Tanner Brunson

Solid ‘Salesman’ in Westfield

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By John Lyle Belden

Nearly everyone has heard of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.” If for nothing more, it’s known that this Pulitzer-winning drama is regarded as one of the greatest plays in the English language, with its titular lead Willy Loman ranking with Shakespeare’s Hamlet as a role that defines a great actor. However, I confess I had not seen this play until the current production by Main Street Productions in Westfield.

Directed by Kelly Keller, this staging more than lives up to the work’s reputation. Though it takes a full three hours, its pace and substance fill every minute with meaning. To quote Miller’s script, “Attention must be paid.”

Aaron Moon plays Loman, a traveling salesman who lives in Brooklyn while working the entire New England region. More than 30 years on this circuit has affected him, yet he remains upbeat, smiling big and talking bigger as always. But now there is sadness in his eyes while he speaks triumphantly, mostly of past events – increasingly to people only he can see.

This worries his wife, Linda (Susan Hill), who is also growing frustrated with adult sons Happy (Broden Irwin), who shows no signs of settling down from his playboy lifestyle, and Biff (Connor Phelan) who, while doing all manner of jobs in several different states, has not settled into a productive career path.

The scenes blend this present and Willy’s vivid reminiscing of the past, when his sons were teens, eager to please their old man. The memories especially stick around the time that Biff played in a high school championship football game with college scouts in attendance. These moments include the boys’ schoolmate Bernard (Mike Sosnowski) and his father Charley (Jim Gryga), who remain the Lomans’ friends in the later times.

Willy also remembers his brother, Ben (Tom Smith), who “walked into the jungle, and… walked out rich.”

The cast also includes Jonathan Rogers as Stanley, the waiter at the Chop House, Erin Keller and Desiree Black as two ladies who Happy and Biff meet there, Tanner Brunson as the son of the man who first hired Willy (and is now in charge), and Kristin Hilger as “The Woman.”

This parable from the late 1940s still resonates today with our current hustle and grind culture, coupled with an uncertain job market, as well as anxieties ranging from the personal to society in general. For those who struggle, “fake it till you make it” can only go so far, especially when one can no longer tell the illusion of success from the real thing. Compounding these issues, the play also features themes of mental illness and suicide. The title is not a metaphor.

Moon delivers an award-worthy turn as Willy Loman, a mensch you feel for and fear for as we witness his frustrations, optimistic delusions, and decline. Hill is also stunning as his wife, desperate to bring some sense of stability back to a family that had always been on shifting ground. Irwin’s Happy, in living his own way, is more like his father than he thinks. Phelan is exceptional as conflicted Biff, expressing the strain between expectations that diminish him and a life of freedom that would apparently disappoint those he loves. Smith’s dignified calm speaks volumes.

Excellent set design of the Loman home is by Jay Ganz. The lighting, designed by Stephen DiCarlo and operated by Scott Hall, neatly helps emphasize shifts of time and perspective. Tanya Keller is stage manager.

Remaining performances of “Death of a Salesman” are Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 20-23, at the Basile Westfield Playhouse, 220 N. Union St. Get tickets at westfieldplayhouse.org.

Bard Fest ‘Macbeth’ simply bold

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By John Lyle Belden

In what has been announced to be its final season, Indy Bard Fest is going out strong. Appropriate to October, we get the spooky, cursed tragedy of “Macbeth,” directed by Christine Gordon.

On the main stage of the IF Theatre (a recent rebranding of the IndyFringe venue, reflecting a mission beyond its annual festival), there are just a couple of items – a garden fountain, a chair – to suggest a stage “set,” whisked in and out from behind the back curtain as needed. The Weird Sisters’ garb suggests a Goth fantasia as we see with today’s perspective the liberties William Shakespeare took with the story of the Scottish nobleman and king who ruled roughly 1,000 years ago. What mattered to the Bard, and to this production, is purely the play’s themes and atmosphere.

The Witches, presented gleefully by Ariel Laukins, Ryan James Moskalick, and Kat Murphy, set the tone and haunt throughout as the actors fill in various supporting roles. They are later joined by the goddess Hecate – Fire Fly of Indy Drag Theatre with divine voice by Wilhelmena Dreyer – who lurks in the previous scene, adding to the suggestion of her of power in this world.

