"The Ladyslipper" - by Danny Eaton - The Majestic Theater (West Springfield, MA.) - REVIEW
(Cover Photo: Madeleine Maggio as "Lana," Chelsie Nectow as "Trish" and Cate Damon as "Estelle" in a scene from "THE LADYSLIPPER" by Danny Eaton now playing at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, MA. through March 24, 2024. Photo Credit Kait Rankins)
By Kevin T. Baldwin
METRMAG Reviewer
# 774-242-6724
“We were meant to find each other."
- ("Lana") / Danny Eaton
The Majestic Theater
Presents A NEW Contemporary Drama
by Danny Eaton
"THE LADYSLIPPER"
Written by Danny Eaton
Directed by James Warwick
Cast Includes: Madeleine Maggio* as "Lana," Jay Sefton* as Hank," Chelsie Nectow* as "Trish," Mark Dean as "Jebb," Robbie Simpson* as "Jimmy," Cate Damon* as "Estelle." Understudies: Tom Dahl ("Jeb"/"Hank"), Daniel Forlano ("Jimmy"), Sandra Blaney Larrow ("Lana"), Margaret Reilly Streeter ("Trish"), Linda Storms ("Estelle").
Additional Creative Team:
Associate Producing Director/Stage Manager - Sue Dziura*; Production Stage Manager - Stephen Petit*; Associate Production Manager - Aurora Ferraro; Set and Lighting Designer - Daniel D. Rist; Costumer Designer - Dawn McKay; Scenic Charge Artist/Assistant Set Designer - Braith P/ Dicker; Scenic Artist - Bev Stevens Browne; Scenic Carpenter - Spencer Cohen; Master Electrician - Callum Doerner; Wardrobe Mistress - Christine Thompson; COVID Compliance Officer - Carol Rucinski; Photographer - Rick Teller.
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
THE MAJESTIC THEATER, 131 Elm Street, West Springfield, MA 01089
Performances:
February 15, 2024 through March 24, 2024
(Contact Box Office for Exact Times)
Tickets can be purchased at the box office or by phone at # 413-747-7797.
COVID 19 PROTOCOLS
Contact Venue for Most Updated COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Information.
For their latest offering, the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, MA. has staged a charming story of surprising love in "THE LADYSLIPPER" - filled with likeable characters who are engaging, fun and, in the end, display just how kind and accepting people can be sometimes.
Set in a small, slightly rundown-albeit-pleasant tavern, "THE LADYSLIPPER" is run by Hank (Jay Sefton) along with his backroom cook, Jebb (Mark Dean).
The relationship conveyed by Sefton and Dean as fun, gruff, supporting characters "Hank" and "Jebb" comes across with genuine affection.
Without question they kick things off well and are simply a joy to watch each time they are on stage.
(Photo: Madeleine Maggio as "Lana" and Chelsie Nectow as "Trish" in a scene from "THE LADYSLIPPER" by Danny Eaton now playing at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, MA. through March 24, 2024. Photo Credit Kait Rankins)
The attention to detail of this rustic tavern set is exemplary.
There is a striking authenticity to everything we see in "THE LADYSLIPPER" from the beer taps to the matching stools adjacent to the non-matching tables and chairs - to the barroom hardwood flooring to the semi-functioning jukebox situated in the corner.
The only thing missing at "THE LADYSLIPPER" (aka "the Moc" or "Mocassin" to the oldtimers of the community) is the non-working cigarette machine abandoned to the joint during the early 1980s.
At the start of the play, as written by Danny Eaton and as staged by director James Warwick, there are no customers seen.
At the end of each scene and by the end of the play, there are still no customers seen. Yet the duo of Hank and Jebb still perform their daily routines to keep the bar appearing operational.
(Photo: Madeleine Maggio as "Lana," Mark Dean as "Jebb," Jay Sefton as "Hank" and Chelsie Nectow as "Trish" in a scene from "THE LADYSLIPPER" by Danny Eaton now playing at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, MA. through March 24, 2024. Photo Credit Kait Rankins)
The owner of the bar recently passed away and her estranged biological daughter, Lana (Madeleine Maggio) has come from her home overseas to help administer her mother's wishes as part of the reading of the will.
