New Rep’s ‘1776’ Brings Diverse Take to Birth of Nation

December 6, 2018December 6, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

By Deanna Dement Myers

‘1776’ – Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards; Book by Peter Stone. Co-directed by Austin Pendleton and Kelli Edwards. Production Team: Cristina Todesco, Scenic Designer; Rachel Padula-Shufelt, Costume Designer; Alberto Seggara, Lighting Designer; Lee Schuna, Sound Engineer; Todd C. Gordon; Music Director; Kevin Schlagle, Stage Manager; and Brian M. Robillard, Assistant Stage Manager. Presented by New Repertory Theatre at 321 Arsenal St, Watertown through December 30

“This is a revolution, dammit, we’re going to have to offend somebody!”

Before Hamilton, there was 1776. Debuting on Broadway in 1969, this musical by Sherman Edwards based on the book by David McCullough, about the impassioned debate preceding the signing of the Declaration of Independence, has relevance to the political climate of our time. The New Repertory theater in Watertown presents a racially and gender diverse cast which provides wry commentary and insight into the difficult discussions during the early days of our country.

New Rep’s ‘1776’ Loses the Battle

December 1, 2018December 22, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

By Sheila Barth

BOX INFO: Almost three-hour, two-act musical, by Sherman Edwards, book by Peter Stone, appearing at New Repertory Theatre through Dec.23, at Mosesian Center for the Arts, MainStage Theatre, 321Arsenal St., Watertown. Showtimes vary. $25-$72. student,senior,group discounts, 617-923-8487, newrep.org.

Sometimes, innovation in a theatrical production works great. Think award-winning productions like Lin Manuel Miranda’s wildly famous, cross-gender, mixed race historic musical,“Hamilton”. Miranda’s fusion of musical genres is exciting and memorable, too. However, at New Repertory Theatre’s production of Tony Award-winning musical “1776,” incorporating the same innovative casting trends loses something in translation.

Strong Performances Drive New Rep’s Engaging “Straight White Men”

September 10, 2018September 12, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

By Michele Markarian

“Straight White Men” – Written by Young Jean Lee. Directed by Elaine Vaan Hogue. Presented by New Repertory Theatre, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown through September 30.

“For a play entitled “Straight White Men”, the opening of Young Jean Lee’s New England premiere is more than a little curious. The action is framed by Person in Charge (Dev Blair) – a young person who appears to be black, non-binary, gay or trans – who, after a rousing curtain speech, poses the characters in position to begin the scene. Three brothers, Matt (Shelley Bolman), Drew (Michael Kaye) and Jake (Dennis Trainor Jr.) have all gathered in their childhood home to celebrate Christmas, along with their father, Ed (Ken Cheeseman). But Person in Charge is a huge part of the backbone of the boys’ thinking and upbringing. Their deceased Mom gave them a hyper-awareness of political correctness, even going so far as to create a game for them called “Privilege”, where players pick from two piles of cards, one labeled “Excuses” (“What I just said wasn’t racist/sexist/homophobic because I was joking. Pay $50 to an LGBT organization,” says Jake), and the other, Denial.

Hilarity and Faith Abound in “Two Jews Walk Into a War”

May 9, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

By Michele Markarian

“Two Jews Walk Into a War”, by Seth Rozin. Directed by Will LeBow. Presented by New Repertory Theatre, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown through May 20.

What do you do if you are the last two Jews in Afghanistan, and you don’t get along? Such is the hilarious, conflict-ridden, deeply-layered premise of Seth Rozin’s two-hander, “Two Jews Walk Into a War”.

A Tense, Engaging “The Bakelite Masterpiece”

March 23, 2018March 23, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Laura Latreille (left) and Benjamin Evett (right). Photo by Andrew Brilliant/Brilliant Pictures.

By Michele Markarian

The Bakelite Masterpiece – Written by Kate Cayley. Directed by Jim Petosa. Scenic Design by Cristina Todesco; Lighting Design by Scott Pinckney; Sound Design by Dewey Dellay; Costume Design by Molly Trainer. Presented by New Repertory Theatre, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown through April 8.

If Cristina Todesco’s starkly beautiful set, with its three-sided tower of artwork surrounding a plain wooden desk and two overturned chairs doesn’t immediately draw you into The Bakelite Masterpeice, then the opening line, “Consider Lucifer”, certainly will. Set in 1945 post-war Amsterdam, The Bakelite Masterpiece is based on the true story of art forger Han van Meergeren (Benjamin Evett).

“Unveiled”: A Glimpse of Five Hearts

January 22, 2018January 22, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

By Michele Markarian

‘Unveiled’ – Written by Rohina Malik. Co-presented by New Repertory Theatre with Greater Boston Stage Company. Blackbox Theater. Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA through January 28.

Entering the black box theater at the start of “Unveiled”, a one-woman show written and performed by Rohina Malik, is like entering another world. Rich, tapestried Oriental rugs drape from the ceiling and cover the floors. A tea set rests on a tray, tabled next to a chair. An oud plays quietly in the background (the excellent player is uncredited in the program, or I would mention him). Jeffrey Petersen’s set design is elegant, formal, and inviting, much like Maryam, the first of five characters singly portrayed by actress and playwright Rohina Malik.

“Oleanna” Stirs a Disturbing Debate

October 21, 2017October 29, 2017 michaelhobanLeave a comment

By Michele Markarian

‘Oleanna’ – Written by David Mamet. Directed by Elaine Vaan Hogue. Presented by New Repertory Theatre, Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA through November 5

I feel like I need to start this review off by saying that I am – absolutely – a feminist. Keep reading, and you’ll see why.

“Oleanna” takes place in the office of John (Johnny Lee Davenport), a professor at a college whose impending tenure has just been announced. The subsequent raise in pay is allowing him to purchase a new home. A series of phone calls negotiating the details of this real estate transaction is interrupted by the arrival of Carol (Obehi Janice), a student who claims to be having difficulty with his class and in particular, his textbook. The textbook, one that he has authored himself, refers to higher education as “systematic hazing”. As someone who has worked hard to get herself to college, Carol is deeply offended by this. As she despairs at being too “stupid” to understand what is going on in his classroom, John offers to give her an A, if she agrees to meet with him for tutoring sessions. This decision will ultimately be John’s downfall.

New Rep’s ‘Ideation’ a Win-Win

September 10, 2017September 10, 2017 michaelhobanLeave a comment

By Michele Markarian

‘Ideation’ – Written by Aaron Loeb. Directed by Jim Petosa. Presented by New Repertory Theatre, and Co-produced with Boston Center for American Performance at 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown through September 24.

“Ideation”, the Boston-area premiere of Aaron Loeb’s funny and terrifying play, has at its heartbeat the center of American, indeed, world, personhood – the corporation. An international consulting group has tasked its team of A-list high flyers to come up with a solution for a multi-layered situation that has troubling implications.