Sardi's
In the old days of Broadway, actors opening a show would gather in Sardi’s on West 44th St. in Manhattan and breathlessly await the early edition of the newspapers to read the notices. Things haven’t changed much, and here in Fredonia, the reviews have come in for Stage Door. The critics have been generous. Here are some samples; you can read the entire review by following the link.
From the Dunkirk Observer:
Madison Osgood is marvelous as Terry Randall, who embodies the heart of the play and has us rooting for her with her indomitable spirit. Sophia Howes never lets us forget Mrs. Orcutt’s bygone stage days with dramatic moments throughout. Judith Canfield (Shannon Mann) is engaging with her loyalty, quick tongue, and talent for reading a letter as if it were a monologue in the role of a lifetime. Deanna Jelardi plays a spitfire Bernice Niemeyer, managing her own audition whenever possible. Big Mary (Haley Beauregard) and Little Mary (Rhiannon LaCross) banter back and forth with contagious energy. Mattie (Siobhan Hunter) and Frank (Alex Grayson) are delightful as they contend with all of the personalities of the house.Along with strong acting, the set design deserves accolades (Theresa Pierce). The wall-papered interior with upholstered furniture and numerous portraits effectively captures a boarding house of the time. Hats off to costume designer Anna Slocum for the period garments, no small feat with a cast this size. Dr. Jim Ivey has masterfully directed the production and keeps it moving at a brisk pace.
From the Jamestown Post Journal:
A full round of cheers is due to scenic designer Theresa Pierce and costume designer Anna Slocum. They had to dress all those people, and do it in the styles of 1936, when the play is set. The set is classy, perfectly in the period, and is wonderfully working, giving a sense of the atmosphere in the house, with people coming and going, listening in on each other’s conversations, etc. Director James Ivey managed to move that constant tidal wave of people on and off the stage for the full 150 minutes of the production.
Terry Randall is played charmingly by Madison Osgood. Even her rivals in the house admit, she is a wonderfully talented actress.. Her family is poor but honest, so she has to sell blouses and accept jobs reading recipes on the radio to pay her rent.
Jean Maitland, played with energy and gusto by Kathleen Grace Fiori, is Terry’s friend. The grapevine tells us that she isn’t as talented as Terry, but she is considerably more ambitious, and as the play progresses, she abandons the theater to become a film star.
And lastly, from TADA’s chief critic and cheerleader, President Dennis Hefner:
I thoroughly enjoyed last night’s performance of Stage Door. It was the last Mainstage production I will be attending as President, and it couldn’t have been better. The size of the cast was impressive, and the perfect timing, quality of the acting, and overall stage presence was made a three act play seem like just a few minutes. I was captivated by the large number of perfect performances. And speaking of impressive, I should add the scenery was stunning and the costumes dazzling. Everyone both on stage and behind the scenes did a terrific job with a true “Broadway Classic.” Thank you, and bravo!
WIth all those accolades, how can you afford not to see this show? Stage Door continues April 21, 26, 27, and 28 at 8 p.m. and April 22 at 2 p.m. in Marvel Theatre. Tickets are available at the Central Ticket Office at (716)673-3501.
