LAND OF CLEVE REVIEW: Blank Canvas Theatre
Turns an Empty Stage
Into a Heartfelt and
Heartbreaking 'Our Town'
Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" is indeed a simple play about complex issues such as life, love, longing and loss. It takes place in a small-town community about 100 years ago -- and, not surprisingly, is just as effective and just as relevant today.
Director Patrick Ciamacco deftly defines each moment in time, each motivation, and each emotion throughout the drama's three acts with heartfelt humor and heartbreaking honesty.
Ciamacco is ably aided in his quest for the truth of each scene by his articulate and admirable cast. Leading the way is Darius Stubbs, offering an eloquently understated interpretation of the Stage Manager, connecting with the audience so intimately that he even said "Excuse me" when a female viewer sneezed.
Becca Frick and Perren Henderson are perfectly paired as poignant young lovers who sweetly fall in love and then, just as quickly, are unexpectedly separated. They are showered with kindness and wisdom by a quartet of proud parental figures, portrayed with dignity and grace by Lynna Metrisin, Laura Starnik, John J. Polk and Lance King.
A gregarious group of friends and neighbors stand steadfastly by, offering their own opinions and advice on a variety of subjects, made up of Nate Summers, Kevin Myers, Len Lieber, Sharon DeCosta, Christopher Fortunate, and Brett Heidinger. Even the talented youngsters in the piece make a lasting impression, including Colin Myers, Joseph Daso, Makenna Weyburne and Cara Myers...
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