L to R: Theodore Errig, Ruby Spryte Balsamo, and Benjamin Errig

 

                           by Nicholas Linnehan

 

Hope is a miracle. That line, uttered so sincerely, strikes us to the core. Isle of Shoals production of Occupation Dragonslayer  is a little confusing, but hits a chord when it needs too. Billed as a contemporary musical fable, the production engages us, but fails to completely hook us.

 

Steffen Whorton

 

What happens when seventeen people meet at a local diner near Ground Zero, eight days before the restaurant is to be sold to a rich land developer? For one guy, Chris this seems as good a place as any as he can't remember who he is. Donning a Santa Suit and a FDNY fire-fighter shire underneath, we see that this man can see into peoples souls and instantly connects to everyone. As each new person or entourage enters, it is Chris who ties them all together. Act one is filled with many vignettes about each character. Herein lies the trouble in the piece, as it makes it appear fragmented. But thankfully, Chris is the anchor to the ship and pulls us all together.

 

In the background of the play, 9/11 is looming over everyone and although it is unclear how much time has elapsed since that horrible day, its effects are still being dealt with by the characters. It seems jarring to break into a musical number when the topic is 9/11. But the cast has strong voices, which combats the odd juxtaposition of musical and 9/11. So who is the Dragonslayer and what is his purpose? Well, it appears as if he is there to protect these people from corporate greed. But again, that is a guess because it gets a little fuzzy.

 

L to R: Steffen Whorton, Kimberly Bello, and John Mervin       photos by Maria Baranova

 

Chris, played by Steffen Alexander Whorton is the ultimate good guy; Sweet, sincere, and charming. We all instantly fall in love with this fellow. The Duchess, played by Judy Polson, is the only one who knows who the Dragonslayer is and what he is here to do. Polson is adequate in the role and gets the job done. Kimberly Bello, plays Mara, a wandering girl with no sense of purpose. She gives us a knock-out performance when she sings her number “The Girl in the Mirror.” She deserved a standing ovation. Watch out for Bello, she's got the goods to make it far. Also noteworthy, is John Mervin, who plays Damon Wade. His voice is stellar and he is as every bit as slimy, corporate America that he needs to be. We love to hate him!

 

For all the strengths of the production, there were some weaknesses. Like the costumes, designed by Janet Goldberg. The play takes place during winter and a lot of the actors, the Duchess in particular, is inadequately dressed. If we are truly to buy into the fact that it is cold outside, it is a contradiction to see so many characters dressed in short-sleeves. This distracts us from fully buying into the world of the play.  Also, the character of Gil, played by Steve Walsh is bewildering. In act one he enters a troubled, sad man, who is rather likeable. Then in act two he re-enters as this macho jerk who no one can stand. This leaves us dumbfounded and wondering about Gil's true character.  Now, granted this is a musical, but there is an overabundance of musical numbers and reprises that don't seem to help tell the true story. It seems as if the Book got short-shrift here and all the attention went into the music. A more equal balance would have been nice.

 

Yet, the final moment and the belief that hope is a miracle is moving. And in this political climate, who doesn't need some of that? Further editing needs to be done, which will help tell a clearer story. Hopefully, Bryan Williams who wrote everything inclcuding the score along with director stephen ryan  will sharpen his play, which will allow the audience to be fully immersed into his world because it is one worth sharing in!

 

Operation Dragonslayer plays now through Sept. 25, 2016 at 44o Lafayette Street. Robert Moss Theater