“FORTUNA FANTASIA” at FringeNYC 2014 at the Robert Moss Theater at 440 Studios (Closed on Sunday August 24, 2014)
“FORTUNA FANTASIA” at FringeNYC 2014 at the Robert Moss Theater at 440 Studios (Closed on Sunday August 24, 2014)
Written by Jesse Schreck
Directed by Nailah Harper-Malveaux
Reviewed by David Robets and Joseph Verlezza
Theatre Reviews Limited
“Men at some time are masters of their fates: /The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, /
But in ourselves, that we are underlings.” Cassius, “Julius Caesar” (1.2.9)
“Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer /The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune /
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles.” “Hamlet” (3.1.1750)
Cassius weighs in on the side of free will in his conversation with Brutus and Hamlet claims humankind can oppose the fates or succumb to their capriciousness. Are we maters of our fates (free will) or subjects (puppets) of Fortuna goddess of both fortune and fate?
Jesse Schreck tackles this debate in his “FORTUNA FANTASIA” which ran as part of FringeNYC 2014. The Ringmaster (Jeremy Weiss) serves as narrator in Mr. Schreck’s new play and the puppeteer par excellence. Mr. Weiss springs onto the stage, twirls and whirls and twists the fate of the unsuspecting couple in the midst of a nasty breakup. Claire (Chandler Rosenthal) and Jeffrey (Paul Hinkes), like Hamlet, have to decide what to do about their future when ringmaster/goddess of fortune decides to intervene in their troubled lives. What happens is not logical or reasonable and not possible to predict.
Somewhere caught between absurdity and actuality is this fantasia - somewhat similar to the work of Craig Lucas - where characters are caught in a mystical realm, where the improbable reigns, but also where life lessons are served up when once again the characters regain control. The cast wins the audience over by being completely committed to the script, inventing and interacting with characters that walk a fine line between ludicrous and rational. Ms. Rosenthal gives Claire a clear perspective, weak enough to bend under pressure, persistent enough to hold her beliefs and vulnerable enough to fall prey to circumstance. Mr. Hinkes portrays Jeffrey with nerdy intelligence, a warm heart, honest intentions and great physical comedy. Kathleen, played by Juliana Canfield, is pleasantly psychotic, dangerously deliberate, and cautiously calculative and yet still is able to show a quirky lovable side. Jacob Osborne creates a hysterically comical Thomas, complete with Russian accent, uninspiring poetry, facial expressions that seem to be molded from silly putty and some deadpan reactions that garner great laughter.
Director Nailah Harper-Malveaux has made fine choices and moves the plot along at a quick pace, never pondering comical moments but relentlessly moving on to the next bit of business. It is a show that should be seen, if for no other reason, for the entertainment value that is created, especially if in the hands of a talented creative team such as this one. I am sure theatre audiences will be hearing more from the talented Jesse Schreck.
FORTUNA FANTASIA
“FORTUNA FANTASIA” is presented by Common Room in Association with The Present Company (Elena K. Holy, Producing Artistic Director). Directed by Nailah Harper-Malveaux.
The cast of “FORTUNA FANTASIA” includes Juliana Canfield, Paul Hinkes, Jacob Osborne, Chandler Rosenthal, and Jeremy Weiss.
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 2 hours and 10 minutes with one intermission.
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 | Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Monday, August 25, 2014 |
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