The REP Lights Up the Stage with Fireflies

By Mike Logothetis
Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.

The University of Delaware Resident Ensemble Players (REP) is proud to present Matthew Barber’s captivating play Fireflies at its Thompson Theatre home in downtown Newark.

Based on the novel Eleanor and Abel by Annette Sanford, Fireflies follows Eleanor Bannister, a retired teacher living a quiet – if not boring – life in a small Texas town. Her modest world is transformed by the arrival of mysterious and charming drifter Abel Brown. The play explores the ways disparate people can find connection and companionship in the most unlikely circumstances.

The cast features REP company members Elizabeth Heflin as Eleanor, Stephen Pelinski as Abel, Mic Matarrese as police officer Eugene Claymire, and guest actor Catherine Lloyd Burns as nosy neighbor Grace Bodell.

The show begins with what appears to be a normal day in rural Groverdell. Talkative town gossip Grace is peppering her neighbor Eleanor with stories, rumors, hints, allegations, and questions on a hot July day. Eventually, the topic turns to what Grace perceived to be a dangerous encounter between Eleanor and a strange man neither knows. The two coyly bat innuendo back and forth until the truth – or one form of it – surfaces.

The realistic dialog by Barber and the deliveries by the actresses are highlights of the performance. But the men are also rewarded with powerful interchanges. Pelinski’s Abel is self-assured and imposing without being threatening or overbearing. Abel is sincere, but the fact that he is unknown in town makes him untrustworthy to most. “Miss El” sees the good in him…along with his oozing masculinity, which she can’t quite process. She is attracted to Abel, but to what end? “I don’t know what I want,” declares a frayed Eleanor.

Heflin initially imbued Eleanor with a staid presence which hinted at a reluctant acceptance of her subdued retired life. Abel’s arrival injected a sense of adventure into her life, but she maintained a wary eye. The wonderful in-between where she got frazzled by her inner tug-of-war gave the character real depth.

The action all takes places in Eleanor’s kitchen, a delightful creation by Scenic Designer Stefanie Hansen. Eleanor has a cluttered house and a muddled brain. She has a vague idea of what she wants, but can’t properly execute her wishes. Is she past her prime? What more good (or bad) can come in her remaining years on Earth? As she puts it, she has “an elderly mind in revolt.”

But as the story unfolds, we witness less “revolt” and more understanding of circumstances. Even Officer Claymire’s simple take on things helps Eleanor clarify and accept her overall intentions. But can new, lasting connections really be made?

The production marks the first REP show under Artistic Director Sarah Wansley, who sees the play as a natural fit for the company’s commitment to portraying complicated human stories with heart. She writes, “This poetic, funny and romantic play carries surprising depth in its exploration of one of our contemporary challenges: loneliness.”

Adds director Paul Mason Barnes, “Fireflies reminds us that we can find the path to lasting love at any age.”

Fireflies runs now through November 15 and ticket prices range from $20-39 (+fees) with discounts available for students, seniors, plus University of Delaware faculty and staff. Audience engagement opportunities include post-show talkbacks, pre-performance prologues, and a Backstage Pass, offering audiences additional opportunities to engage with the production and the artists who bring it to life. Special school matinee performances are being offered for this production, followed by a talk-back with the cast. These shows will be on November 4 and 10:00 at 9:30am.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.rep.udel.edu; by contacting the REP box office at 302.831.2204; or visiting in person at 110 Orchard Road Tuesdays through Fridays from 12:00 to 5:00pm. The show runs just under 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission.

The Thompson Theatre at the Roselle Center for the Arts is located on the University of Delaware’s Newark campus and is ADA-compliant. It is equipped with a hearing loop system, which works with hearing aid t-coils, cochlear implants, and in-house hearing devices. Wheelchair and other seating requests can be made prior to the performance by calling 302.831.2204 or emailing cfa-boxoffice@udel.edu.

“Heavenly days!” – Grace

DTC Paints a Vivid Picture with "300 Paintings"

By Mike Logothetis

Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.

