“Carol and Cotton” at the New York International Fringe Festival at the Kraine Theatre
“Carol and Cotton” at the New York International Fringe Festival at the Kraine Theatre Written and Directed by James Vculek Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
“Carol and Cotton,” the newly revised play that opened at the Kraine Theater as part of the NY International Fringe Festival, is a true testament to brilliant writing and carefully honed characters created by two outstanding actors. The script scrupulously examines the alleged conspirative plot of Minnesota lawyer T. Eugene “Cotton” Thompson to hire someone to kill his wife of 13 years leaving their four children motherless and creating an opportunity to pursue a relationship with his former mistress who had since married. Coyly, the script never makes definitive accusations but presents undeniable evidence that justified the jury’s guilty verdict that sentenced Cotton to prison. Currently, so much gratuitous and promiscuous violence is visually depicted in film that audiences have forgotten how powerful language, words, and excellent storytelling by skillful actors can ignite a vivid imagination and horrify a mesmerized audience. This is such the case with James Vculek’s “Carol and Cotton” which is based on the actual events of the March 6, 1963, murder of Highland Park housewife Carol Thompson.
Each of the two-member cast plays multiple roles and deftly depicts each character with slight physical changes in posture and mannerisms using virtually no props. Their transformations are clear, clean and crisp. Steve Sweere ingeniously slips in and out of his characters (Cotton, Randall, and Mastrian) with incredible speed and exactitude, always keeping stride with the ease of a chameleon changing colors. His wise economical choices in development celebrate his experience and flexibility. Catherine Johnson Justice manages to corral a thoughtful and intelligent performance which may be a bit more subtle but by no means diminished. Her characters (Carol, Patty, and Jackie) are strong, calm and substantial women who are well defined and articulated. Reality settles into every glance as they collectively fall victim to this unsettling crime. Both these actors come close to perfection. Writer and Director James Vculek has done a remarkable job and has delivered a first rate production that should be seen, heard, and acknowledged by the most fastidious theatergoer.
CAROL AND COTTON
“Carol and Cotton” is presented by The New York International Fringe Festival and Partizan Theater at the Kraine Theatre, 85 East 4th street (2nd Avenue and Bowery).
The cast includes Catherine Johnson Justice (Carol, Patty, and Jackie) and Steve Sweere (Cotton, Randall, and Mastrian).
All performances of “Carol and Cotton” take place at on the following schedule: Wednesday August 14th at 4:00 p.m.; and Thursday August 15th at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $18.00 at the door and $15.00 for advance purchase. The running time is 1 hour and 25 minutes without intermission. For more information about the show and the creative team visit www.carolandcotton.com For more information about the 17th Annual New York Fringe Festival visit www.FringeNYC.org.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Monday, August 12, 2013
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