Kerry Gudjohnsen directs Audrey Cefaly's darkly comic drama Alabaster, set in Alabaster, Alabama. The Pulitzer-nominated play centers on June, a grieving woman who answers a newspaper ad for a photographer documenting tornado survivors. Four actresses portray complex characters: Sarah Nowicki as June, Raven Douglas as Alice the photographer, Melanie Marshall as Weezy the talking goat, and Nathalie Archangel as Bib, who communicates through gesture and song. Magic realism features two onstage goats, with Weezy using frequent profanity. Deanna L. Zibello's set and Adrian Gilstrap's lighting create an evocative farmhouse and yard. Brisk pacing and overlapping arguments propel a poetic exploration of loss and healing.
I've been remiss getting to Town Hall's various productions. But, if what I saw last week is any indication, I'll be making a point of attending. Thanks to Director Kerry Gudjohnsen's dynamic presentation, Audrey Cefaly's darkly comic drama Alabaster flows off the stage, saturating the audience with emotions. Set in Alabaster, Alabama, the Pulitzer-nominated work runs through Sept. 6. I truly cannot say enough about the talents of the four actresses bringing Cefaly's magical story to life.
As June, Sarah Nowicki paints a humorous, flirtatious, angry and vulnerable portrait of a woman dealing with incredible grief. June answers a newspaper ad to have her photograph taken for a book that includes images of those who survived a horrific tornado in the small southern town. Raven Douglas portrays the photographer Alice with an understated quality that becomes increasingly vulnerable and intense as the two women navigate their troubling pasts.
Adding a bit of magic realism, June's two goats never leave the stage and just happen to talk. Melanie Marshall plays Weezy, a sharp, sarcastic young goat who keeps June on her toes while also showing a sweet form of caring for her mother Bib. Nathalie Archangel as Bib doesn't speak any human words but radiates sweetness and love with every gesture and facial expression. Towards the end of the play, this singer/songwriter gifts the audience with one of her heartfelt tunes.
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