The only thing she knows is that "THE LADYSLIPPER" now belongs to her and what she chooses to do with it, nobody knows for sure, which has Hank and Jebb anxious as hell, to say the least.
Lana was located by her mother's estate attorney, Beatrice, aka "Trish" (Chelsie Nectow) and how Trish was able to locate Lana is explained later in the story.
The two immediately hit it off and strike up a close friendship.
At first, the friendship is encouraged by Trish's fiancé, Jimmy (Robbie Simpson), but then Jimmy's likeable demeanor begins to sour as he becomes jealous as Trish gradually grows more distant in their relationship.
Simpson is good at conveying the more manic behavior of Jimmy whose mood swings fluctuate from amiable, understanding boyfriend to a jealous and desperate "clinging vine."
(Photo: Mark Dean as "Jebb," Jay Sefton as "Hank," Madeleine Maggio as "Lana," Robbie Simpson as "Jimmy" and Chelsie Nectow as "Trish" in a scene from "THE LADYSLIPPER" by Danny Eaton now playing at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, MA. through March 24, 2024. Photo Credit Kait Rankins)
Lana then meets Trish's mother, Estelle (Cate Damon) who was close friends with Lana's mother and is so excited to see Lana after all these many years.
Damon provides a stabling presence and adds a nice historical perspective to Lana's life journey. This added exposition helps fill in some of the gaps Lana feels exist within her life outside of the United States.
As a friendship blossoms into something closer, Trish confronts feelings she has never experienced before and is unsure how to deal with them.
There are no "villains" or antagonists in "THE LADYSLIPPER" - although there is a perceived "threat" of a buyout by interested investors who seek to level the place and put up an establishment that would be far different and catering to a different clientele.
However, the real story is the relationship between Trish and Lana and both Nectow and Maggio have succinctly and thoughtfully brought forth a fine exploration of a simple yet heartwarming relationship.
(Photo: Madeleine Maggio as "Lana," Chelsie Nectow as "Trish" and Cate Damon as "Estelle" in a scene from "THE LADYSLIPPER" by Danny Eaton now playing at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, MA. through March 24, 2024. Photo Credit Kait Rankins)
As to the subject of "villainy":
There was one potential plot point alluded to early in the show's second act by the character of "Jebb" which never came to fruition which, if it had, would have taken the story in a completely different, more sinister direction.
It would also have potentially turned one or two characters into far more ruthless, manipulative villains for sure.
Thankfully, though, with that omission, what we are left with are tender hearted characters that are completely entertaining and with whom we enjoy spending some time.
Raise a glass to toast Danny Eaton and his play "THE LADYSLIPPER" which continues in West Springfield at the Majestic until March 24th.
Beginning April 18th, 2024, the next show at the Majestic Theater will be the dangerously hilarious "THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG" by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer & Henry Shields.
For tickets and more information, contact the box office by phone at # 413-747-7797 or visit www.majestictheater.com
Approximately two hours with one intermission
Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)
@MetrmagReviews
@Theatre_Critics
ABOUT THE SHOW
Danny Eaton's latest play "THE LADYSLIPPER" is a heartfelt exploration of family, friendship, and finding love in the least likely of places.
When the local watering hole's proprietor dies, her long-lost daughter is discovered and arrives from "across the pond" to make decisions about the future of the restaurant.
She is invited into the lives of a cast of local folks who each have their own ties to the place and to the woman who founded it.
"THE LADYSLIPPER" is the most recent example of Danny's focus as a playwright on everyday people living ordinary lives, and the joy and simplicity of community that becomes family.
ABOUT THE MAJESTIC THEATER
Locally-produced professional live theater since 1997. Before it was a live theater, local residents may remember THE MAJESTIC THEATER as a movie house. It has since been renovated and reimagined to bring live performances to the West Springfield area, giving local performance and technical artists the opportunity to thrive. Every season at THE MAJESTIC consists of five productions (including at least one musical) featuring local actors. In addition to the subscription season, the summer includes children's theater, concerts, plays, open mic nights, and improvisational comedy shows. Recently named the best place to see live theater in the Pioneer Valley in the Valley Advocate Readers' Poll, THE MAJESTIC THEATER continues to offer great theater thanks to the support and generosity of its 4200+ subscribers.
131 Elm Street
West Springfield, MA 01089
# 413-747-7797
