The melodramas and comedies of Depression Era radio leap into the 21st century for Theatre A La Carte’s (TALC’s) nostalgic recreation of a 1940s radio program in their “Golden Age of Radio, Part 2” at the Community Church of Douglaston.
Meanwhile, the famed detective Sherlock Holmes and his trusty associate Dr. Watson confront a horrible monster in “The Hound of the Baskervilles” presented by the Minstrel Players, whose Queens roots both as former residents and performers run very, very deep.
It was my pleasure to attend both shows. At TALC, executive producer Pat Battestin sets the mood, then the ON AIR sign flashes. The audience sees a cast of casual performers waiting their turn to perform at standing microphones. Susan Emro who is
the troupe’s producer/director and playwright for most of the vignettes has mixed chilling murder with classic comedy. Comic legend Jack Benny, his valet Rochester and others bring fond memories to everyone present. A classic melodrama, a ghost tale and a charming retelling of “Arsenic and Old Lace” complete the evening’s travels into a past that has been upstaged by ipods and laptops.
The Minstrel Players pay tribute to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s immortal detective in their version of The Hound of the Baskervilles. Directed by lovely Tara Palen, who also plays an important onstage role, her talented brother, Ray Palen plays Sherlock Holmes. His British accent is excellent, along with a studied intensity in his performance that would rival others who have worn Holmes’ deerstalker hat. Dr. Watson, faithful friend and companion is played somewhat comically but with no insult to the character by Michael J. Freed.
Sir Henry Baskerville, whose life is threatened by a hideous hound, gains credibility as portrayed by Lou Lentino. Possible victims, or are they possible perpetrators are ably brought to life by Judith Anderson, Eileen Der Aris, Roseann Baldanza, Edward H. Kyle III, Evan Donnellan and Jacqueline Angier. Of course ubiquitous Debbie Palen, headset at the ready, brings it all together as stage manager.
A large audience savors the twists and turns brought cleverly to bear by this skillful cast of characters. Should you visit the Minstrel Players in Northport? Elementary my dear readers. Call (631) 732-2926 for information on becoming a Minstrel or surf to www.minstrelplayers.org.
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