Delaware Theatre Company presents Sam Kissajukian: 300 Paintings – an engaging autobiographical show that shines a light on the journey taken by a specific human and his mind. It is introspective, touching, relatable, humbling, and very funny. Created and performed by Sam Kissajukian, the solo piece was a hit at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and off-Broadway.

300 Paintings now running at DTC. Photo courtesy of DTC.

In 2021, Australian Sam Kissajukian decided to quit his life in stand-up comedy, rent an abandoned cake factory, and become a painter. Over the course of a six-month manic episode, he created 300 paintings, unknowingly documenting his mental state throughout the artistic process. In this fascinating and wildly original 90-minute show, Kissajukian brings audiences on a rollercoaster ride that explores the ties between art, mental health, business acumen(?!), and creativity.

“When I saw … 300 Paintings at the Edinburgh Fringe, I was completely captivated by its unique balance of light, unexpected comedy, and genuinely thought-provoking questions about how we value and quantify our lives, emotions, and experiences,” said DTC Producing Artistic Director Mimi Warnick. “Sam creates a truly 360-degree artistic experience, one that is joyful, surprising, and deeply human.”

Alone on a black stage with a large screen backdrop, Kissajukian’s presentation seemed to start in a free-form style, but he soon focused on recounting his incredible story. He involved the audience immediately via his engrossing storytelling method. We were encouraged to audibly react and participate as we stepped into Sam’s World. He told us that back in 2021 he wanted to find more truth in his work and his life, so he decided to paint. He had no prior training in art. None. But he began to paint anyway.

The self-deprecating Kissajukian made fun of many of his early works, particularly the portraits he crafted of fellow comedians. But his later paintings turned out to be good. Really good. He periodically displayed images of his works on the massive screen for all to behold. The man has talent. (The fact that his “Blue Period” – ala Picasso – could be measured in hours is an indicator of how his brain was functioning at the time.)

Kissajukian’s comedic timing and delivery were on point, which could be expected from a former touring stand-up. But he avoided any schlock and kept the audience on his side. We cheered his accomplishments and accepted his stumbles…encouraging him to eventually succeed. There was love and concern in the theater for our new favorite Aussie. We bought into his unusual methodology while understanding that he was a clinically distraught man at the time.

He somehow formed business partnerships that appeared one-sided, but were they? Who was really profiting? What is Sam’s definition of profit? Kissajukian kept hitting us with his outlandish ideas which somehow sounded plausible after he explained himself.

An example of some of the brilliant absurdity which coursed through Kissajukian’s mind was “manifested” in his Museum of Modernia. I won’t spoil the premise or construction of this “structure,” but following Kissijukian down the rabbit hole he constructed was a thrill ride.

Highlights of the experience DTC provides are on-site gallery displays of Kissajukian’s works and the chance to meet the artist afterward. I urge you to come down to the Wilmington Riverfront and appreciate the performance, art, and man behind this unique form of creativity at your earliest convenience.

300 Paintings runs through Sunday, November 8. Showtimes are Wednesdays (2:00pm), Thursdays and Fridays (7:00pm), Saturdays (2:00 & 7:30pm), and Sundays (2:00pm). (There is no matinee Saturday, October 24.) Ticket prices start at $39 and discounts are available.

Join DTC for Viewpoints every Wednesday starting 45 minutes before the start of the show. Talkbacks – Q&As with the creative team – occur Thursdays after the final curtain. Call 302.594.1100 or visit www.delawaretheatre.org to purchase tickets or for performance information. Delaware Theatre Company is located at 200 Water Street in Wilmington. DTC has recommended a minimum attendee age of 13 due to the show’s subject matter and language.

This Production Spells F-U-N from Partners DTC & New Light Theatre

By Mike Logothetis
Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.

Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a charming and deeply human musical that shines a light on the inner lives of six adolescents vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. In partnership with New Light Theatre, Delaware Theatre Company (DTC) is proud to present this fan-favorite inside the confines of its Riverfront … “Home. H-O-M-E. Home.”

