Theatrical Review: Savage In Limbo

SAVAGE IN LIMBO
Written by: John Patrick Shanley
Directed by: Professor Susan P. O‘Hearn*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* in East Stroudsburg, PA presented their Department of Theatre and Stage II* production of “Savage In Limbo” by John Patrick Shanley. According to the author notes as presented in the program, “Savage In Limbo” is what John Patrick Shanley considers a “Concert Play” which “is more of a series of related emotional and intellectual events more than a conventional story.” Well, this production was that and much, much more.

As with all productions at ESU*, the audience was greeted with a constructed scene setting the tone of the production long before the first actor sets foot on stage. The play takes place in a Bronx Bar and Set Designer Yoshiniori Tanokura masterfully made it dingy enough to create the illusion you just walked into one. It felt so real I’m sure a number of the audience members would order something if there were a bartender on duty as they entered the theatre.

The only departure from the unusual aspects of the scenic design ESU* productions are well known for was it was constructed not on the University’s Main Stage of The Smith-McFarland Theatre in the Fine and Performing Arts Center but in the Center’s smaller underused Dale Snow (aka Black Box) Theatre which was perfect for this type of production. It is hoped, by this reviewer, the Dale Snow Theatre will see more of ESU* future productions presented in it as the intimacy it creates enhances the qualities of certain plays more so than if they were presented in a larger arena. But, enough about that.

As the author mentioned, “Savage In Limbo” takes its audience on an emotional and intellectual roller coaster ride as it explores numerous subtle and not too subtle aspects of life and what it should or could be. One of the many themes that caught this reviewer’s attention what the statement of “People are just too damn smart” made by the character Denise Savage as portrayed in a stunning performance by newcomer to the ESU* Stage Julie Wisniewski. The character later explains that people never talk about things because they already know about it. She cites the concept of Gravity as an example. “No one talks about gravity because everyone knows what it is. Yet, the fact my feet is planted on the ground, amazes me.” For this reviewer, much of the play explores all the things we never talk about because we already know “enough” about them. The play challenges its audience to reassess this knowing by asking “is this really enough?” However, this was one of the many themes explored throughout the production which seemed to invite each audience member to distract and embrace one of his or her own.

The small, yet powerful, ensemble of actors consisted of some of ESU* best. This reviewer has seen a number of ESU* productions over the years and found it a privilege to witness the growth of the actors who learned so much in this educational environment. One of these lessons learned is an aspect to the theatrical arts in which actors are occasionally called upon to delve deep within themselves to bring about certain emotionally and psychologically charged performances. Each actor demonstrated this technique with great skill as they something unique to their characters. This not only enhancing the play but leaving audience members who regularly attend ESU* productions wondering in awe where the actor had to go to present such a strong portrayal of the character.

Shamus Halloran* portrayed Murk the bartender who does his best to assert rules to bring about order to the situation even when they don’t apply, Jenell Anne Manzi* (who serves as Vice President of The ESU* Student Theatre Organization “Stage II”*) portrayed April White the alcoholic resident of the Bar whose crushed dreams of becoming a nun led her to seek salvation in a bottle, Julie Wisniewski portrayed Denise Savage whose state of limbo insights her to commence on a quest to find something different to justify her existence, Christie Berlane* (who also served the production as a Master Carpenter along with serving as Stage II’s Secretary) portrayed Linda Rotundra whose experiences of one form of disappointment after another leads her to grasp onto something she perceives as solid even though he’s wrought with seemingly unacceptable imperfections, and David Ausem* (who also served the production as a Master Carpenter) portrayed Tony Aronica who wonders if the decisions he made throughout his life still are as self evident as they once were.

Just as the Set design by Yoshiniori Tanokura created the atmosphere entreating the audience into experiencing the production’s world, his Costume designs served each actor well in enhancing the reality of their performances. The clothing and perfected Bronx accents lifted the audience from their seats and landed them into the soul of the play. This is ESU* Theatre at its best.

The East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* Department of Theatre and Stage II* production of “Savage In Limbo” by John Patrick Shanley was well Directed by Professor Susan P. O‘Hearn* and Stage Managed by Erica Moschette* as assisted by Jessica Pachuta (who also served as House Manager) and Kelly Ann Perry. David Dougherty* served the production as The Lighting Designer and Robert McIntyre was The Light and Sound Board Operator while Ken Larsen served as Technical Director. Assistant Costume Designer and Costume Manager was Amanda Kalinowski* while Paul W. McKay served as the production’s Poster and Program Artist. Rachel Mack* serves a Stage II’s President and as the production’s Props Master and a Shop Carpenter with Megan Dowling as her Prop Assistant. Other Show Carpenters were Mike Demyan* and Scott Ross.

This production of “Savage In Limbo” by John Patrick Shanley will continue its run at The East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* in East Stroudsburg, PA until November 22nd and is recommended for those who would like to experience the thought provoking and life changing theatre ESU* does best. The next East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* in East Stroudsburg, PA productions will be The Stage II Student Directed One Act Plays taking place February 3rd - 7th featuring “Fool for Love” written by Sam Shepard and Directed by David Ausem*, “Memories of the Moon” written and directed by Amanda Kalinowski*, and “Sure Thing” written by David Ives and Directed by Erica Moschette* and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” will be presented April 14th - 19th. Please contact The East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* Theatre Department at 570-422-3483 for more information and to reserve your ticket.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.