2.5 Minute Ride...Whoosh! And What A Ride It Was! by JK Cosmos, New Rep Reviewer

Lisa Kron has a hit featuring Adrianne Krstansky. Kron keeps the pace and engages the audience without any dead space. The initial scene may have been perplexing, as Lisa, played by Krstansky, takes us on the journey and the ride, uses a pointer on a blank screen. The sound of the clicking slides, the red dot on a blank screen, all very effective. It gave the audience pause and allowed them to fill in the blank space, the white space, to create the scene based on the language of the production, not the visuals. It reminded me of art appreciation classes as an undergrad and the use of the white space, rather than color on the screen lead to images and use of my imagination. Nicely done.

Krstansky gave an energetic and well-paced performance with humor and some ironic twists. She evoked emotion and illicited a recognition in us and an empathy that crosses ethnic lines. The traditions and cultural descriptions in the dialogue transcend the Jewish experience, as many peoples identify with much of the play.

The acting was up close and personal; there is no other way to say it. The outlook despite tragedies in life, remains optimistic and positive. Who knew? I didn't expect the joi de vivre that came across despite some horrific recollections in the piece.

One short story of a German boy, who chose not to join the war and not to join the Nazi Party and his courage to be his own person resonated for me and was one of the thesis components of the play. Lisa's father feeling lucky to be Jewish, so as not to have to make a decision to choose a Nazi uniform or to decline; very poignant.

Krstansky stayed in character and moved us through the events of her life; of Lisa's life. It was fabulous!

"Mr. Roberts" Dated & About Times Gone By...

My expectations were not high for this WW II production, until noticing the actors in the play; actors who would surely carry the day and move the production forward with energy & verve.
The play did not energize. The 'set up' was too long and dragged. The play was so dated, which can be a strength for creative piece. For this one, it was simplistic and simple-minded, much like the plot. The plot didn't move along nor did it engage the audience. There was no character development. Giving the benefit of the doubt, I still cannot recommend this one, unable to find a redeeming quality.
The setting did reflect the place. However, the actors footsteps echoed and was so loud drowning out dialogue.
Owen Doyle is one of the actors I had hoped would pull this one up & succeed. Owen is a gifted performer and his work in Lapin Agile at the New Rep was extraordinary. Similar kudos to Ross MacDonald, a most phenomenal performance in Exits & Entrances & together with Curt Klump, excellent work in The Lieutenenat of Insishmore.
The lead for Mr. Roberts, Thomas Piper, has solid credentials. This reviewer has not seen him prior to this role. I look forward to seeing the cast in other local performances. Unfortunately, they were unable to pull this one off successfully.
Respectfully submitted,
J.K. Cosmos
New Rep/Theater Reviewer