The North Fork Community Theatre’s successful production of Theresa Rebeck’s play, Mauritius, is a must-see! It is running until February 1st. The clever writing comes to life under the supervision of Director Bob Kaplan and Producer Linda Kerensky. The show is riveting and funny; the actors are so cohesive that this production just keeps the audience attentive and entertained.
This well-acted play revolves around drama and comedy surrounding a few very valuable stamps, who owns them, and who will eventually own them.
A successful show is always a combination of a good script, a good cast, and a director who molds them into a show that captures an audience and holds them in their seats, wondering what might happen next. This production of Mauritius is all of that and more.
Becky Adams-Korn, who plays “Jackie,” is genuine, powerful, identifiable, and vulnerable. She commands the stage and, throughout the play, amazes and surprises the audience as she navigates the evolving role of “Jackie.” Her character grows right on stage as the play’s plot unfolds.
Matthew O’Connor is masterful in his complex role of “Phillip,” the stamp expert, whose shop is where most of the body of the play takes place. Mr. O’Connor shines under the NFCT lights as he brings “Phillip” alive on stage. He is the glue that holds this show together, and yet he does so in the most delicate and dedicated way.
Gillian Schroeder, who plays “Mary,” Jackie’s half sister, also does a fabulous job. Her role calls for many intense scenes about powerful issues, and Ms. Schroeder’s talent eases her and the audience through them. She has a stage presence when it is her time to command a scene.
Phil Eberhardt is strong and impressive with his portrayal of “Sterling,“ the forcefully wealthy stamp collector with perhaps a bombastic temper. Mr. Eberhardt plays the villain so effectively, with such ease and panache, that one wonders whether he is really acting. His performance is that good. One might think he should be doing such things in movies.
I saved discussing the performance of Wade Karlin as the very complicated “Dennis“ for last for a few reasons. His role plays off all the emotions and leaves you wondering if he is the hero. The hustling villain? An opportunist or all of the above. Whatever he is, one thing is for sure: he was great on stage in this production. His “Dennis“ causes a certain uneasiness throughout the show because Mr. Karlin has a certain gravitas that ignites a scene and transforms it into something powerful, which is what live theater is all about.
A few words about Bob Kaplan and his Directing of Mauritius. Mr. Kaplan is no stranger to all the East End theater companies. His successfully directed productions are stars that have shone on various stages. What makes his effort in this show exemplary is how simply his actors tell this story with well-blocked scenes, movements, and on-stage positioning. Cheers!
It takes a village to produce a show, so please also give some applause to Sam Kerrigan for his lighting expertise and Robert Taylor for sound production, along with a well done to Stage Manager Mary Vienneau.
Make no doubt about it, seeing Theresa Rebeck’s play, Mauritius, at the North Fork Community Theatre in Mattituck is a guarantee of a good time. It runs until February 1st.
For more info, visit nfct.com
