“Quiet Peninsula” at FringeNYC 2014 at 64E4 Mainstage (Closed on Friday August 22, 2014)
“Quiet Peninsula” at FringeNYC 2014 at 64E4 Mainstage (Closed on Friday August 22, 2014)
Written by Brandon Ferraro
Directed by Samantha Tella
Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza
Theatre Reviews Limited
“Quiet Peninsula,” a new play by Brandon Ferraro presented as part of the NY International Fringe Festival, is interesting, becomes increasingly compelling, and is full of little surprises that bind the three Acts together tightly – surprises that actually might not be fully realized until after the audience leaves the theatre. The play has a solid structure, a clever concealed dramatic arc and a story that provides many “ah-hah” moments because of the intricate construction. The phenomenal concept causes the audience to become part of the play, with an emotional investment in the characters because you know more than they do and react to situations the actors are unaware of, cultivating the response. It is indeed an enlightening plot. Director Samantha Tella pays careful attention and moves the parallel acts along with ease.
The cast all do fine work in defining their characters and do not fall prey to insensitive acting techniques but accept the depth of subtleness. In an incredibly current exploration, Jess (Lani Harms) and Lorraine (Lauren Hayes) police partners, sit in a bar after one has shot a teenager. Their ability to contain hysteria, find an inner strength, and examine consequences, then acting accordingly, provides the needed sense of reality.
Walter (Hank Offinger) a stroke victim confined to a wheelchair gives an incredible performance communicating clearly with the nuanced shift of his head, piercing focus of his sometimes angry, sometimes understanding eyes and tears of disappointment which gently roll down a worn, strong, dignified face. In contrast his son David (Brandon Ferraro) expels his stressful anger in an exuberant voice perhaps too desperate, but in essence exacerbates the power of his father’s silence. A bit more self awareness to place and situation might add to the suspension of disbelief in this act.
Kathy (Briana Pozner) breathes strength, anger, rage and power into her depiction of a college administrator prohibiting a basketball star (Ja-Ron Young) from playing because he is accused of an alleged rape. She is adamant in her decision and exhibits her feminist traits with conviction and concealed trepidation. Mr. Young presents a victimized African American with pride and dignity never being trapped in stereotype and allowing his emotion and intelligence to rule his performance. As the over confident coach, Derek (Sean McIntyre) is the right mix of anger and arrogance, as product of academia sports, supporting the player and battling the administrator.
The characters in the three Acts are all connected; however, their precise connection will not be revealed in this Review. Well, perhaps just one: the police officer in the first Act who shot the teenager is the significant other of the college administrator in the third Act.
Mr. Ferraro is a fresh new voice that should be noticed and recognized.
QUIET PENINSULA
“Quiet Peninsula” is presented by Producer in Association with The Present Company (Elena K Holy, Producing Artistic Director). Directed by Samantha Tella.
The cast of “Quiet Peninsula” includes Brandon Ferraro, Lani Harms, Lauren Hayes, Sean McIntyre, Hank Offinger, Briana Pozner, and Ja-Ron Young.
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 30 minutes with no intermission.
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 | Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Sunday, August 24, 2014 |
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