3rd
Annual New York International Fringe Festival  **Awarded
Excellence in Performance**"Que Sera" by Claudette Williams At The Henry Street Settlement Harry Du Jur Playhouse Reviewed by David Roberts for for Theatre Reviews Limited Using six talented actors, a minimal set, and a soft-spoken and precise trio, Claudette Williams' "Que Sera" covers a lot of territory in Doris Day's (Morgonn Ewen) life, from "Twenty-five dollars a week to stardom." Morgonn Ewen is a believable Doris Day who delivers fourteen of the sings Ms. Day sung. The songs work best when they counterpoint the scenes in the play as they do effectively in Doris' scenes with George (Christopher Geobel). "Love Me or Leave Me" (Gus Kahn/William Donaldson) and "It's Been a Long Long Time" (Sammy Cahn/Jule Styne) take on new meaning when heard in the context of Doris and George deciding to break up. The power of Ms. Williams script is in its disclosure of Doris Day's life in its fulness, its many joys and its many disappointments. Disappointments in love and marriage and disappointments with the industry she has served with grace and formidable style. The chorus of "Nobody wants to know, Doris" haunts the audience as its members remember this mega-star who, ultimately, transcended the notion of "whatever will be will be" by taking control of her life and her career. It is fitting that we never hear Doris sing that song which is the title of Claudette Willams' charming and persuasive musical. Reviewed on Sunday, August 22, 1999 "QUE SERA" By Claudette Williams. Directed by Margaret Gobie. Musical direction by Steve Smith, assisted by Morgonn Ewen. Presented by Thorablot Productions in association with Vertical Management Group, Inc. at the Henry Street Settlement Harry Du Jur Playhouse, 466 Grand Street (at Pitt Street). In August at the New York International Fringe Festival. Last performance was on Tuesday, August 24th. For information or reservations for other Fringe shows visit http://www.fringenyc.org WITH: Morgonn Ewen (Doris), Christopher Goebel, Margaret Lamarre, Ross McKie, A.J. Pittis, and Claudette Williams. Trio: Steve Smith, piano; Clark Johnston, bass; Kevin Coady, drums. |