| BLUEBERRY
POND PRESENTS A POWERFUL PREMIER IN ITS NEW THEATER WITH EDEN’S
END
By Melinda O'Brien and Michael Mudoon
Why
do you go to see live theater? Is it to be entertained? Is it
to provoke yourself into thinking about topics you wouldn’t
otherwise have thought of? Is it to support a person or group?
For all these valid reasons and more you should go and see EDEN’S
END. It is not often Westchester theater-lovers get a chance
to see innovative new dramas right in their own back yard.
Jean-Paul
DeVellard has written the story of Constance, the recent widow
of an upper-class, older man, in the 24 hours immediately
after his memorial. DeVellard’s script is imbued with the
poetry of Tennessee Williams with the jolting shocks of an early
Sam Shepard. The shocks come early and often as the beautiful and
statuesque widow, Cynthia Granville, is romanced and tortured in
turn by the enigmatic Mikal (Francis Callahan) and the handsome
Nick (Ian Campbell Dunn). Callalhan is broodingly magnetic and
believable as the character on the stage that the others can’t
help but be drawn to. Dunn gives a forceful performance as the
young rake. Granville dominates the stage in a powerful, realistic
interpretation. All three actors are to be commended for baring
their character’s souls as well as their clothes unselfconsciously. Director
Jesse Ontiveros makes the audience feel the hot, humid, sticky
atmosphere and the pacing turns from languorous to fast-paced
excitement as the events unfold. Julia Hahn’s Scene Design
is particularly effective in transmitting the tactile, sensual
setting of the beach scene. We especially liked the sand barrier
running around the perimeter and the flexibility of the set which
led to a fast set change. Fight Choreographer Jim Robinson’s
fight scenes were startlingly realistic although the intimacy
of the setting gave away a few face slaps. Whatever the
reason you go to the theater it is reason enough to see EDEN’S
END. Blueberry Pond Theatre Ensemble has a smart, new venue for
presenting original professional theater.
If you want to be provoked and entertained, it is happening right
here in Westchester at Cedar Lane Park in Ossining.
EDEN'S END will be presented at 235 Cedar Lane, Cedar Lane Park,
Ossining through June 19, with performances Thursday 7:30 pm,
Friday 8pm, Saturday 3 and 8pm, and Sunday 3pm. Tickets $30,
$25 for seniors Sunday matinee only. Tickets may be obtained
by calling SmartTix at (212) 868-4444 or visiting SmartTix.com.
The play contains nudity and mature content; no one under 17
will be admitted unless accompanied by an adult.
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