Theater Online - New York Theater Reviews

The past two Tosos II productions I have seen "Wonder Woman, the Musical" and "The World of John Wallowich" were really excellent. Both were also cabaret shows, "The Mermaid" by Mark Finley is the first of their straight plays I have had the chance to see.

There are two interconnected dramatic threads in "The Mermaid". One takes place in 1962, where we meet three college students: first, Judith (Victoria Dicce) on stage rehearsing for an audition. Enter Lee (Paul Ciaolo) an obviously gay actor intending to compete for the same part. Reid, the football player stumbles in hoping for extra credit in order to stay on the team. The trio is offset by the formidable Evelyn - their teacher and director.

1n 1998 we meet Martin (Derek Staranowski) having cocktails with Amy (Karen Stanion) Martin is a former actor and temp worker who has just been terminated from his temporary assignment. Amy is a very hopeful actress has just appeared in the third hour of a three-hour showcase that poor Martin has had to sit through. Enter his lover Ken (Nathon Johnson) who - in a slightly later romantic interlude - introduces the idea of adopting a child, causing Martin to decide to seek out his own birth parents.

As these two very separate dramas unfold, we learn how the lives of each one of them are influencing and connected to the others. Mark Finley has done a remarkable job of writing a play with gay themes that neither panders nor insults the intelligence of the audience. The ending is quite touching and very bittersweet.

Much credit must be given to this incredibly talented cast. Karen Stanion and Nathan Johnson are the alumni of much gay theatre and it is nice to see them in something that is finally worthy of their talents.

Gail Dennison is an absolute standout as the Director. Her comic timing is impeccable and she mines every laugh from the material without ever resorting to caricature.

Paul Caiola and Joe Tuttle as opposite ends of the college spectrum are both dead on and the scene where Lee is helping Reid learn his lines for the play is both sweet and funny. Derek Staranowski is a wonderful Martin.

The absolute standout of the evening is Victoria Dicce as Judith. Her performance is heartfelt and luminous. Every moment she is onstage it is impossible to take your eyes off of her. With only a costume change, she manages with her body and face to evoke the image of a 35- year age difference. What is even more amazing is that she had one-week rehearsal and had just taken over the role that night replacing Rachel Eve Moses.

The sets sound and lights are quite competent for the needs of the production and Barry Childs direction is to be highly applauded. The costumes by Chris Weikel evoke the two different time periods beautifully. TOSOS II has done it again.

This is one of the most entertaining and thought provoking nights I have had at the theatre in a long time. Do not miss it.