay, the script's ending could use some attention. It's not what's said but how - it's a tad heavy handed. Still, this doesn't come close to taking from the piece - its smart writing, incredible humor and judicious plot parceling.
It's set field-side, on the bleachers where relatives sit to watch their kids practice and play baseball. (On occasion, lighting implies a second location where each responds to questions presented by an implied character.)
It's a motley collection of individuals, four longstanding viewers, and two newcomers, whose kids just joined the team.
The people and their sensibilities are as broad a collection as is found. There's Grandma Gena (Trish Aponte) and Frankie (David Sullivan), her adult son. Gena is a throwback from another, and uglier era, Frankie a more gentle soul. Prissy (Jocelyn Duford) is a real piece of work that loves to stir the pot. Dale (Kate Gilbert), the last of the regulars, is a no-nonsense, everyday, pal next door, with a touch of hutzpah. The newcomers are the refined, and perceptive Tess (Tara Johns) and the psychoanalyst Megan (Ashley Risteen) , a gentle soul.
The show's humor is derived from the play-off between the incredibly distinct, rich, authentic, and for good or bad, recognizable personalities.
As their takes on the games, their exchanges, and relationships develop, its apparent something big is budding. You're hooked, waiting for the clues in the next exchange that could lead to the driving-force as the unease increases.
The payoff might not be exactly as expected.
In a word, the ensemble is outstanding. You're going to hate some and love others - but it's the excellent performances that make it so.
Though tempting, it's just not fair to single someone out. Given the performances, it's too hard to separate actors from their characters.
As a collective, Aponte, Sullivan, Gilbert, Duford, Risteen and Johns give us a real slice of life, and an incredible piece of theater.
Author Neary's direction is all about character development, and he nails it; from his head, to the stage.
John Budzyna's set design is simple, but incredibly well appointed and really sets the stage. He proves himself equally deft at sound and lighting as well.
Costume designer Bonnie Lake proves herself equally smart at painting a character, the plot is perfect.
Comments