Best of 2020 theater: Stories of courage, compassion, community
In spite of the coronavirus pandemic, which forced numerous troupes to cancel productions, here are my favorite shows that arose during one of the most challenging years in local theater.
1. “An Enemy of the People”
(Wright State University) Fierce battles concerning the environment, freedom of the press, political gamesmanship, corporate corruption, and majority versus minority dispute fueled this outstandingly relevant showcase about a town in crisis pitting brothers at odds. Director W. Stuart McDowell’s marvelously atmospheric, intimate and sensual staging of Arthur Miller’s 1950 adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s 1882 drama featured a dynamic ensemble splendidly led by Nick Martin (Dr. Thomas Stockmann) and Will Graber (Peter Stockmann). America’s current, divisive chaos was powerfully captured here with superbly striking potency.
2. “In the Heights”
(Muse Machine) Enthusiastic joy best describes Muse Machine’s take on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical about family and the pursuit of the American Dream in New York’s predominately Hispanic Washington Heights neighborhood. Co-director Lula Elzy’s vibrant choreography ranging from block party exuberance (“Carnaval del Barrio”) to character-driven elegance (“Paciencia y Fe”) was a knockout.
3. “Gloria: A Life”
(Human Race Theatre Company)
We can still learn so much from Gloria Steinem, the Toledo native whose stances on advocacy and equality resonate to this very day. The Human Race’s terrifically timely regional premiere of Emily Mann’s poignant, revealing play, directed by Marya Spring Cordes and accented with exceptional archival footage, was blessed by a wonderfully compatible and diverse cast of strong, passionate women.
4. “TheWolves”
(Wright State University)
The talented Cordes is also responsible for guiding another group of winning ladies. In this instance, a girls’ indoor soccer team exploring issues of betrayal, class, jealousy, miscommunication, and grief during practices. Sarah DeLappe’s 2017 Pulitzer Prize-nominated drama was in good hands thanks to riveting teamwork and a cool soundtrack of empowering female pop anthems.
5. “Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting”
(Dayton Theatre Guild)
You know you’re watching great theater when an imaginary meeting becomes so grippingly realistic you wish it were true. Directed by Rick Flynn, Ed Schmidt’s compelling outing brought together Jackie Robinson (Shaun Diggs), Paul Robeson (Edward Hill), Joe Louis (Robert-WayneWaldron), and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson (Franklin Johnson) to discuss whether or not Robinson should integrate Major League Baseball. The heated debate, particularly its blunt views on race, recalled the works of AugustWilson as sparks flew.
6. “A Streetcar Named Desire”
(The Virtual Theatre) Founded byWright State acting graduate Matt Neal, The Virtual Theatre launched in response to the pandemic with a Zoom-structured, Tennessee Williams salute that allowed his richly detailed language to take precedence. As so, Claire Kennedy’s captivating portrayal of Blanche DuBois, performed with remarkable direct-tocamera finesse, propelled this engaging presentation to poetic heights.
7. “The Last Five Years”
(Dare to Defy Productions) Under the direction of Mackensie King, real-life spouses Abby and Brent Hoggatt emotionally and vocally delivered to the hilt in Jason Robert Brown’s heartbreaking musical about a topsy-turvy relationship. Abby’s phenomenal, lyric-driven rendition of “I Can Do Better Than That” was an absolute thrill.
8. “Rent” (Dayton Live)
Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking 1996 Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical returned to Dayton for an excellent 20th anniversary national tour. In addition to Aiyana Smash’s fiery portrayal of Mimi, the show’s impressively balanced sound, a component that hindered past tours, was a refreshing plus.
9. “Man of La Mancha”
(Dayton Playhouse)
Director Dawn Roth Smith’s committed, attractively designed production of Dale Wasserman, Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion’s classic musical, starring the vocally strong Tim Rezash (Cervantes/Quixote) and Sarah Viola (Aldonza), inspired with purpose.
10. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
(Sinclair Community College)
Director Kimberly Borst’s energetic, entertaining production of Andrew LloydWebber and Tim Rice’s upbeat musical produced hearty doses of feelgood vibes.
Contenders: “Before Lesbians” (Dayton Playhouse); “Blessings from the Pandemic” (Young at Heart Players); “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (The Virtual Theatre); “The Face of Emmett Till” (Xenia Area Community Theater); “The Glass Menagerie” (The Virtual Theatre); “She Kills Monsters” (The Virtual Theatre); “WeWear The Mask: Breathe” (Sinclair)