“Apartment 3A” at J CITY Theatre at St, Michael’s Church (Jersey City, NJ) through October 26th
“Apartment 3A” at J CITY Theatre at St, Michael’s Church (Jersey City, NJ) through October 26th Written by Jeff Daniels Directed by Sandy Cockrell Reviewed by David Roberts Theatre Reviews Limited
J CITY Theatre handily brings Jeff Daniels modern day ghost story to sparkling reality in its current production of “Apartment 3A.” Public television executive Annie Wilson (Sandy Cockrell) moves into a new apartment after walking out on her cheating husband. Although the apartment looks out onto what Annie describes as a slum, it is her only choice and it fits her budget.
Annie’s life is angst-ridden: not only is she furious with her low-life husband but her rage over his indiscretions spills over into her workplace. In a live plea for funding for the PBS station she works for, Annie tells her (mostly pre-adolescent) viewers That Big Bird would most likely die if substantial pledges did not start lighting up the call center’s phone bank. Additionally, she is trying (with little success) to dodge the affections of co-worker Elliot (Stephen Hope) and her uber-nosey and oddly ever-present neighbor Donald (Clay Cockrell) who lives right across from apartment 3A.
Although Mr. Daniels’ script is quite transparent, it does provide a sweet and touching story about the power of unconditional and non-judgmental love and the importance of having some degree of faith – in something. The ensemble cast is quite endearing and uses its collected craft to make all the conflicts and plots come together in a charming albeit predictable resolution. Donald is visiting the apartment he once occupied before his death and has returned to assist Annie in her own transition into selfhood.
Sandy Cockrell also directs “Apartment 3A” with attentive precision and infectious grace. Randall Marquez brings the roles of building superintendent Dal and station manager Tony to appropriate believability.
APARTMENT 3A
J CITY Theater the professional theater company located in downtown Jersey City is proving that they’re “Jersey strong” by staging their comeback production on October 11, 2013. The show runs for three weeks with a scheduled closing of October 26th.
“Apartment 3A” will star Sandy Cockrell, Stephen Hope, Randall Marquez and Clay Cockrell. The Stage Manager is Jack Vandewark and Tech Director is Nick Probst. Jacquelyn Bird is the choreographer and Katie Brennan is the production’s acting assistant.
APARTMENT 3A runs from October 11th through October 26th at The Underground Theater at St. Michaels Church – Hamilton Park 252 Ninth Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 on the following performance schedule: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased through www.brownpapertickets.com or www.jcity.org or calling 800-838-3006.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Thursday, October 24, 2013
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