Review: UMass Amherst Theatre's SUITORS is Epitome of Originality

By Natalie Grillo

What I love best about the UMass Amherst Theatre department shows is the originality each brings to the productions. Everything is so different, like nothing you have ever seen before. The production of 'Suitors' was the epitome of originality. The first act of the show was a very fantastical world. It opened with the character Rosaura, standing in all black under a spotlight confessing her desire to be queen. She then enters this fantasy world in which she is ruler. It is explained to her that she must find a man to wed within one year. We are introduced to three suitors she is able to choose from, however there is another man she wants. Rosaura's only problem is that there is a prophecy that states whoever she falls in love with will betray her and take her life.

This first act of the show was completely mesmerizing. It contained everything you want in a magical world. There was love, lust, sex, romance, humor, and songs. The sets and the lighting created this fantastical world that any person would love to be a part of.

Monica Giordano's performance at Rosaura was captivating. She has a voice that draws you in so you linger on every word she says. The poetry of the dialogue was so clear and concise when she spoke and it added to the magic of it all. Brianna Heffernan was another actress who shined during this performance. I had seen her in musicals before and was extremely happy when she sang during the show. Her voice is very Broadway like with an extraordinary belt and tone. Brianna also has genius comedic timing and was an all around great presence on stage.

I praise all of the men in this performance. The three suitors in the show were absolutely delicious and funny and everything you want in three contenders in line to be Rosaura's husband. I also have to give them credit for being comfortable enough to flaunt around half-naked on the stage. Daniel Cuff who played Count Partinuples was so easy to fall in love with. His handsome, intriguing, and loving features made you understand why Rosaura is persistent on him being "the one." Sam Warton as the King of France was very regal and had a great stage presence that was very dominating, perfect for someone playing a king. No one else could have played Gaulin as well as Daniel Kadish. His physical comedy as well as timing was so new and fresh and I was laughing every time he was on stage.

In my interview with Monica, Sam, and Dan, they all mentioned the Aldorettes and how important they were to the show. During the first act, these six women did not say much and almost acted as a Greek chorus. Then in the second act I saw how important they were to the story. After the first play, Rosaura and Count Partinuples sit in the audience to watch a play put on by Aldora and the Aldorettes (in a very King and I fashion). This play had the Aldorettes dressed as men and the three suitors dressed as women. It basically seemed to mock the first act, but in the most hysterical and brilliant way. This second act completely threw me off guard and at first I did not understand why it was so different from the first. Then I thought back to my interview, and remembered how Monica explained the first act being fantastical and the second act being more grounded. This is what theatre is all about. You go in to escape reality and enter this fantasy, even if just for a short time. However we have to remember that we cannot stay in this fantasy forever, which is why Monica is the last on stage saying farewell to the magic.

I have to say thank you to Harley Erdman for interpreting these two plays, because it was something I had never seen before. Director Kara-Lynn Vaeni did a superb job with this production. As Monica, Sam, and Dan said, she did not allow them to settle for anything less than their best. This was most definitely proven true on stage in 'Suitors'.

'Suitors' played The Rand Theater from Feb. 28 thru March 9. Up next is 'Venus' by Suzan-Lori Parks. The show runs March 28 thru April 6 at The Curtain Theater. For more information, click here.

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