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.
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