"Seeing" is Believing
And The Seeing Place has done it again. Their production of Three Sisters is, I guarantee, some of the best theater you'll experience all year. It is a must-see production, if not just for the sake of seeing Erin Cronican's tour de force performance as Masha. The role is hers from beginning to end, and we have no desire to see it played by anyone else ever again. Equal praise goes to Brandon Walker. Yes, his portrayal of Andrey is perfectly balanced, but what's even more amazing is when you realize that this wonderfully skilled and accomplished actor has also directed this masterpiece. It is very rare to see one work these two aspects so seamlessly, and Walker seems to have mastered it. It becomes obvious quite early in the show that Walker has had some wonderful talent to work with. This is truly an ensemble piece, and it is executed as such by each of its members with such strength and ease. The length of the show is only apparent by your watch at the end of the evening. The first act is sharp and fast-paced, with introductions to wonderful characters played beautifully by the actors behind them. David Sedwick plays the most charming and darling Vershinin, and Brian Byus' effortlessly cool and arrogant Solyony reminds us how timeless these types of pieces really can be. Both Michael Stephen Clay (Chebutykin) and Justin Kress (Fedotik) share wonderfully surprising and honest moments, later in the show. For those who missed Clay in The Seeing Place's Scotch Kiss (a wonderful play by the marvelous Walker), you missed a flawless performance by an tremendous actor. He is a joy to watch in Three Sisters, and his depth shown comes as no surprise. Mary Lahti must be mentioned, as well, for her unwavering performance as the elderly Anfisa -- a role about twice the actor's age. We are on her side immediately, which makes events later in the show that much more effective. Kathleen Brower's Natasha grows increasingly more evil, giving Walker, as an actor, even more to work with. This production is truly such a joy to watch -- to be a part of. Please hurry to The Sargent Theatre by March 25. You'd be lucky to see this work on Broadway -- let alone FOR $12.

Three Sisters on Wednesday, Mar 21st, 2012