REVIEW: Center Stage’s “One Christmas” and “A Christmas Memory”

Center Stage at Southampton Arts Center successfully presented the Long Island premiere of staged readings of Truman Capote’s short story collection “One Christmas” and “A Christmas Memory.” The performances kicked off Friday, November 30th, through Sunday, December 1st. Director Michael Disher’s way of weaving Truman Capote’s words into a production that drew the audience into an attentive trance is yet another feather in his cap of achievements. Also, a “Thanks” to Southampton Arts Center Executive Director Christina Strassfield for greenlighting this most excellent programming.

Well attended and received, this show was produced through a unique arrangement with permission from The Truman Capote Literary. East End Iconic legend Michael Disher again displays his mettle as a Director. He was assisted with stage management and set design by Joey Giovingo and projections and music by Jack Seabury, whose flawless piano playing added so much to the evening. This show was sponsored in part by Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.

The readings were staged in two acts. The first act, “One Christmas,” was dominated by the prowess of actor Patrick Abillama, who lifted the audience through his portrayal of “Young Buddy(young Truman Capote)” back into their childhood. His tone, eye movements, and pure gravitas created a lasting visual magic that makes a live theater experience memorable.  Franco Pistritto, who played the “Older Buddy,” was also excellent with his definitive stage presence and strong voice, as was Tom Gregory, who was the “Narrator.”

Susan Cincotta brilliantly plays “Sook,” and in a way, by the end of the evening, she will own the audience playing this role in both acts during two different lifetime periods of Buddy. Her performances in both acts are a master class in acting. Mary Sabo Scopinich uses her physical silence strengths as weapons as she portrays “Buddy’s Mother.” She was an “it” factor whenever she was on the stage. The dynamic Jack Seabury plays “Daddy” and is a huge, successful presence in the scene. Then there is Vincenzo James Hart, who plays “Billy Bob” and has that rare ability to steal a sequence of any scene just by his magic in reciting lines.

Act 2, “A Christmas Memory,” takes place years later in Monroeville, Alabama, as did parts of Act 1. In this act, Susan Cincotta again portrays “Sook,” slowly then suddenly mesmerizing the audience with her talent. She was magical. That’s not to say that the rest of the cast was not also on their game because they were, especially Richard Schindler, who showed his acting strength, grace, and verbal agility in his portrayal of the “Older Buddy.” Once again, Vincenzo James Hart shines, but this time as “Young Buddy,” adding a few new intriguing layers to the character. Tom Gregory, again, is excellent in his roles as the “Narrator”  and “Mr. HaHa Jones.  Mary Sabo Scopinich also successfully plays two new roles in this act, the “Mill Owner’s Wife” and one of “Buddy’s Cousins,” with JoAnna Mincarelli wonderfully playing the other of “Buddy’s Cousins.”

Behind every successful production is the “Production Staff.” For this show, one must mention the business manager, Diana Torres, the General manager, Joe Diamond, and Tracy Alia, who designed the programs and posters. Then, the program and publicity was handled by Michael Disher, Kathy Mulligan, and Sarah Johner. Also, thanks to the Box Office/Front of the House folks, Deborah Acquino, Marlene Esposito, Nicole Hadix, and Nancy Miller.