52 THE QUEENS COURIER • BUZZ • MARCH 30, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM buzz A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN Comedy by Shakespeare at Queens Theatre Mistaken identities, broad physical humor and countless comical confusions lead to riotous consequences in Shakespeare’s comedy “Twelft h Night.” Th e cast of Titan Th eatre Company, in residence at Queens Th eatre (in the park), bring their top talent for a wonderful opening night performance. Artistic director Lenny Banovez has adapted the popular play for modern sensibilities without losing the costumes, settings and general phrasings of the 17th century. Th e fi nished product is easy to follow and very, very funny. Th e story focuses on the misadventures of shipwrecked twins Viola and Sebastian (Lauren and Siena Tothero). Fearing for her life, Viola disguises herself as a male. Meanwhile Sebastian has landed in the same country without any knowledge of his sister’s actions. Of course their respective suitors are unaware of the mixed identities. Th e actors deliver a well done scenario that is unwittingly aided and abetted by Lady Olivia (Tressa Preston). Th ere’s a noble pirate (Marcus Denard Johnson), a nobleman Duke Orsino (Tyler Moss) and some citizens (Skya Th eobald, Adham Haddara, Braden Spear). Th ere’s a slapstick subplot involving a pompous steward (Lloyd Mulvey) and a group of mischievous friends who are eager to ridicule him. Bravos to everyone in this secondary story including Laura Frye, Tristan Colton, Ian O’Boyle and Michel Selkirk as Sir Toby Belch. Th ere’s fi ne singing by the jester Tom Morin who frequently forms the famous phrase—“Some are born to greatness, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.” Kudos to everyone behind the scenes, not limited to Kevin Beebee, Kris Murphy, Katy Atwell, Grae Greer, Sarah Pearline, Andrew Tarr and Alyssa Van Gorder. For information on this and future productions, call 347-738-5602 or visit www.TITANTh eatreCompany. com. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. Shakespeare’s Tragedy at Secret Theatre A bleak hospital room is the opening scene for one of Shakespeare’s most complex and violent tragedies. It’s a brutal tale of betrayal, madness, passion and redemption. No wonder an outstanding cast of professionals from TV, movies and Broadway is required to meet the challenge. A seriously senile “King Lear” is played by highly regarded and nationally recognized Austin Pendleton. As the drama begins, the king is determined to divide his wealth among his three daughters. Th at is, if they profess their deep love for him. Scheming daughter Goneril is well played by Tony Award/Drama Desk nominee Elizabeth A. Davis. Her beautiful sister Regan (Melissa Macleod) joins her sister with false praise. Only naive and most devoted Cordelia (Meggy Hai Trang) misreads the seriousness of the moment by off ering scant aff ection. From this moment forward, the story spirals downward into mistrust, misdeeds and murder. Strong, haunting interpretations by villainous Edmund (Zachary Clark), his noble brother Edgar (Nick Chris) and devoted Kent/Caius (Arthur Lazalde) are complemented by equally solid performances from Jack Herholdt, Alexander Stine, Timothy Mullins, Th omas Muccioli, Rand Guerrero and Paul Wallace. Th e creative team led by director Alberto Bonilla, producer Victoria Weinberg and executive producer Richard Mazda (who also portrays loyal Gloucester) have delivered a crisp, modern version complete with computers and acoustic guitars. Th ey are supported onstage and behind the scenes by Michael David, Blaine O’Donnell, Mike Lee, Viviane Galloway, Zija Lubin-West, Jackie Richards, Michael J. Tosto and Hannah Roccisano. For information on this powerful Shakespearean tragedy and for future outstanding productions, check their website at www.secretteatre.com. Call their box offi ce at 718-392-0722 or “like” them on Facebook. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. Kids Rule with Gingerbread Players Th e joy and enthusiasm is unmistakable as the Gingerbread Players off er their current version of “Seussical.” Th e dozens of boys and girls who sing and dance with unbridled energy are supported onstage and behind the scenes by tireless, talented adults. A colorful set (designed by Rosemary Favia) is indeed inspired by beloved Dr. Seuss’ famous stories. Th e clever costumes (designed by Joanna Friedman) enhance the visual eff ects. Director Jean Tessier utilizes kids of all ages whose sincerity is not lost on the wide-eyed little ones in the audience. Th e relatively small stage is ably managed with choreography by Terri Matassov, lighting design from Jane Th ornton and music by Velma Adams and the band. Many involved behind the scenes are too numerous to acknowledge individually. Th e story itself is a musical combination of various highlights from the Dr. Seuss library. Th ere’s also an especially valuable moral lesson involving loyalty, patience and self-worth. Th e grown-ups keep the show moving with their bright smiles and wit. Th ey include the Cat in the Hat (Bart DeFinna) and the many creatures in the Jungle of “Nool” and “Whoville.” Th e kids and young adults include JoJo (Audrey Butler/ Jaxon Schulman-Zepel), Mayzie La Bird (Ngan Lily Ping Chiang), Gertrude McFuzz (Jillian Smith), Horton the Elephant (Nitin Varghese), Mr. & Mrs. Mayor of Whoville (Tom Boiko, Jessie Blue Fairbanks) and so many more! Th e kids and grown-ups are onstage at 85 Greenway South (St. Luke’s Church in Forest Hills). For information on this and future productions, check their website at www.gingerbreadplayers.org, call the box offi ce at 718-268-7772 or “like” them on Facebook. As always, save me a seat on the aisle.
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