Review Capsules

Lucy (Atkins Playwright)

"Lucy is Really, Really, Really Good" by Johnnie Walker Torontoist March 19th, 2007 Link

(My Summary) A short yet all encompassing review. Walker does a great job of touching on the script, the production, and the set design.

(Performance Quote) "Meg Roe does terrific work as Lucy, who has moments of lucidity in asides to the audience where she can express everything she would otherwise have difficulty communicating. Seana McKenna is typically phenomenal, playing a character whose coldness and lack of compassion at certain times could make her a completely unlikeable personality, but whom she renders completely believable and even sympathetic." 

(Design Quote) Also of note is the fantastic set design by Teresa Przybylski, which is utilised fluidly and beautifully.

"An Anthropologist Evolves with Help From Her Autistic Child" Jason Zinoman New York Times November 2nd, 2007 Link

(My Summary) A New York Times article in which Zinoman focus' on the script and it's flaws more than the actual performance of the show. A good read nonetheless to see what he though was "bad".

(Performance Quote) "Since the supporting characters are at best one-dimensional and at worst transparent plot devices, Ms. Emery must carry the play. And without betraying the cool aloofness of her character, she provides an emotional center the drama desperately needs."

(Design Quote) None.

"Gut Wrenching and Compelling Story Telling" Ellen Wilson Dilks Stage Magazine January 25th 2011 Link

(My Summary) Wilson does a great job in her review. She talkjs about the script, the set, the performance, the direction and even the playwright himself. 

(Performance Quote) "Andrea Green tackles the difficult role of Lucy. In addition to portraying autism accurately, she also serves as the narrator of the piece, taking the audience inside Lucy’s head. Ms. Green is wonderful at these challenging transitions in and out of Lucy’s autistic behaviors. She instantly endears herself to the audience during her speeches directly to us. Then smoothly morphs into a scene with the skill of a seasoned actor. Kate Eastwood Norris is compelling as Vivian, deftly navigating the character’s difficult arc. Initially, Vivian is a bit off-putting, but Ms. Norris endows her with a humor and vulnerability that wins the viewer over. She is not afraid of the darker aspects of Vivian’s character."

(Design Quote) Strong and evocative design work adds much to the production. Alexis Distler’s set shows the frame of a typical suburban home, with Lucy’s therapist’s office sharing the space. It is a fascinating study of angles and connections—a perfect metaphor for the play’s story. Rosemarie McKelvey’s costuming complements each character and helps add to the feel of the story. The lighting design by Joshua Schulman includes an amazing gobo effect that creates Lucy’s African-like drawings on the walls of the stage and the theatre. Add to this Fabian Obisbo’s beautifully lyrical sound design and the viewer is totally drawn into the world of the play.

"Lucy" Victor Gluck Theatrescene.net November 5th 2007 Link

(My Summary) Gluck does a good job of covering all aspects. Even though it is a short article, he articulates the plot, the performance, and even some design work.

(Performance Quote) "...has obtained brilliant performances from Emery as Vivian and Lucy DeVito in the title role. So convincing is DeVito as a thirteen year old autistic child that it is difficult to believe that she, herself, is not autistic. Emery, who is almost never off stage. holds the play together with her character’s own journey from her lack of self-knowledge to a new understanding of herself and all those around her. She also runs the gamut from self-possessed career woman to one on the verge of a nervous breakdown."

(Design Quote) "Ryan Elliot Kravetz has designed a setting with diaphanous walls that suggests the off-kilter, other worldly existence of those with autism. The set changes from Vivian’s archeological dig to her city apartment to the therapist’s office are swiftly and economically accomplished. Chris Dallos has lit the walls of the play in changing colors which parallel the many moods of the drama. Suzanne Chesney’s costumes help define the various personalities that inhabit this story."

"Autistic Lucy Fails to Reach Us" John Colbourn Sun Media  March 22nd 2007 Link

(My Summary) John Colbourn makes many a good point about Lucy in his article. Though right off the back he lets you know he is biased when it comes to science in theatre. He focus' mainly on the script with a small touch on the performance. 

