The production of the play, “The Father, A Tragic Farce,” by Florian Zeller at the North Fork Community Theatre is a must-see show. Rusty Kransky’s performance as Andre is phenomenally spellbinding! The opening Friday Night audience was under his spell all night as he powered the show with his electrified performance. The rest of the talented cast glowed in his greatness. I stood and applauded. I am still applauding. The show is running until March 22. “The Father” is presented via a special arrangement with Broadway Licensing.
A shoutout to Director Mark Heidemann for this masterpiece; his vision is now this show’s success. The standing ovation applause after Friday’s performance is the testimony of how Heidemann has aced putting this show to life! This had to be a complex show to block because of the nature of the subject, but Mr. Heidemann’s skill takes his actors into ease of fluid movement and well-aimed delivered lines.
There are plays, there are musicals, there are comedies, and dramas, and then there are masterpieces. This production of “The Father” is a masterpiece. I shout out with unusual enthusiasm —East End theater lovers should get to Mattituck and see this show. It is that good, with an accent and a promise that it will be most memorable.
Besides Rusty Kransky’s brilliance, this cast’s performances are exceptional. Anne, played by Eileen Trilli was intimately mesmerizing. She is outstanding and extremely precise. She accents Mr. Kransky, whose facial expressions, aspirations of gestures, movement, pitches of voice, and overall command of the stage and show are not to be missed. Together, they are the engine that drives this play.
Colin Palmer as Pierre is again up to the highest standard of his gifted acting prowess. Understandably, he has a keen following all over the east end. Palmer has a classic polished actor persona, and although he has played some challenging roles, his simplistic approach wins the day in this show. Georgia Ciaputa, John Lovett, and Lauren Maugeri are memorable, adding zestful drama to the show. They add nuts and bolts that bind the production together.
The way the writing of this show dramatizes the complicated aspects of dementia is one thing, but how this cast brings it to life is the greater thing. This is another fine production by the North Fork Community Theatre. This theater group has a history of consistently delivering a great show.
As usual, while in the physical theater, there is such a pleasant buzz. One can feel the North Fork Community’s support to this theater group. The actual theater is a testament to the financial commitment because of its highest standards of technology needed these days to produce plays.
Besides Director Mark Heidemann, kudos go to Assistant Director Stephen Ness and Producer Liz Liszanckie. Also, a well done goes to the Lighting Design of David Scheer along with Stage Manager Andy O’Brien. Stephen Ness excellently handled costumes & Props. The Set Design and Build was also done by Director Mark Heidemann, Robert Taylor, and The Tuesday Crew. The Lighting Operator, Robert Taylor was spot on. John Lovett did the Sound Design. Liz Liszanckie and Dina Mondello were Sound Operators.
