None Too Fragile theatre company premieres with compelling production
For about four years, Bang and Clatter Theatre performed like the little engine that could. Run by the two Seans (McConaha and Derry), possessing little money, but lots of chutzpa, the company performed before nice-sized and appreciative audiences in Akron. True to its mission, the theatre presented innovative and challenging works. The atmosphere was relaxed, free wine flowed, and the performances were generally of high quality.
Several years ago they added a Cleveland theatre, opening a new space in the former Cole’s Shoe Store on public square in downtown Cleveland. That venue, due to poor parking availability, little publicity and the competition of the crowded Cleveland theatre market, never caught on. Then the economic crash finished off both theatres.
Now, growing out of the smoldering ashes, a new theatre company, None Too Fragile, has been formed by Sean Derry and former B&C actress, Alanna Romansky. Housed in the CityArt Indie Box Center on Front Street in downtown Cuyahoga Falls, the company’s first play is Paula Vogel’s 1998 Pulitzer Prize chilling drama, ‘HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE.’
The story follows the strained, sexual relationship between Li’l Bit and her aunt’s husband, Uncle Peck, from her adolescence through her teenage years and beyond. Using the metaphor of driving and the issues of pedophilia, incest, and misogyny, the play explores the ideas of control and manipulation.
The None Too Fragile production is exceptionally well done. Alanna Romansky is mesmerizing in the role of Li’l Bit. She presents a multi-textured character that displays maturity, while being a teen and then an adult. It’s worth going just to see Romansky weave her magic.
Jeffrey Grover shows a nice balance between predator and caring uncle. Though his accent comes and goes, he makes Uncle Peck a real person, complete with complex feelings ,who clearly is a sick and conflicted being.
In an interesting directing twist, Derry does the show with only two actors on stage, while six people actually appear in the production. Clever use of video and projections makes this possible.
CAPSULE JUDGEMENT: ‘HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE’ is a complex play that is emotionally difficult to sit through, yet, it is so well directed and performed that it is fascinating theatre. Let’s hope that the audiences who found Bang and Clatter such a rewarding experience show up at the company’s new home, and the word spreads quickly so that Derry and Romansky can make this new venture thrive.
‘HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE’ runs through April 3. For tickets call 330-962-5547. For Clevelanders, the driving time from Chagrin and 271 was only 25 minutes. It’s a straight shot out 271 to Route 8. The venue is only two blocks off 8. There is lots of free parking nearby. Finding the theatre itself is a little tricky so ask for specific directions from the parking garage when you call 330-962-5547 for tickets. Shows generally run Friday and Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 2.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko. Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2009, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info. His reviews can also be found on NeOHIOpal and CoolCleveland.com.
Roy Berko, who is a life-long Clevelander, is a Renaissance man. Believing the line in Robert Frost’s poem “Road Not Taken,” each time he comes to a fork in the road, he has taken the path less traveled. He holds degrees, thought the doctorate from Kent State, Univeristy of Michigan and The Pennsylvania State University. His present roles, besides husband and grandfather, are professor, crisis counselor, author and entertainment reviewer… Read Roy Berko’s complete bio here
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“Buy local” is a popular slogan, but what’s the BIG deal? When it comes to the fruits and vegetables you put into your mouth, this is a big deal. In this area, the best quality food comes directly from Ohio farms – fresh, nutrient dense, and delicious.
Donita Anderson, executive director [pictured], described farming as really “the oldest profession.” It is historically documented that early master gardeners brought their fresh produce to villages. Markets provided reason for people to gather together and in the process, created cities. The North Union Famers Market (originally named after the North Union site where Shakers settled in 1822), acting as a catalyst, is rebuilding neighborhoods in Cleveland. Smart shoppers, realizing the difference Ohio farm-grown produce can make, numbered close to a half million visits to the Shaker Square market last season. The winter indoor market, presently running in its eighth season, operates in Shaker Square’s northeast quadrant, just west of the CVS store.
Twenty-five years ago, when Anderson moved from Michigan to Shaker Heights she had difficulty finding high quality fresh food for her family. Her background includes working as a biologist and a professional chef so it was a natural progression to start talking with Ohio farmers. She is committed to the local farms believing that buying local is more important than buying organic. “They are growing organic produce in China now, but I don’t want my salad to travel thousands of miles to reach my table,” she explained. “At North Union we celebrate the local gifts of harvest.”
From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul, who says the act of writing is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. The challenge lies in getting the pieces to fit together and make sense.
Why does the Plain Dealer print O’Brien? That was the headline atop Sunday’s letters page in the morning newspaper.
No TV cameras were present, no reporters were cornering anyone asking questions afterwards… in fact, the media completely ignored the meeting … nonetheless, a group of city officials, community leaders, parents and law enforcement agencies got together at Golden Ciphers on Broadway at 57th Street on Friday, March 26 to begin to spread a unified a proactive, preventative message. It was directed at the miniscule percentage of area youth who are hell-bent on perpetuating violence and criminal behavior: “It must stop, and it must stop now.”
