“Freaks: a legend about growing up” at FringeNYC 2014 at Teatro SEA at the Clements (Closes on Friday August 22, 2014)
“Freaks: a legend about growing up” at FringeNYC 2014 at Teatro SEA at the Clements (Closes on Friday August 22, 2014) Written by Sam French Directed by Kyle Wilson Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
A new play being presented as part of the NY International Fringe Festival is penned by Sam French and is in collaboration with a cast all associated with Carnegie Mellon School of Drama. They are all “Freaks” of the “me generation” and so the play has adopted that specific term as the title, subtitled “a legend about growing up,” and rightfully so. The four characters fall far from the generational stereotype; instead, they are caring, careful, cautious, sharing contagious dreams and complex memories but never texting or taking selfies. They manage to engage each other without the help of an android. The script is spotty and at times vague, but the language is intelligent, lyrical and rich. The dialogue sometimes rolls off the tongue like fresh water rambling over smooth rocks in a bubbly stream. It is reminiscent of the poets of the sixties: this group of young friends who reunite, who search, save, sing and try to achieve some satisfaction.
The cast does a fine job in defining their characters even though the material somewhat lacks the necessary exposition that could add depth and substance. Sawyer Pierce (Carl) never leaves the past but raises from self pity with a contemplated hope for the future. Carl Lundstedt (Danny) harnesses the courage to change, the intelligence to accept that change and the vulnerability in the fear of losing his past. Cara Ronzetti (Flower) inhabits a free spirit with high energy and honest confusion, sharing her mystic beliefs and strumming a guitar to ease the tension. Colleen Pulawski (Jenny) is pensive, fearful and struggles as she tries to hold on to what she thinks she needs. Each actor gives sincere individual performances but their strength is exhibited as an ensemble.
It is a glimpse into the lives of four young adults reunited for an hour, to figure out a lifetime. They survive the coming of age storm, dancing in the turbulent waters, trusting destiny and letting their troubles blow away with the wind. It poses many questions and provides no answers but that may be the point. It is a refreshing new work by a promising new playwright infused with the fine performances of young actors practicing their well learned craft. The freaks in this sideshow rise up and show hope for the cavalcade of characters usually found in the carnival of the me generation.
FREAKS: A LEGEND ABOUT GROWING UP
“Freaks: a legend about growing up” is presented by The Present Company (Elena K Holy, Producing Artistic Director). Directed by Kyle Wilson.
The cast of “Freaks: a legend about growing up” includes Carl Lundstedt, Sawyer Pierce, Colleen Pulawski, and Cara Ronzetti.
For performance schedule, ticketing information and more information about the presenting company, please visit www.FringeNYC.org. For mobile ticketing, please visit www.FringeonTheFly.com. The running time is 1 hour and 20 minutes with no intermission.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Monday, August 18, 2014
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