Doug Powers is commanding as the title character, with Laura Gellin as even more ambitious Lady Macbeth. A cursory reading of the play would have you think these two seem to accelerate from “zero to murder” rather quickly; Powers and Gellin’s performances hint at a long-simmering desire to possess so much more than they already have. When a prediction of his rise comes true, it sparks the flame of ambition that will consume them both.

The cast also includes Guy Grubbs as doomed King Duncan, with Katie Endres as his son Malcolm. Tanner Bruson is Macbeth’s ill-fated companion Banquo, and Abby Morris plays his son Fleance, and others. Jason Creighton lends his strong voice and physique effectively to Macduff, Macbeth’s nemesis.

This simple presentation hones the focus down to the dangers of unfettered ambition, the consequences of rash acts (and how they compound as one follows another), and a cautionary lesson that there’s more than one way to read the signs before us.

Remaining performances of “Macbeth” are Friday through Sunday, Oct. 18-20, at 719 E. St. Clair, Indianapolis. Get tickets at indyfringe.org.

Comics creator faces his ‘Savage’ truth

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By Wendy Carson 

“Where do you get the ideas for your stories?” It’s an age-old question that authors are always being asked. Rebecca Gorman O’Neill shows one man’s answer in her brilliant script, “Mynx & Savage,” currently being offered by StageWorthy Productions in their new Irvington location.

Comic book writer/artist Adam Mark Evans (Josh Cornell) has his popular superhero series, “Mynx & Savage,” rapidly approaching its 100th issue. However, he’s been missing deadlines for quite a while, so the publishing house has sent in a brilliant new inker and colorist, Ket (Kayla Cange), to get his script and drawing back on track and help him better manage his time.

Initially, the two hilariously chafe each other raw; it’s Ket’s passion for the storyline that adheres their partnership. Secretly a huge fan of Adam’s work, including an award-winning graphic novel, Ket is dying to see his secret project “that all writers have going on the back burner.” They eventually wear him down, getting a brief peek at some pages, but the truth of that story, Adam fears, could destroy him.

Cornell does a great job of bringing Adam’s damaged psyche through without making him a victim or martyr. Cangle adeptly balances Ket’s justifiable ego regarding their skills with the actual passion of being a part of something they have loved for years.

While all of this is happening, Emma Howell and Tanner Brunson portray the titular characters, as well as others needed throughout. Though their roles seem secondary, they are the true stars of the show. Fully embracing the drawn characters, no matter what storylines or scene changes are thrown at them, they keep their tones in context without slipping into camp. However, their talent is displayed best as Jill & Kyle (who are actually at a camp), the subjects of Adam’s secret story.

Brunson gives Kyle all the vulnerability and bravado of a young boy trying to deal with the struggles of his personal life without his Summer Break bestie knowing. Howell shows Jill as a feisty young girl, tired of always living in the shadow of her two older sisters and ready to be her all, yet still with fears of her own.

I must admit that John and I were definitely among the target audience of the script, I also felt that those in our audience who were not necessarily comics fans enjoyed the show as well. Do note that there is a smattering of curse words, including an F-bomb Adam finds distasteful, so be warned the show is not ideal for very young children – think PG-13.

Directed by StageWorthy Artistic Director John Kastner, this Indiana premiere has three more performances, Friday through Sunday (June 30, July 1-2) at the Stage Door Theater, 5635 Bonna Ave. (on the Pennsy Trail, across from Strangebird), Indianapolis. For ticket info, visit stageworthy.org or call 317-750-6454.

Laughter and tears in Belfry’s ‘Crimes’

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By John Lyle Belden

The Pulitzer Prize-winning comic drama “Crimes of the Heart” by Beth Henley takes on a special resonance in these times of heightened awareness of mental health issues and violence against women.

The Belfry Theatre presents this play, directed by Jen Otterman, at the Theater at the Fort in Lawrence in all its dysfunctional glory. Taking place in a roughly 24-hour period in a small Mississippi town in 1974, we meet the Magrath sisters: Lenny (Brooke Hackman) is turning 30 but feels ancient; Meg (Sarah Eberhardt) apparently put her Hollywood singing career on hold to rush home; and Babe (Becca Bartley) is getting bailed out after shooting her abusive rich attorney and State Senator husband in the gut. Cousin Chick (Ka’Lena Cuevas) thinks she’s helping, but is mostly a judgmental pill.

