I had the happy accident to be invited to ReVision Theater's latest production of Jason Robert Brown's innovative romantic dramedy musical THE LAST 5 YEARS yesterday and, though knew little about the piece going in, this morning the thorough enjoyment of the performance is still with me.
The production, staged at Theatre Bar at 610 Bangs Ave., utilized this unique and quintessential Asbury location to a degree unseen in years. The bar and pool table (even the audiences' seats) become ocean piers and bedroom suites...every possible corner of the area is thoughtfully and magically inhabited and transformed by two of the most talented, effervescent, and inspiring young performers I have had the pleasure to be entertained by.
Ms. Ephie Aardema and Mr. Spiro Galiatsatos held their viewers' attentions and emotions from the very start and never let go...and who would want them to?
Ephie and Spiro are both wholly emblematic of all that is fresh and appealing about hopeful romance...yet, additionally and collectively, possess the kind of acting and singing chops to present the flip-side of the romantic journey; as hope is harder to maintain. Not "just good" or "very talented", these two high-caliber performers knock both the story and its characters off-of-the-page and out-of-the-park (Asbury that is).
Much deserved applause to Mr. Corey Rubel (director) and Mr. Andrew Hertz (musical director) whose work seamlessly combines to provide both structure and an open canvas for these actors to take full advantage of.
Finally,much thanks to Bob Angelini, ReVision's Interim Artistic Director, and the rest of the ReVision staff and supporters...your contribution to Asbury's theater scene is immense, important, and inspiring.
The production, staged at Theatre Bar at 610 Bangs Ave., utilized this unique and quintessential Asbury location to a degree unseen in years. The bar and pool table (even the audiences' seats) become ocean piers and bedroom suites...every possible corner of the area is thoughtfully and magically inhabited and transformed by two of the most talented, effervescent, and inspiring young performers I have had the pleasure to be entertained by.
Ms. Ephie Aardema and Mr. Spiro Galiatsatos held their viewers' attentions and emotions from the very start and never let go...and who would want them to?
Ephie and Spiro are both wholly emblematic of all that is fresh and appealing about hopeful romance...yet, additionally and collectively, possess the kind of acting and singing chops to present the flip-side of the romantic journey; as hope is harder to maintain. Not "just good" or "very talented", these two high-caliber performers knock both the story and its characters off-of-the-page and out-of-the-park (Asbury that is).
Much deserved applause to Mr. Corey Rubel (director) and Mr. Andrew Hertz (musical director) whose work seamlessly combines to provide both structure and an open canvas for these actors to take full advantage of.
Finally,much thanks to Bob Angelini, ReVision's Interim Artistic Director, and the rest of the ReVision staff and supporters...your contribution to Asbury's theater scene is immense, important, and inspiring.
LEARN MORE ABOUT REVSION THEATER AT: http://revisiontheatre.org/ and
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