The Catskill Chronicle

Review by J. A. Di Bello

ELLENVILLE, NY (June 22, 2015) – As most are aware, the Shadowland Theatre in Ellenviille is a long and arduous journey from the sea. Note however, Brendan Burke director and producer of the famed Theatre in downtown Ellenville, has accomplished a formidable theatrical feat. He has brought the sea to Ellenville, a diminutive village, 338 feet above sea level. With that accomplished he has invigorated all the vital signs of Pulitzer Prize winning Donald Margulies’ Shipwrecked, an Entertainment (2007) to create an incredible evening of bold and dauntless exploits in the narrative form, a.k.a. a tall, very tall story exquisitely designed and performed for adventurous minds of all ages.

And as yarns and tales combine with the familiar fertility that simmers in the imagination of youth, one cannot stray beyond the limits of happenstance by associating Shadowland’s stage production with a place where children keep company with a mischievous boy who can fly and never grow up. Reminiscent are ferries, sea captains of dubious integrity and the lost children of J. M. Barrie.

To cause Shipwrecked to materialize into a collection of perilous yet “credible” tales of adventure, Brendan Burke has brilliantly assembled a competent cast able to reach out to the child that lingers within. Louis de Rougemont spread his invented tales through a British periodical, "The Wide World Magazine” near the end of the 19^th century. He boasted of pearls riches and adventures with a greedy sea captain. And as many doubted the validity of his tales, a larger number, it seems, relished in the voyages, living, one suspects, vicariously on the pages of a British tabloid.

Instrumental in this process is thespian Michael Lewis a veteran of stage and screen “Law and Order SVU” et al, as he with gleaming intensity and appeal represents the play’s narrator, Louis de Rougemont. As a once infirmed child, he leaves his home at age 16 to sail the beckoning seas that lie below the equator. Along the way, he spins an appealing yarn to include his encounters with a man-eating octopus, a gigantic sea turtle, a crusty seafarer in search of pearls, tempestuous seas complete with defying whirlpools and to top them all an amusing marriage to an Aboriginal woman.

Bliss Griffin is most agile and adapt at bringing life to the fantastic characters encountered in this frequently hilarious romp. She is nimble and alert as she cruises through multiple parts. Of particular appeal is her characterization of the Aboriginal wife who chooses to remain in Australia when Louis returns to civilization. But surpassing the above are the opening scenes when she vividly portrays the crusty sea salt who recruits an unsuspecting Louis to join the pearl fishing expedition.

Acting as a profession is historic and unique, as roles vary from pauper to king, from the beloved to the despised. On occasion, however, appealing characters from the animal kingdom nuzzle and charm their way to the footlights. In those circumstances actors are called upon to accurately and realistically portray creatures on stage. Shipwrecked is one of those plays and an accomplished Wayne Pyle has the skills, experience and training that allow him to graciously and accurately bring Louis de Rougemont’s faithful companion to life on the stage at Shadowland. The companion is Bruno, a large, panting, licking, pacing-on-all-fours, dog. Pyle is simply an outstanding canine companion and a memorable element of this family friendly comedy.

What may be novelty for some and nostalgia for others is the role of sound effects in this impressive production. It is so reminiscent of classic radio drama. Jessica Barkl and Justin Pietropaolo are listed in the program as players #3 and #4 respectively, and further listed as Sound Artists. This is an understatement, since the professional abilities of these two add a new dimension to the experience of live drama. They are Sound Masters. For those not familiar with the intricacies of radio drama and the production of “real,” as opposed to prerecorded, digital sound, this portion of the production is a complete and worthy event as a standalone. The production of thunder, wind, rain and galloping horses are classic techniques of theatre and require timing, a defined purpose and props extraordinaire. A major uppercase Bravo to the Jessica and Justin!!

Eli Reid’s scenic design anchored by the mast of the vessel allows for the movement and flow required by the play and projects accurately its purpose and nautical theme. Also, worthy of positive mention is the lighting design of Mitchell Ost. His use of pastel back lighting to reflect various moods and actions as the plot progresses complement the movement of the play.

Shipwrecked, an Entertainment will be playing at the Shadowland Theatre in Ellenville through Sunday, July 5. Tickets are available through the box office at 845-647-5511 or online: http://www.shadowlandtheatre.org/whats-playing/.

Also, and of note, is special pricing for children under the age of 15 years. They will be admitted to all performances at the price of $15 per ticket.

So recruit a crew, head for Shadowland and the Shipwreck on Ellenville’s Canal Street,