Also on hand are family friend Doc Porter (Tanner Brunson), who isn’t actually a doctor (why will be revealed), and young lawyer Barnette Lloyd (Mickey Masterson) who takes up Babe’s case because he has a “personal vendetta” against her husband.

While I do recommend this play for its sharp script and excellent performances, I must acknowledge there should be a “Trigger Warning” as there is frank discussion of suicide and attempted acts of self-harm. In fact, if one were to observe this as an armchair psychologist, you could see a lot of disorders on display, especially the effects of narcissistic abuse by the sisters’ grandfather (offstage, but very much a character in this story).

And yet, this is also a comedy. The dark humor pops up in little bits here and there, such as Lenny’s “birthday cookie,” and bubbles over in gut-busting moments including one that involves a broom and another that is triggered by the phrase, “you’re too late.” For anyone who relates to tragic circumstances, it’s easy to see how “we shouldn’t laugh at this” only triggers another round of guffaws through cast and audience alike.

Hackman naturally portrays Lenny as a character you just want to put your arm around, maybe to gently shake some sense into. Eberhardt as Meg presents us with a fallen honky-tonk angel who surprises you with her depth of spirit, but who can’t help being that girl in need of rescue. As Babe, Bartley plays a woman who is 24 going on 15, her life decided for her in a way she never wanted, desperate for a way out. Brunson comes across as a strong good ole boy, but more than Doc’s injured leg hasn’t healed properly. Masterson presents Lloyd as the kind of perfect gentleman that makes one suspicious. Finally, as Chick, Cuevas is great as the kind of person who means well, but, well, bless her heart…

Complex and compelling, “Crimes of the Heart” runs through Sunday, May 7, at 8920 Otis Ave., Indianapolis. Info and tickets at thebelfrytheatre.com or artsforlawrence.org.

Civic: Here we go again!

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By John Lyle Belden

It’s hard to imagine anyone not knowing about the musical “Mamma Mia!” Between the popular film (which recently launched a sequel) and the various touring productions through the years since it premiered on Broadway in 2001, practically everyone with an interest in this show has seen it. And it stands as one of those theatre experiences people eagerly go to again and again, perhaps bringing along children or hold-outs unfamiliar with its goings-on.

Since rights recently became available for local productions, it is naturally popping up — now “Mamma Mia!” is at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Carmel, through Oct. 19.

Directed and choreographed by Anne Beck, this edition of the musical — featuring an engaging romantic comedy plot, and twenty-two hits by 70s-80s superstars ABBA — takes advantage of its large stage and generously-sized volunteer cast to really go big on the singing and dancing, while simultaneously embracing the show’s use of simple sets, employing a couple of small set pieces and a rotating center stage that is put to effective use. 

Thanks to Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan’s efforts on the big screen, the karaoke nature of the musical doesn’t require perfect singers, still Civic didn’t skimp on the talent. Becky Larson stars as Sophie Sheridan, a girl who invites three men to her wedding, knowing only that one of them is her father. Her mother, Donna, is portrayed wonderfully by Kara Snyder, while her best friends and “Dynamos” are fun roles for Civic favorites Laura Lockwood as cougarish Tanya and Marni Lemmons as free-spirit Rosie. Our three possible papas are sharply played by Clay Mabbitt as Sam the architect, Ethan Mathias as “Headbanger” Harry the banker, and Parrish Williams as Bill the travel writer. Joseph David Massingale is more than a handsome face as the prospective groom, Sky.

Also great are Cameron Hicks and Nate Schlabach as Sky’s buds, Pepper and Eddie; Jessica Linxwiler and Julia Ammons as maids-of-honor Ali and Lisa; and supporting ensemble Matthew Altman, Tanner Brunson, Sydney Chaney, Tyler Hartman Derry, David Johnson, Jonathan Katter, Emily Lantz, Dani Morey, Miles Morey, Kipp Morgan, Jacquelyn Rae, Emily Schaab, Caitlin Stacy, and Tiffany Whisner.

Taken as a whole, this show is so much fun. There are moments fraught with possible heartbreak (and sad songs), but it all ends well, of course. We all have our favorite scenes — such as the frog-dance of “Lay All Your Love on Me,” or Tanya strutting her stuff in “Does Your Mother Know” — and there’s always the “Megamix” at the end with the outrageous costume reveal and bonus track (“Waterloo”). 

Civic is “having the time of their lives;” it would be a shame to miss the party. Get tickets and information at 317-843-3800, civictheatre.org or thecenterpresents.org.

