YOUR REVIEW

THE SMOKING GUN TRIO  

"Then I crossed the street to the Ujima Theatre to see ART's offering of three new plays written by locals.

MATT LACHIUSA wrote AND DIRECTED one, ANGEL IN BLACK, which is hysterically funny - and it's about actors, writers, art and all that falderol. Acted by ANDREW MICHALSKI, MARIE COSTA (the grand dame of Rose Tattoo), and DREW DEREK, this holds your attention, and the artistic process up to a strong light. Well done, people!!!!

Another play, MECHANICS, by Mark Humphry, brings the wonderful HUGH DAVIS into juxtaposition with two losers, played to a faretheewell by BRIAN BERNYS and JACOB ALBARELLA. What will happen? How you feel about it may be very revealing to you about yourself. DIRECTED BY DREW MCCABE.

The third play, DIRTY LAUNDRY, written by MICHAEL VOTTA, and acted out by Mr. VOTTA and the devine ALAINA RENEE MILLER, in various stages of undress and promiscuity, has one big problem: it is way too long. Clever premise and originality, very well performed, but desperately needs cutting. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. DIRECTED BY CHRIS STANDART

But this show deserves attention and butts in the seats. Good going people!!! I applaud your search for newness.

Lighting Designer, MICHAEL LODICK
Stage Manager, BRIGID HANNON
Publicity Photography, PETER JASKOWIAK

So there you are. A good night!!!!"

Mary of the Lofti

-----------------------------------------------------------

 "SECOND TIME AROUND"

"Went to ART THEATRE at the Ujima tonight to witness the new third feature in the multi-skit show being put on.

I had already seen and reviewed the original three shows; but that did not stop me from again enjoying the talents of HUGH DAVIS (you would think the man was a drinker the way he successfully portrays a long-time drinker in this play); BRIAN BORNYS, and JACOB ALBARELLA as his hapless targets; under the direction of DREW McCABE in this MARK HUMPHREY offering.

If you can see a one act twice and enjoy it, it's got to be good.

Then there is the new offering by CINDY DARLING, in which ALAINA RENEE MILLER (whose ability to learn a new script is phenomenal) gifts us with the angst of a young lady unfortunate in love with less than perfect men. She is just wonderfully funny and winning. Short but sweet!!

Lastly is the involved transaction conducted by three "ARTISTES" in ANGEL IN BLACK, with ANDREW MICHALSKI, MARIE COSTA and DREW DEREK. These three are the very picture of what makes "ART" so complex and difficult to understand these days. Written by MATTHEW LaCHIUSA, himself!!!! Very funny and convoluted!!!!

I suggest you get yourself up to Ujima Theatre to see these gems. I laughed AGAIN and enjoyed them AGAIN.

Mary of the Lofti