Ars Amatoria

Or, So Be It.

Scheduled to run Wednesday, May 11th through Sunday, May 15th at the American Theatre of Actors in NY, "Ars Amatoria" or "So Be It" is an intense yet dramatic and dark-comedic off-Broadway play about 3 men, 1 woman and several controversial topics, one focusing most of it's content on that of abortion. Directed by Laurie Rae Waugh and written by Grace Fishman, "Ars Amatoria" tells the story of a desperate and divorced young mother of 2, who turns to her adopted brother, past ex-lover and possible future-companion for money in order to get an abortion, after being moneyless from paying alimony and emotionally scarred from her previous relationship. After finding out that she is pregnant from a man she had a one-night stand with while she was in an open-marriage, she turns to the three men in her life who she feels will not only understand her position, but would be willing to partake in an action for a sensible reason. Filled with controversy, this play focuses on topics ranging from the simplistic notion of love to the complex demeanor of life's courses.

During the show, I very much enjoyed the performance of adopted brother, Jeb, played by James Rieser. Rieser was an intellectually stimulating actor that not only provided insight and discernment to the play, but also a lighthearted air that almost refreshed the serious and controversial topic of abortion. Rieser's articulation and projecting vocal quality set a mood of comfort and understanding within his character. His heartfelt reactions were apparent at the beginning, climax and end of the play and his gestures, movement and business was indeed, suitably executed and well understood. Rieser's proper relationship with the other actors on stage allowed a sensible tone to be set in the atmosphere. Both orally and visually, Rieser provided a concerning and eloquent believability to his character Jeb and in turn, made Jeb likeable and distinguished.

I would also like to discuss the performance of ex-lover, Keith, played by Christopher Spurrier. Spurrier was a delightful addition who added charisma and consistency to "Ars Amatoria." His interpretation of the now rich and successful man of inheritance was beautifully played as Spurrier's expression and verbalization clearly made it's way up the ladder as the days progressed. His comfort level and gestures provided the audience with a deeper insight to Keith's past as opposed to his new self. Having been his first time on stage in an off-Broadway play, Spurrier's ability to mold Keith into a believable and approachable character was implausible. His movement around the stage was natural and essential and his reactions to certain conversations were authentic. Spurrier was very reassuring and favored, and like Rieser, was endearingly lighthearted and sensible. The audience interacted well with this new face as sounds of laughter and gestures of sympathy and comprehension filtered across the faces of those intrigued by Spurrier's oral and visual projection. Both appealing and engaging, Christopher Spurrier expanded his talents and set forth his steadfastness adequately.

In addition to the fine work of Rieser and Spurrier, I was also impressed with the technical aspects of the show. With a simplistic yet comfortable setting, the correct mood was appointed for the content of the play. White walls stood behind decorative paintings, while a white couch placed in the center of the stage for the first half of the play, provided a very homey ambiance. The lighting, bright enough to notice the expressions of the actors and the background of the stage, illuminated in a perfect light. Costumes, containing both every day attire and that of  professionalism, allowed the actors to be seen as realistic and practical. Sound effects were directly placed in correct occasions and although were miniscule in the play, were competent. 

After viewing this show 2 out of the 5 days of it being shown (tomorrow being the last day and the 3rd time that I will see it), I would have to say that it was very captivating and well recommended to those who enjoy immense vocabulary, insightful comments that make you contemplate everyday occurrences and a cast of well-rounded actors who are engaged and passionate about their roles. I enjoyed this production and anticipate tomorrow's show to be just as delightful and enthralling as the prior performances.



*If you are interested in going to tomorrow's last show, it is at the American Theatre of Actors located at 314 W. 54th street between 8th and 9th Ave. in NY. Show starts at 3 p.m. and tickets are $15 at the door!*

Proud to be an American

Last night was one night I will probably never forget. Last night was the night the world found out that Osama bin laden was killed by US forces. I was lucky enough to be in NY last night and headed to Ground Zero with my boyfriend who lives in that same area. Surrounding us were well over 150 people singing patriotic songs in unison, waving American flags of all sizes, screaming, yelling, clapping, spraying champagne all over the place and taking hundreds of pictures of this amazing sight. At one point throughout the night (or early morning because it was about 12 am), two men decided to climb a street pole and stand atop the crowd waving a tattered American flag before shaking and opening a bottle of champagne across the sea of faces (see photo below). Unbeknownst to us, we had no idea what it would be like... and our assumptions were right on target. We stood, in each others arms, in front of one of the towers that isn't nearly finished, with it's bright lights shining on the happy faces of people who were celebrating their patriotism, their sense of victory and tears of relief and hope, was the highlight of my night. I was able to look around me and look up at the faces of those who felt almost blessed to have been alive to celebrate something so epic and thought, I clearly remember what happened on September 11, 2001 and here I am on May 1, 2011 at the same spot where over 3,000 people died and I felt my throat swell up with feelings I did not know of. I held onto him tight and looked up at the night sky whose lights reflected off of the heavens above and although I couldn't see the faces of all of those innocent people who passed away and left their friends and families with nothing but memories, I saw something more. I saw a night sky filled with dreams fulfilled. These dreams, whether big or small, have been floating across the universe for 10 years; dreams of wanting something more than just revenge. Dreams of wanting peace and comfort and contentment, were answered. 

I was very lucky to have been there last night. To be a part of something so heart rendering- I will not forget. Let us remember those brave and courageous who fought til the very end to save others and themselves as well as those who wanted nothing more than to live... to say good-bye to their family and friends. You will be remembered forever...

I am Proud to be an American.

 

A view of one of the towers from Ground Zero that is still being worked on, 

and nonetheless shining across the sky

 

Ground Zero Celebration/Party

 

Two men standing on top of a street pole waving the American flag at Ground Zero celebrating the death of bin laden and more importantly, those who fought for our country! Champagne, people singing patrotic songs, hundreds of people and tears. I won't ever forget this night... And I was SO thankful to be there to witness this celebration of happiness.

He's Reely Something

On February 22, I wrote an entry, "Whatever You Want Your Pen Name to Echo," that spoke about a true talent; a man with a dream bigger than his own heart beat. Christopher Spurrier (and I might have said this before), is a man who will stop at nothing to become the greatest of the great and a man that I admire and look up to because of his diligence and eccentricity. Having known such a talent, I would like to share with you his acting reel that he created himself. This video shows his diversity and ability to not only explore his true talent through various roles, but it also demonstrates his creativity and ingenuity-- not something many people acquire. Don't forget to visit his website as well for more information on this upcoming superstar... because let me tell you, he is REELY something ;)