‘Yank!’ — A different kind of bravery

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By John Lyle Belden

Emotions run high during war — excitement, anger, patriotic fervor, devotion, and love. For some soldiers thrown into the crucible that was World War II, the ones they wanted to embrace with all their might weren’t the pin-up girls.

This is the world of “Yank!” the musical making its Indianapolis premiere at the District Theatre.

Stuart (Jonathan Krouse) answered the call to join the fight against Hitler and Tojo, but first he has to fit in with Charlie Company. He can barely hold a rifle, and he’s not sure about his feelings towards his fellow soldiers, especially Mitch (Tanner Brunson), the only one to treat him with kindness. The others suspect he’s different, and even call him “Light-Loafers,” but they come to accept him, because “your squad is your squad.”

On the way to the front, two things happen: Stuart and Mitch start to explore their feelings for each other, and Stuart meets Artie (D. Scott Robinson), a photographer for Yank! magazine, wise to and willing part of the gay underground just outside the U.S. Army’s notice. While Charlie Company goes to combat, Stuart — an aspiring writer, keeping a detailed journal — joins Artie as reporters behind the lines.

Stu is doing well out of harm’s way, but he still has feelings for Mitch. Then he gets the assignment to write about his old unit, and how war has changed them. More changes are coming for Stu, and he will discover how war is especially hell for a gay soldier — facing danger from his own people as well as the enemy.

The cast includes Isaac Becker, Dominic Piedmonte, Scott Fleshood, Joshua Cox and Bryant Mehay as fellow soldiers. Jerry Beasley, Lance Gray and Kevin Bell play hardened officers and NCOs, as well as somewhat softer characters. Jessica Hawkins wonderfully portrays “every woman,” from radio entertainers to a lesbian WAC working for Gen. MacArthur.  

Krouse and Brunson turn in wonderful performances, one constantly feeling deeply, the other deeply conflicted. The supporting cast is solid; Beasley earns his stripes. And with us usually seeing Robinson these days behind the scenes as producer or director, it’s good to see him show his excellence as an actor.

This is a different kind of love story, but still touching — love is love, after all — and an eye-opening look at a hidden part of our history. While the characters are fictional, there was a Yank! Magazine, and playwright David Zellnik thoroughly researched the secret lives of gay soldiers and sailors of the era.

The songs, by David and his brother Joseph Zellnik, are snappy and sentimental in a style befitting the 1940s setting, including some interesting harmony.

Had this been a boy-meets-girl rather than boy-meets-boy, “Yank!” would look like the cinema hit of 1945. But it’s 2019, and LGBTQ GIs are only now living out of the closet. Thus, this show is equal parts entertaining and important. Director Tim Spradlin deserves praise for bringing this gem to downtown Indy, as well as IndyFringe for hosting it at the District (former site of Theatre on the Square), 627 Massachusetts Ave.

This production runs through March 24; get info and tickets at indyfringe.org.

Review: Civic Theatre continues ‘Tradition’

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By John Lyle Belden

The popular musical “Fiddler on the Roof” has a few nights left, Wednesday through Saturday at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre in The Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Carmel.

Directed by Michael J. Lasley with musical direction by Brent Marty, the story of a poor Jewish man confronting changes in society in Russia at the turn of the 20th century still maintains its power in this latest production of a show that has seen many local stages – not to mention Broadway runs and a 1971 movie.

Tobin Strader is an entertaining narrator as Tevye, the dairyman blessed with five headstrong daughters. Marni Lemons is an excellent complement as his wife, Golde. We also get great performances from Laura Muse, Virginia Vasquez and Daniela Pretorius as their eldest daughters, and Troy Johnson, Tanner Brunson and Joseph Massengale as the girls’ suitors.

One of the more interesting cast members is the title character – the Fiddler – a living metaphor performed by Erin Jeffrey. She appears throughout in various scenes as emphasis is needed, proficiently playing her instrument.

Praise is also due to choreographer Anne Nicole Beck, as scenes with various numbers of the cast of more than 30 players flow smoothly, naturally, and at times breath-takingly (yes, the “bottle dance” is included, involving five dancers).

Whether you’ve seen “Fiddler on the Roof” a dozen times or never at all – and really, you should at least once – the Civic production is well worth the ticket. Call 317-843-3800 or see civictheatre.org or thecenterpresents.org.

(Review also published at The Word)