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By Kenneth Lonergan The Plaza Theatre at the |
“Under the direction of Brian Fahey, the tight production benefited from its sharply-realized performances. Jonathan Popp captured Dennis’s volatile nature perfectly, Steven Rossignol played his foil in a believable low-key manner, and Chelsea Cipolla convincingly conveys Jessica’s ambivalence. The result was a little gem of a production that deserved a longer run than just two weeks.” - Robert Nesti, Edge Boston “Gurnet Theatre production nails Lonergan’s hilarious “youth culture” of the early ‘80s…Jonathan Popp is a whirlwind as the wheeler dealer who doles out advice like a demonic life coach and drugs like there was no tomorrow…Steven Rossignol gives a dazzling performance as the dealer’s totally clueless friend. His awkward advances on a cute coed (Chelsea Cipolla in a kickin’ performance as the haughty fashion student) are simply sensational. Their relationship is just one of the reasons to love this play. Director Brian Fahey sets just the right tone for these twenty-nothings adrift in time between irresponsibility and independence.” - Beverly Creasey, Theater Mirror “If the Gurnet Theatre Project intend to continue making great theater, the shows are going to have to have longer runs. Their latest, an impressive interpretation of Kenneth Longergan’s “This Is Our Youth,” closes on Sunday, after a far too short two-week run….Popp is on-the-money manic as he talks about what he could accomplish, if only he weren’t a drug addicted dealer. His character has an amazingly short fuse, and the actor flies into realistic rage that is perfectly uncomfortable to witness…Rossignol’s character, on the other hand, is more vulnerable, timid and likable. He brings a lost, sad quality to the character that makes you hope he’ll get out of this lifestyle alive. Under the direction of Brian Fahey, each character delivers his own version of lost, with an edge and a vulnerability that almost makes you root for them.” - Nick Dussault, Boston Metro “…director Brian C. Fahey is a sensitive craftsman, and the three actors in his cast are all welcome additions to the local scene…Jonathan Popp brings a credible edge, and a rangy sex appeal, to the motormouthed, self-dramatizing Dennis, while Steven Rossignol provides well-crafted, thought-through support as Warren…The real news of the production, however, is Chelsea Cipolla as the flakily argumentative Jessica. Cipolla pretty much takes the stage on her entrance and never lets go, in a performance that’s not only an early candidate for best of the year, but should earn her shots at roles on larger stages. We eagerly await more from Ms. Cipolla - and from the Gurnet Theatre Project.” - Thomas Garvey, The Hub Review “The cast members are as memorable as their dialogue. Jonathan Popp has all of Dennis’ growing vulnerability as well as his volatility. A high point finds the muscular and very fit Dennis dancing provocatively toward Warren in a moment of striking emotional and sexual ambivalence. Popp brings terrific energy to the role. Steven Rossignol smartly develops Warren’s understated reflectiveness so that the character gradually holds his own with Dennis. Chelsea Cipolla’s fetching Jessica make the characters’ rendezvous very affecting. Happily, Gurnet Theatre Project embraces envelope-pushing fare with remarkable spirit. Dennis, Warren and Jessica may never realize their dreams and fulfill their passions, but Fahey and company strike gold with their soaring “This Is Our Youth.” - Jules Becker, The Patriot Ledger |
This is Our Youth - Reviews
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January 31st, 2008 at 11:25 pm
I miss this show (and you)!!!!!!