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Nicole Bournas-Ney Nicole Reviews Fiorello by the St. Bart's Players  In the darkness a red sign suddenly flashes on; it reads -- "On Air." A spotlight snaps on and there is Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia reading the funnies to New York City's children during a newspaper strike. This memorable moment is the starting point for the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Fiorello, which is the story of how this excitable man became mayor by standing up for the average worker and beating the powerful and corrupt Tammany machine. A dynamic lead (Jim Mullins) in a dynamic role helps set the spirited and uplifting tone of the show -- the feeling that when you are right, when you are fighting for justice, anything is possible. A spunky supporting performance by Hope Landry, who plays a foolish and charming shirtwaist seamstress who ends up falling in love with the cop who is trying to break up the strike in which she is involved, further infuses the show with life. LaGuardia's secretary Marie is played by Barbara Zaid as likeably earnest, hardworking and loyal. Only the two-dimensional Kirsten Kane, who plays the part of Thea, the first wife of Fiorello, comes across as unimpressive and almost unappealing -- you never really understand Fiorello's passion for this shirtwaist model. The New York skyline quietly supports the entire political drama, the story of the ascent of Fiorello LaGuardia. However, when it comes to the site of the shirtwaist girls' picket line, and the backroom where the Republicans plot ways to finally beat Tammany, the struggles and ambiance of early 20th century New York come alive more through acting than stage design. The plain oblong table, combined with the games of cards, the dealer in a green visor and a wonderful song, "Politics and Poker," make the scene of apathetic party leaders come alive without any special setting at all. What is really great about this production (most other St. Bart's shows as well) is that, whatever the material, the actors are completely invested in their work. This is what made Fiorello so enjoyable. The play itself, while entertaining, is not exceptional. The commitment and gung-ho attitude of the players, however, make the performance something special. |
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