A review by: Geary Gorup
In Donald Margulies’ “Coney Island Christmas” two teachers define “joy” as a special kind of happiness that you feel when it starts in your toes and works its way up - the best kind of joy. That sentiment encapsulates DCP’s production of “Coney Island Christmas which has four more performances set for 8:00 p.m. this Thursday through Saturday and on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (December 12-15).
The play is based on the story, “The Loudest Voice”, by Grace Paley, in which a young Jewish girl (Shirley - played here proudly and loudly by DCP veteran Avianna McCarthy) is cast in the school Christmas play as Jesus. Naturally, this revelation creates a mixture of consternation and exasperation with her immigrant parents. Young Shirley’s story is narrated lovingly by a much older and wiser Shirley in flashback sequences to her great-granddaughter, Clara. The play’s mixture of beliefs, faiths, ages, genders, and nostalgia during the 1930’s is a wonderful holiday delight for anyone who celebrates Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Christmas – or the incorporation, compromise, and adaptation of cultures into the great American melting pot.
The creative set design by Ray Thompson incorporates the use of sliding panels, and a revolving stage. Scenic design by Colleen Algeo is highlighted by a wistful and misty backdrop of Coney Island. Together, they propel us from Clara’s bedroom to the streets of Brooklyn to Coney Island, to the Abramowitz Grocery store/living room, and Young Shirley’s bedroom, as well as the school auditorium. The sound and lighting by Bill Algeo, and the costumes by Deb Takes and Elda Kulp, bring the feel and look of depression era Brooklyn. The dozens of behind-the-scenes volunteer workers who contributed to the realization of the director’s and producer’s vision must be acknowledged to the success of this production. Although too numerous to list here, their names can be found in the program available with a QR code at the show or on the DCP website. In the program you will find an inciteful comment from the show’s Director, Marianne Dell’Aquila, and much more detail about the cast and crew.
Elda Kulp as grown-up Shirley brings a gentle, funny and heartful narration to the main storyline as she helps her great-granddaughter cope with a bit of stage fright about her upcoming school play. Akera Airelle Kuczenski is precocious and cute as the great-granddaughter, Clara, and she gets to display a fine singing voice.
Avianna McCarthy as Young Shirley fills the stage with her moxie, grit, and spirit as she tries to balance the wishes of her parents with her own dreams and commitment to the teachers and fellow students in the Christmas play. Jess Mann and David Williams as the Jewish parents are given some wonderful dialogue which they artfully use to every advantage as they attempt to reconcile their faith, heritage and tradition with their daughter’s need to grow into her own person. Mr. Williams also has an opportunity to use his wonderful voice in singing a Yiddish melody.
Pockets Seachrist, never afraid of a challenge, plays the male drama teacher with pockets-perfect comedic timing. He is enamored with the France-born music teacher played by Amber Mangabat who hysterically leads the chorus of children through their Christmas songs in one scene, then dramatically brings context to the human challenges faced by immigrants coming to a new world in America.
The youngsters of the ensemble each have an opportunity to shine and sparkle, and they do - thanks to the direction of Marianne Dell’Aquila. Braden Dell’Aquila plays four roles in these plays-within-a-play with remarkable virtuosity in changing between characters. Gabby Gallagher portrays Young Shirley’s best friend with her own spunk, and Mary in the school Christmas play with respect and humor. Quinn Calafati is perfect as Young Shirley’s preening heartthrob and a very serious Joseph in the Christmas play. Donatello and Xavier Hicks, fresh from their impressive roles in “Charlotte’s Web”, return here as Young Shirley’s classmates, and as smarter-than-your-average-pilgrim Native Americans in the school Thanksgiving play. Joining Donatello as the Wise Men in the Christmas play are wise guy classmates Max Kocher and Adam McLaughlin, who also double as goofy pilgrims in the Thanksgiving play.
Reese Mann asserts herself well as Myles Standish’s lady love in the Thanksgiving play and once again as the innkeeper in the Christmas play. Bria McCarthy expresses a variety of emotions as The Statue of Liberty in the Thanksgiving play and as the grandmother telling a Christmas story. Sylvie Willouer is commanding as the Angel Gabriel guiding the skeptical humans in the Christmas play. Ella Pinkerton shines in her portrayal the Ghost of Christmas Past. Tessa Willouer and Francesca Foulkes are endearing as classmates who play shepherds with beards. In her DCP debut Marley Kocher is adorable as Tiny Tim and a mystery carnival attraction.
Rounding out the cast are a number of fine actors making the most of their supporting roles: Courtney Katz as the loyal but constantly complaining customer at the grocery store; Helen Spigel enticing the customers as the Sideshow Hawker and commanding subjects as both King Herod and King James; Susan Dean as the mysterious fortune teller, a teacher and a parent; and, of course, Chris Spigel as an out-of-his-time Santa Claus.
Congratulations to Director Marianne Dell’Aquila, Assistant Director Helen Spigel, Stage Manager Claire Spigel, and Producer Jane Spigel on the formidable task of pulling this cast, crew and production together. When you come to the show, you can have your picture taken with Santa Claus and Santa’s Helpers Ava and Bella McManus (who double as stage crew) and Dylan Gallagher. Come see “Coney Island” Christmas for the best special kind of joy you will feel this season from your toes all the way up!
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