Review: World Premiere of THE FORGOTTEN WOMAN at Bay Street

It is always thrilling to say "I saw it first" and that opportunity arrives with the world premiere of Jonathan Tolins' (Buyer and Cellar, et. al.) hilarious yet heart-tugging new play The Forgotten Woman. Now running through June 19th at the Bay Street Theatre, this kicks off a dazzling 25th Anniversary season for the gorgeous Sag Harbor venue. The production boasts an absolutely stellar cast and the tale will have you on a roller coaster of emotions.

Wonderfully directed by Noah Himmelstein, the story revolves around Margaret superbly portrayed by Ashlie Atkinson (Steve (New Group), As You Like It / The Tempest (Bridge Project), The Ritz (Roundabout), et. al.). Indeed, she will make you laugh and cry throughout the show. Margaret is at a crossroad in her life and beginning to reassess things. This includes coming to terms that she may have to move on from her opera career, which is considered a dying art, and making changes for a happier life. Margaret is not your ordinary opera singer; in fact, she's cursing out her husband when we first meet her. I'm sure that we can all probably relate to Margaret on some level.

The entire company is truly outstanding.

Darren Goldstein (Broadway: Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson) portrays Steve who was given an assignment to interview Margaret. Coincidently, though, they have known each other for years. A beautiful moment was when Steve's article was published - to a somewhat less than stellar write up - but Margaret said "...you got me". Margaret's manager is Erik portrayed seamlessly by Mark Junek (The Performers (u/s Broadway), After All The Terrible Things I Do (Milwaukee Rep), et. al) and Margaret's husband, Rudolph, is excellently portrayed by Robert Stanton (Dissonance at Bay Street; Broadway: A Free Man of Color, Mary Stuart, et. al. among many TV and movie credits). Rounding out the rest of the brilliant cast is Juilliard alum Justin Mark who is endearing as hotel associate Jordan.

As for Mr. Himmelstein's creative team, another highlight is Tim Mackabee's stunning set. Set in a luxury hotel suite, a huge couch, desk, several large chairs, and the overall decor are spot on. Also, the French doors make for a wonderful entrance. This is stunningly enhanced by David Lander's lighting, which features drawings that illuminate around the set back-drop hauntingly accompanied by chilling opera music.

And so, Bay Street's 25th Anniversary season is certainly off to an amazing start with The Forgotten Woman. It will be exciting to see what kind of life this will have; it is that good so far. Per usual for Bay Street's shows, this won't soon be forgotten.

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The Forgotten Woman is presented by the Bay Street Theatre of Sag Harbor, Long Island, through June 19th.

Starring Ashlie Atkinson as Margaret, Darren Goldstein as Steve, Mark Junek as Erik, Justin Mark as Jordan, and Robert Stanton as Rudolph

By Jonathan Tolins, Directed by Noah Himmelstein, Set Design by Tim Mackabee, Lighting Design by David Lander, Costume Design by Jess Goldstein, Sound Design by Elisheba Ittoop, Prop Design by Andrew Diaz, Hair/Wig Design by Meg Murphy, Stage Management by Jennifer Kahn

For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 325-9500 or visit www.baystreet.org

Photo by Lenny Stucker/LennyStucker.com

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