Review: THE JAG at NJ Rep through 2/12-A Must-See Production

"The Jaguar has a logic all its own."

by Carla from The Jag

NJ Rep is currently presenting the World Premiere of The Jag written by Gino Dilorio and directed by Brendan Burke. The show has a captivating plot with excellent acting and superb staging. This must-see production will be on the Long Branch stage through February 12th.

In The Jag "Chick" Chicarella is a cantankerous seventy year-old man who owns a body shop where he keeps his prized 1967 Jaguar Mark 10, a car that requires a lot of repair. Chick's son, "Bone" is in need of cash to pay off his debts and wants to fix up the automobile to sell it for $20,000.00. Enter Carla, an expert in Jaguars, but a young woman who lacks conventional social skills. A complex family history and deep resentments surface as the two men can't agree on anything. And it is Carla who is caught in the crosshairs of their conflicts while she makes it her mission to restore the Jaguar. This drama has just the right touches of humor and heart and takes some unexpected twists and turns as the story unfolds.

The finely crafted dialogue in The Jag is delivered with impeccable timing by the show's talented cast. Dan Grimaldi as Leo "Chick" Chicarella captures the role of the irritable, elderly mechanic who also must deal with his failing eyesight, personal prejudices and frustration with his son. Christopher Daftsios is ideal as the discontented, restless young man Donald "Bone" Chicarella who can't seem to get his life in order. Estelle Bajou brings the role of Carla Carr to life, a quirky young woman with sincere charm.

Bravo to the Creative and Production Team. The NJ Rep stage has been transformed into an authentic body shop complete with the Jaguar Mark 10 taking center stage. The team includes scenic design by Jessica Parks; lighting design by Jill Nagle; costume design by Patricia E. Doherty and sound design by Merek Royce Press. Rose Riccardi is the Stage Manager; Adam von Pier is the Assistant Stage Manager; Brian P. Snyder is the Technical Director; Merek Royce Press is the Webmaster and Marisa Procopio handles Properties. Gabor Barabas is NJ Rep's Executive Producer and Suzanne Barabas is the Company's Artistic Director.

The Jag is everything a play should be. It has a rich plot that entertains, yet informs. It is a show that will be appreciated by automotive enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys great theater. Gather your group and see it while it is on the NJ Rep Stage.

Performances to "The Jag" are Thursdays, Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 3pm & 8pm; Sundays at 2pm. Group and student rates are available for select performances. For tickets call 732-229-3166 or visit www.njrep.org.

Photo Credit: Suzanne Barabas

To post a comment, you must register and login.