(Performance Quote) "What Lucy does offer, however, is two fine roles for two exceptionally talented actors. Under the direction of Eda Holmes, Roe and McKenna make the most of them.... Moving effortlessly from Lucy's exterior world to her interior, Roe is never anything less than completely and compellingly believable, while McKenna tackles her role with such a ferocious conviction we actually end up feeling a grudging sympathy for this essentially unsympathetic character."

(Design Quote) None.

Miss Chatelain (Atkins Playwright)

"One Man Marathon Steers Clear of Tired Old Gay Routes" Joanne Huffa January 14th, 1999 Link

(My Summary) Huffa does a great job of talking about Atkins one man show in an objective manner. She talks about the strengths and weakness' not only of the script, but of the performance as well.

(Performance Quote) "Atkins' physicality as an actor ensures that the energy of Miss Chatelaine never flags."

(Design Quote) (No quote, but she does touch on his costumes and how well implemented they were.)

Good Mother (Atkins Playwright)

"Another Mother...Good Mother a Powerful Story of Personal Rediscovery" John Colbourn Sun Media 2001 Link

(My Summary) Mr. Colbourn writes a much more positive review this time. He talks about the script and how it is strong as points and weak at others. He talks about the great acting and directing, but no mention of scenic elements. 

(Performance Quote) "The always luminescent McKenna and Best are both superb in roles that demand nothing less than complete emotional integrity. Graff and Dodd are impressive also. Jane Spidell, Shawn Mathieson, Lisa Horner and Kim Horsman round out the cast in strong supporting performances."

(Design Quote) None. 

"Good Mother" Christopher Hoile Stage Door Guest Review 2001 Link

(My Summary) This is our second time to hear from Mr. Hoile. He focuses more on the flaws, but still uplifts the scripts where we believes it is deserving. He also touches on the performance and the set as well. 

(Performance Quote) "Wayne Best as Anne's husband Ben gives one of his best-ever performances, fully communicating the conflicting emotions of his character. Anne's sister Louise is the only character Atkins grants much subtext, but Jane Spidell beautifully brings out her unspoken conflict of what is right and what she desires. Michele Graff as Nancy has to cope with a character who repeatedly flies off into pretty much the same fit of anger. All delivered at a shout these fits become tiring. In her quieter moments, however, Graff is able to bring out a fuller sense of her character. Andrew Dodd, aged 11, plays Nancy's brother, Boo, with more assurance and naturalism than most of the adult actors in training at Stratford."

(Design Quote) "Peter Hartwell's design is very simple making use of slides (by Michael Besworth and Daryl Cloran) projected on two angled screens to locate each scene. Wendy Greenwood's lighting is crucial in establishing the varying moods of the piece, as is Peter McBoyle's detailed soundscape, particularly enjoyable in the movie theatre scene."

The Glass Menagerie (Atkins Actor)

"Atkins acting plan" Glenn Sumi NOW Magazine January 6th 2005 Link

(My Summary)A good article full of information. Lots of quotes from the actors.

(Performance Quote) "Whether you can relate to the literal nuts and bolts of their lives – the fact that there’s no hot water, or that Tom has only two shirts – doesn’t matter. Their emotional life is still completely recognizable. The family dynamic feels contemporary"

(Design Quote) "...which has specific technical requirements involving slides, musical cues and lighting."

"A Menagerie to Forget" Christopher Hoile Stage Door January 6th 2005 Link

(My Summary) A great review with lots of detailed information. Hoile does a good job of talking about everything. He was not a fan of the production.

(Performance Quote) "Abrahams has directed Damien Atkins as Tom to be not someone who is a neutral stage manager and set dresser, which he does all too slowly, but as someone destroyed by the memory of what he has done to his family..."

(Design Quote)"Thus, we have an atmosphere of spaciousness not claustrophobia.  The Wingfield residence is so big that the physical and psychological need to escape whether to the movies as Tom does or into a private world as Laura does is undermined."