THE ARTS ETC

_____________________________________________________________________________

New Century Theatre

Presents

SUPERIOR DONUTS

by Tracy Letts

Directed by Steve Brady

Smith College

Theater 14, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts

122 Green Street, Northampton, MA

July 28, 7:30pm; July 29 and 30, 8:pm; July 31, 2:pm and 7:30pm

August 2-4*, 7:30pm; August 5 and 6, 8:pm

*Post-Show Talkback with cast and director

Superior Donuts is produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.,
and is made possible through a grant from the Northampton Arts Council.

Superior Donuts is sponsored by

Lathrop Retirement Communities

NCT'S FINALE IS THE FROSTING ON A DELICIOUS SUMMER SEASON

REVIEWED BY B. K. GRANT

In an up-town Chicago neighborhood, a sparsely outfitted donut shop, although functioning in the twenty-first century, appears to be frozen in the 1950s. An Orange Crush clock which hasn’t worked in years is still positioned over a wall-mounted rotary phone, and random mix-and-match (not) floor tiles and pedestal chrome counter stools take us back to that simpler time. A not-so-random act of vandalism has shattered the meager but stable existence of the business, peaking the concerns of a frustrated fellow citizen who calls in the law. Barry Press* is brilliant as the fiery neighbor Max Tarasov, who demands that something be done to apprehend the perpetrators immediately.

 

Arthur Przybyszewski is slightly reminiscent of the ’hippie-dippie weatherman’ (remember him?) in demeanor, quick with single-syllable responses, and non-committal to any idea remotely resembling the enhancement of his proprietorship, even after the break-in. Nearly twenty years of hardworking ownership has solidified this second generation donut maker’s routine: he was very comfortable with the status quo. Rand Foerster excellently portrays “Arthur P’s” character; his apathetic attitude is bittersweet and his occasional soliloquies reveal snippets of history which shaped his young adult years and also created pathways of indifference.

 

Into Arthur’s humdrum existence bounces Franco Wicks, a twenty-one year old optimist who feels he could have the world by the tail if he could just catch a break. Johnnie McQuarley is Franco, demonstrating an abundance of animated energy as he wangles a position of employment and immediately begins to offer suggestions for improving the business. He is thrilled with his new position and has dreams of making a better life for his family. The contrast in personas of the two is hilarious. When Arthur repeatedly asks to read a book he has written, Franco’s response is “Why? Because it’s be-nice-to-a-Negro week?”

 

Arthur’s attitude toward Franco progresses from indifference to amiable tolerance as other patrons (?) frequent the quaint shop -- the law: Officer James Bailey and Officer Randy Osteen, on the scene after the break-in. Foster Evans Reese excels as Bailey, a comically excitable man attempting to exact his authority over the situation, but lacking a bit in stature compared to his partner, Osteen. Wonderfully played by Adrianne Krstansky* she is the perfect blend of tough and tender, especially where Arthur’s ‘single man’ status is concerned. Lady Boyle arrives daily for her coffee and donut fix; Jaris Hanson* is perfect in the role of this tormented alcoholic who is always ‘sober today’. She offers words of wisdom to Arthur at a pivotal moment.

 

Players from Franco’s past make an appearance, hinting that he has come into Arthur’s shop with heavy baggage. Luther Flynn (Peter Bretz*) and Kevin Magee (Justin Fuller*) aim to collect what’s due and payable, and are very persuasive in their overtures. Kevin Maroney is the strong, silent, formidable Kiril Ivankin, who arrives with cohort Max in the nick of time.

 

Under the able direction of Steve Brady, Superior Donuts, by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prizewinner Tracy Letts, projects the dissolution of isolation and hopelessness, followed by the blossoming of respect and true friendship. Daniel Rist’s lighting and fifties set design endured nicely throughout every mood, every scene; the talents of David Wiggall (sound), Emily Justice Dunn (costumes) and Anna Burnham* (production stage manager) complete this package, and succeed in offering a fast moving two-plus hours of witty entertainment which, as it closes, leaves the viewer uplifted and smiling from ear to ear.

 

 

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors
and Stage Managers in the United States