Theatrical Review: Snapshots

SNAPSHOTS
Written by Cynthia Mercati
Directed by: Rob Eilenerger Howell*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented their production entitled, “Snapshots” by Cynthia Mercati. The play is presented in a series of vignettes depicting the lives of three women from their innocent adolescent explorations filled with dreams of what may come their way to the time of their ultimate realizations. Each vignette contains a satisfying mixture of humor and pathos to delight the audience while leading them into the deeper and darker realms of human existence. Although these realms may not be experienced by everyone, they are familiar enough to be recognized thus allowing the audience to place themselves into each character presented to them.

The cast consisted of Byrdie Jacques* who portrayed Sherry, Sara Ferguson* who portrayed Carol, and Midge McClosky* (who also serves as The Shawnee Playhouse Executive Director) who portrayed Hollis. To say the play is well acted and directed would be a very gross understatement. This aspect of the play went beyond excellence. These actresses brought their characters to life by holding a mirror to the audience which allowed them to see themselves through their reflections. This is theatre as its best and it was a meaningful experience for this reviewer to be a part of it in this deceptively simple play.

The Shawnee Playhouse* production of “Snapshots” by Cynthia Mercati was Directed by Rob Eilenerger Howell* and Stage Managed by Robin Kessler* who also served the production as The Sound Designer. Lights and Sounds were operated by Irene Garner* while Christina McManus served the production as its property mistress and Missy Benefield* served in Costumes. The Shawnee Playhouse* producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood while group Sales of their productions are handled by Mary Horn* (who also served as a member of the Box Office Staff) while The Shawnee Playhouse publicity is handled by Amy Cramer*. The Box office staff includes Becky Haskell, Barbara Ross, and Melinda Clemente.

Unfortunately, this production of “Snapshots” by Cynthia Mercati will have ended its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA by the time you‘ve read this review. The next Shawnee Playhouse* presentations will be their production of “A Walk In The Woods” presented May 29th - 31st, “Always….Patsy Cline” presented June 5th - July 12th, and “Camelot” presented June 26th - August 9th. Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $2.00 discount off the admission fee of The Shawnee Playhouse* Productions (excluding Children Theatrical Productions and those presented by non Shawnee Production Companies). Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 for more information and to reserve your ticket.

Photograph provided by The Shawnee Playhouse.

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