[NEohioPAL]Berko review: THE SWEEPERS @ Ensemble

[Roy Berko]

‘THE SWEEPERS’ LEAVES MUCH UNDER THE RUG AT ENSEMBLE

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	

It is both ironic and appropriate that on the weekend
that the memorial dedicated to those who gave their
lives in World War II, Ensemble Theatre opened their
run of the Cleveland premiere of  ‘THE SWEEPERS.’  
The play centers on the final weeks of World War II.

John Picardi’s script is the first in a proposed
series of ten plays focusing on the Italian American
experience in the USA.   He plans to write one for
each of the decades in the 20th century.  

In ‘THE SWEEPERS’ Picardi examines the problems
created by the war and the effect on three life-long
Boston Italian-American friends.   Each of the ladies
must face not only the trio’s relational issues and
upholding the “Italian way,” but her own troubles. 
Dotty (Tracey Field) must deal with a husband in a
mental hospital and her son at war.  Mary (Meg Kelly
Schroeder) must adjust to living life alone while her
husband and son fight on the front lines in the
Pacific.   Bella (Jean Zarzour) fights her battles at
home, dealing with her half-Irish lawyer son (James
Savage Jr.)  and the upper-crust Italian young woman
(Jennifer Clifford) he has chosen to marry. 

‘THE SWEEPERS’ is not a great play.  Its plot twists
are predictable, its characters too formulaic, and the
writing leaves the viewer out of the loop...never
sucking us into the action.  In spite of this Picardi
does give a glimpse into Italian American traditions
and the binding relationships brought about by
life-long friendships.  

In its Off-Broadway run the play received favorable
reviews.  The plaudits were for the performances more
than for the vehicle.  Unfortunately, the Ensemble
production misses the strong acting aspects.  

Director Lucia Colombi doesn’t get her cast beyond
surface level performances.  The characters are not
real.  They need to be real.  They need to be true
Italian Americans, true people living a series of
experiences.  Emotions were feigned, not experienced. 
We need to feel with them and for them.  Not so!  

This is one play that requires each of the performers
to have a clear verbal sound.  These are people who
have a deep connection with Boston and the Italian
culture.  There is a sound cadence that is required to
create the reality.  Not one member of the cast
consistently had it. 

On paper this was an ideal cast.  Three of the
actresses are members of Equity, the professional
actor’s union.  The others have extensive experience. 
It can only be assumed with proper directing they
should have been able to make this, in spite of the
script, a compelling evening of theatre.

Applause to Ray Beach and Stephen Vasse-Hansell for
their excellent set design and Melanie Guzman on her
period correct costumes.

CAPSULE JUDGEMENT:   It’s a shame that Ms. Columbi
couldn’t pull off the play with more professionalism. 
She’ll get another chance next year when Ensemble does
the second of Picardi’s plays.  Let’s hope the results
are better.

‘THE SWEEPERS’ continues at Ensemble Theatre, located
in the Drury Theatre in the Cleveland Play House
complex, through June 13.  For ticket information call
216-321-2930.


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Roy Berko's web page can be found at royberko.info


	
		
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