There are three heroes onstage in Chester Theatre’s 35th season finale, the American Premiere of Tom Wells’ Big Big Sky. First hero is Joel Ripka, an actor with multiple Chester credits, who stepped in at the last minute with virtually no rehearsals, to play a leading role. He had the blocking, accent, emotions and more down, and although he had his script in hand, he used it like a prop most effectively. The second hero is Hero Marguerite, a local actor who got her start at Chester, and has amassed some fine credentials in regional theatre. She’s a powerhouse in the making. And, third, the heroes of Chester’s creative team. Under unforeseen circumstances, they’ve given Big Big Sky a beautiful performance.
Set in a small cafe in Yorkshire, Big Big Sky is the story of Angie (Meghan Maureen McDonnough) and Lauren (Hero Marguerite), and Lauren’s dad, Dennis (Joel Ripka). A stranger, Ed (Abuzar Farrukh) enters. He’s renting a room from Dennis, while he’s job-hunting. Wells’ script introduces well-definite characters, and a plot laden with warmth, which has a few comic references to veganism, Taylor Swift, and Greta Thunberg. James Warwick’s staging brings multiple tableaus to life, and keeps the movement with the small cafe fluid. I liked Ed Check’s cafe set, Christina Beam’s costumes, Lara Dubin’s lighting, and Nathan Leigh’s sound. Ripka and Marguerite stand out, but there are fine performances by McDonough (who appeared at Chester years ago) along with Farukh, who appeared in Chester’s Disgraced and Guards At The Taj. Director James Warwick (who will stage The Majestic’s A Moon for the Misbegotten with Jay Sefton this fall) helped the quartet negotiate a nicely-blended series of performances.
It’s assumed that James Barry will return for the final week’s performances, but you’ll be getting more than your money’s worth, if you see the show with Joel Ripka.
Over three decades ago, a renowned Irish actor, Vincent Dowling, decided to start a miniature theatre company, and he settled on Chester, a small hilltown in the foothills of the Berkshires. His vision has thrived. Kudos to James Barry and Tara Franklin and their team for their visionary work at Chester Theatre. They’ve told big stories in a small space, with limited resources. They’ve turned Chester Theatre into a vital, vibrant community arts resource. I can’t wait to head up Route 20 to Chester next summer
Big Big Sky runs through August 18. For details: www.chestertheatre.org.
Chester Theatre presents Big Big Sky by Tom Wells. Directed by James Warwick. Scenic design by Jimmy Stubbs. Costume design by Kathleen Doyle. Lighting design by Evan Anderson. Sound design by Daniela Hart. Cast: James Barry, Megan McDonough, Abuzar Farrukh, Hero Marguerite and Joel Ripka.. Through August 18. Chester Theatre Companym Chester, MA.. For details: www.chestertheatre.org.,
Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and The Yale School of Drama. He has worked for arts organizations nationwide, and reported on the arts for print and broadcast. Mark produces and hosts ArtsBeat, Athenaeum Spotlight and On The Mark for WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. He’s a regular contributor to Pioneer Valley Radio and a member of the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association.
