“Now and Then,” a play by Sean Grennan, opened at the Hampton Theatre Company to a well-deserved standing ovation. Roger Moley produced the show, which was brilliantly directed by Mary Powers. It is a positive, powerful presentation of a beautiful, poignant play. “Now and Then” was a tremendous choice to open the Hampton Theatre Company’s 40th season.
There are many reasons to see this play. Still, perhaps the main reason is that with this cast in this venue, this dramedy comes alive with specific energy only an excellent production of outstanding playwriting can. There wasn’t a single second in this production of “Now and Then” when the audience wasn’t invested and engaged. It is just THAT good.
Actor John L. Payne commands the stage and delivers a performance one will remember. So does Kate Brady, Stephanie L. Moreau, and Dayne Rasmussen. Together, they bring a well-written play to life to be a special night of live theater. By now, it must be evident that this reviewer and his plus one enjoyed attending this show, as did the audience.
Spotlighting this cast is easy. John L. Payne stands tall and dominant as he commands the stage, moving about owning his role as (Man.) His words are heard clearly in the last row, even when he whispers. The up-to-date new sound system helps, but Mr. Payne stands tall in this role, and his talents emerge live for all to see. The proof is you don’t see just good acting but a character come to life and command the show.
The same accolades go to Dayne Rasmussen, who plays (Jamie). He shines with equal power and is endearing to the audience. He moves around the Meg Sexton-designed stage like a seasoned bartender, not an actor playing a bartender. His boyish charms ring through to the audience’s heart.
Speaking of ringing true to the audience’s heart also is the performance of Kate Brady. There is something special in her talent as she portrays (Abby) in a most memorable way. Ms. Brady is that young, sweet, hardworking waitress we all recognize as she enters the show. She is delicate yet sternly powerful. She has a certain panache that cannot go unnoticed.
Finally, there is Stephanie L. Moreau, who happens to be a personal favorite of this reviewer because she is always entertaining but never more bombastic than the woman) in this production. She brings the energy, dramatic motion, and tender power this role needs to make this show reach the next level.
When a show is a special show, such as this production of “Now and Then,” one finds it imperative to mention the whole team who play their roles in making the show on the stage live theater magic. Director Mary Powers, thank you for a wonderful night at the theater. Producer Roger Moley stands tall for presenting this play. Meg Sexton, Set designer, the bar you created on stage was so authentic at the fifteen-minute intermission I wanted to jump on stage and buy a few rounds so the fact that Joe Kenny joined you in its construction is fantastic. Kudos to Sound Engineers Jon Presto and Alex White for the flawless mastering of the new sound system, as well as Kelly Weresnick as Sound/Lighting Tech. Teresa Lebrun-Costume Design: this reviewer especially loved the waitress outfit on Abby!
Then there are the real unsung cogs in the show’s wheel, such as Rehearsal Stage Manager Melisa Didio and Box Office folks Cat Bracksmayer and Debora Jacques. Also, a fine effort from Joe Pallister-Production Graphics, George A. Loizides, and Roger Moley for Props.
Thank you, General Manager Terry Brennan. A special shout out to House Manager Julia Morgan Abrams because she is a treasure. The show runs until Nov. 3rd, 2024; tickets and information are available at https://www.hamptontheatre.org.
