Community Theatre Surpasses Expectations

A View from the Cliff blog

BY CLIFF KASDEN

Friday, June 26, 2009 12:09 PM EDT

I’ve been reviewing Queens theatre troupes for decades. Over the years I’ve sat through some embarrassingly poor productions. The talent, sets, sound, lights and even the food at intermission have been mediocre. I’ve taken it for granted that I will have to endure some bad ones to find that diamond in the rough. However, I confess that over the past few years, the overall quality of community theatre has continued to improve on a consistent level.

Case in point. Beari Productions’ current project, “Reflections in Two Acts,” offers dynamic talent that is well worth the trip. In the first act, three women, who turn out to be different parts of the same single spirit, sing solos and harmonies that are truly a pleasure to the ear. The youngest, Kaitlyn Murtagh, is only thirteen years old. Her performance is polished and her stage presence is excellent. Also on stage is powerful Amanda Doria whose anger and joy are harnessed with her usual unabashed honesty. Finally, Jessica Petschauer, who conceived and directed the first act, “Life’s Expressions,” punctuates the performance with her own eloquent voice.

The second act is a stage presentation of “Tuesdays With Morrie.” This best seller and TV movie is brought to life at Beari for just one more weekend. What is astonishing is the unexpected level of excellence by the two actors. Rich Weyhausen has appeared in more than 100 borough productions. I have seen many and have always been impressed. But the inspired interpretation of a dying college professor brought tears to everyone in the audience and a well deserved standing ovation.

As Mitch, Kevin Schwab is no slouch. He savors every black out and scene change with the refinement of a gourmet. He leads us down the road we expect to follow but never adds too much spice.

I hope Queens Courier readers will visit more live local theatre. You’ll be very pleasantly surprised.

EVENTS CALENDAR

March 2010
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Todays Events

Found 2 events today. March 19th, 2010 to March 25th, 2010
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Iannis Xenakis: Composer, Architect, Visionary

Event Date:

March 19th, 2010

Event Time:

TBA - TBA

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Latin Dancing

Event Date:

March 24th, 2010

Event Time:

1:00am - 2:00am

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Reader Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of queenscourier.com.

maxine v. wrote on Jun 27, 2009 1:58 PM:

" Wow! These 2 plays are truly praise-worthy. Two of the best I have seen. The 2 ladies and the young girl all had wonderful voices and it was well done. As for the 2 actors in "Tuesdays with Morrie" - their performances could have easily played to a Broadway crowd. They were fabulous both individually and as a duo. They really complemented each other's performance. You really should not miss seeing these dynamic two plays. "

sandyv wrote on Jun 27, 2009 2:02 PM:

" My mom and I loved "Reflections in Two Acts". Kaitlyn proved she belongs in the theatre.

"Tuesdays With Morrie" brought tears to my mom's eyes, and made me reflect on how much we need to appreciate living.

Thank you to Beari Productions for bringing these to us. "