One-act plays in Weehawken

One-act plays in Weehawken

The Jersey Journal, 8-May-15

By Summer Dawn Hortillosa

Something dark this way comes, with a trio of plays by controversial playwright Neil LaBute heading for Weehawken.

Hudson Theatre Works' production of "Bash" brings some of the great contemporary writer's most compelling pieces to the stage, with three powerful stories, each one named for and touching on a Greek myth.

In "Iphigenia in Orem," a Utah salesman (Weehawken's Kevin Cristaldi) confesses to a chilling crime in a Las Vegas hotel room. Duet "Gaggle of Saints," starring Jersey City's Dan Hilt and N.J. resident Tara Cioletti, focuses on a somewhat religious couple recounting the violent events of an anniversary weekend in New York City. Then, in "Medea Redux," a woman (Kristen Lazzarini) tells a stranger about her complex and ultimately tragic relationship with an English teacher.

"The cumulative effect of all three of these is very powerful... 'Bash' is extremely compelling, and you get wrapped up in the idea of what it is to tell a story and to listen to it," says director Frank Licato. "It shows how powerful it is to express yourself through language."

Licato says he admires the playwright, who has seen great acclaim despite some of his work dividing critics.

"Some people can't stand LaBute but I happen to be a fan," said Licato. "I believe he gets under the skin of the character he's working on and allows humanity to creep in so that our understanding of it is much more complex."

This isn't LaBute's first time being showcased in Hudson County; Licato also directed his short play "I Love This Game" for long-running baseball-themed series Seventh Inning stretch at the Mile Square Theatre in Hoboken, back at its old home at the Monroe Center for the Arts.

Licato says "Bash" also aims to highlight local talent and continue bringing art to North Hudson.

"I love working with people in Hudson County — they get it, and the idea of creating arts organizations within this framework is very exciting because it gives them a place to go," said Licato.

"Bash" opens Friday, May 15 at 8 p.m. and runs through May 30. Shows are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. at the Weehawken Water Tower, 4100 Park Ave., Weehawken. Tickets are $30 and available at BrownPaperTickets.org. Student and senior discounts available with ID. For more information, visit HudsonTheatreWorks.org.