New Light Theatre presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

in partnership with DTC. Photo by Joe del Tufo, NüPOINT Marketing.

Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny, and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin plus a vibrant score by Tony Award–winner William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience. The show is about the little wins that carry us through life’s many awkward spells – pun intended.

“DTC is so excited to present New Light Theatre’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” said Mimi Warnick, DTC's Producing Artistic Director. “We are thrilled to welcome back our audiences for our 47th season with this incredibly entertaining and warm story.”

The setting is a school gymnasium, which Scenic Designer Parris Bradley has done an impeccable job recreating. The ropes, bleachers, trampolines, and other props James B. Saracina has placed at the actors’ disposal are ideally integrated into the action, especially during the musical number “Pandemonium.”

But inanimate objects aside, the stars of the show are the actors. It’s typically difficult for adults to play children without some lapses in technique, but not for this troupe. I was consistently impressed by the depth of preparation each actor brought to his/her/their character. 

Charlie Barney’s Leaf Coneybear is a free spirit with little self-control or social boundaries. Angel Sigala makes William Barfée an introvert, of sorts, until he spells or interacts with enigmatic newcomer Olive Ostrovsky (Felicity Mundy). Hannah Parke makes her character (Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre) single-minded, but in an elementary school way – more obsessed than truly focused. Boy Scout Chip Tolentino (Adam Hoyak) is aging/maturing out of this type of competition and is at an awkward phase. Marcy Park is the puzzle no one can solve, not even herself. Actress Yi Ming Sofyia Xue plays Park fairly straight up until it’s time for her to release her inner self to the world (“I Speak Six Languages”).

I’ve lauded the acting abilities of the performers, but they also have singing chops. They belt out numbers as soloists or with the company that always fill the room. Kudos to Music Director Tom Mucchetti, Sound Designer Damien Figueras, and the live band for their lively arrangements. Alexa Wilder (bee moderator Rona Lisa Peretti) has an incredible voice that soars to the rafters. Cookie Diorio impressively reveals his classically trained pipes in several numbers as Mitch or other minor characters.

The choreography and characters’ physical interplay in the production are impressive. I mentioned the actors’ abilities to imbue childlike perspectives to their movements and Choreographer Taylor J. Mitchell tapped into that collective talent. Mitchell’s dances are clever and energetic, using child-like motions as well as props. Sigala was light on his feet during “Magic Foot” and the audience floated along with him.

Other show highlights: 

• Each time word pronouncer Douglas Panch (Connor McAndrews) would respond to the speller when asked to “use it in a sentence.” Vice Principal Panch’s answers got more ridiculous and laughable as the show went on. 
• The “Goodbye” song (and solace-filled juice box) that a misspelling would initiate was always funny. 
• When a certain deity (no spoilers!) appeared to offer guidance to Marcy Park.

Note: The performance included four volunteer audience members on stage as spellers. It added to wonderment of the situation. (They all heard the “Goodbye” song and received a juice box from Mitch.)

Show Director and New Light Theatre Artistic Director Lena Mucchetti has put together a strong team to make this production one not to miss. What a way to start the school year!

Supporting New Light Theatre’s mission to raise awareness and support for organizations that deepen our empathy and connection with one another, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has partnered with Children & Families First, an organization providing support and services that children and their families in Delaware need to thrive. 

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs through Sunday, October 4. Showtimes are Wednesdays (2:00pm), Thursdays & Fridays (7:00pm), Saturdays (2:00 & 7:30pm), and Sundays (2:00pm). (There is no matinee Saturday, September 19.) 

Ticket prices start at $39 and discounts are available. The play is roughly 2 hours long with one 15-minute intermission. Join DTC for Viewpoints every Wednesday starting 45 minutes before the start of the show. Talkbacks – Q&As with the creative team – occur Thursdays after the final curtain. For show info and to purchase tickets, call 302.594.1100 or visit delawaretheatre.org. Delaware Theatre Company is located at 200 Water Street in Wilmington.

DTC has suggested a minimum audience-goer age of 13 due to the show’s duration and mild innuendo.