By Katrina “Kat” Reynold
WITCH presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music and The Carnegie through November 17th. I attended the Opening Night performance.
Carson Mehlbauer as Cuddy Banks & Nikolas Gray as Frank Thorney. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.
As part of its new artistic partnership with The Carnegie, UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is bringing WITCH by Jen Silverman to audiences this weekend. Described as “an inventive retelling of a Jacobean drama” (aka The Witch of Edmonton), the fable debates how much souls are actually worth when hope seems lost.
Director Lindsey Augusta Mercer has gathered an impressive village to surround an equally impressive group of CCM students. Pacing of the show is strong and the aesthetics are top-notch. Scenic Design by Doug Stock is quite literally worth the price of admission alone (and mad props to Scenic Carpenters Ethan Kuchta, Jack Murphy, Nathan Neorr, and Patrick Earl Phillips for their execution of it). Excellent, detailed work is also done by Costume Designer Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez – she is absolutely one of my favourites in terms of costuming that I have seen in recent years. Finally, particular kudos to Fight Director Gina Cerimele-Mechley for a beautifully choreographed fight scene on stairs. Bra – freaking – va!
WITCH boasts a solid ensemble of performing artists, but this should come as no surprise to CCM fans. Starting the show off strong is Debra Najor as our titular character. Ms. Najor’s delivery of the fresh dialogue is both confident and natural. When I grow up, I’d like to play the role of Scratch – but thankfully until I do, Nico Graves’ iteration of this character will more than satiate your desires. Mx. Graves excels at the physical embodiment of a presumed evil and then just as easily shows us a charming and sensitive side few could resist – excellent work! Finally, special shout-out to Carson Mehlbauer who gives a top-notch turn as Cuddy Banks, an unlikely heir. Mr. Mehlbauer carries out his character’s roller coaster of an arc with the skill envying those of many professionals in the city and beyond. Without a doubt, you will not want to avert your eyes from him when he is present in a scene.
While placed in a very different time period WITCH is ridiculously poignant and significant today, especially in light of some very recent events. The themes of hope and enduring through tough times are ultimately relatable and the play is in turn engaging. Mx. Mercer et al have bestowed a lovely gift upon theatre-goers with this piece and I highly encourage those who were not present for its opening to try and attend before it closes this coming Sunday. What do you do when hope seems lost? For me, theatre helps.
Click here for more information about the production.
Jen Silverman’s dark comedy comes to life at The Carnegie this November in partnership with the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music – CCM. The cast features CCM Acting students alongside faculty member Samuel Stricklen.
