Award winning playwright Jeff Cohen shares his creation of family, in a workshop format. Prestigious performers read the script live! No sets or costumes. It is sentimental, and at times a harsh reality of his family life for several years. Being a Baltimore native, much of the play refers to familiar establishments and people of prominence in Baltimore.
Having studied acting and pursuing for a while, he returned to writing. This creation flowed from personal experience and memories through pen and paper from his heart and soul. It evokes truth and deep emotion, which everyone can relate to. Actors and actresses from film and stage were brilliantly cast. Performed so professionally that the audience was diverted from the reading of the handheld scripts. One becomes involved deeply with the characters and their interactions. Combined with sentiment, light heartedness, and much reality. It hits a chord for those who have grown and experienced “family drama”. One hundred minutes of a roller coaster ride.
Noted players, such as Richard Masur, credited for his work in television, such as Law N Order, 1970’s One Day At A Time and a made for television movie The Burning Bed which was received with critical acclaim. His performance as Squeaky could make you laugh, want to punch him, or embrace and hold him. Stellar performance. Much like the other cast members, when asked to come on board with this production, he gleefully accepted. The actor Craig Bierko gave an equally riveting and task on job, playing the part of Jeff Cohen. Depicting the character with just the amount of necessary angst, love and equal compassion. Actor D.B. Sweeny very much an equal in the business, played his obnoxious and somewhat self-involved brother, who had not evolved into adulthood on a positive note. Having served time in jail and only keeping in touch with his father via phone periodically, he was more interested in his own affairs.
Mom was portrayed by a wonderful actress LizBeth MacKay who was beautifully suited for her role as the cold mother, dying of cancer. Her connection with her family was very distant, due to her narcissistic self.
Benja Kay Thomas had some of the best spunk and delivery that was a refreshing delight and added flair to finish off the round of characters. One could feel her frustration, but moreover, her genuine love and commitment to the family. Even though she is not blood related, she definitely fit comfortably (and underappreciated) within the family unit, as a caregiver to the elder Cohen, Squeaky.
Being in a Workshop format, cast and playwright hope for funding, to continue onto a stage production with sets and costumes! This audience member hopes it comes to fruition, as it will soar! The Q&A portion at the end of the play allowed audience members to offer any suggestions or feelings on the presentation. It was a memorable evening for many, and the cast received a standing ovation.
I am not surprised. A good script in Cohen’s pocket will attract the best performers as if he had jamed a tenderloin steak in that pocket and the actors were a dignified pack of dogs in hot pursuit.
I am sorry I was unable to attend