Review: WOLF AT THE DOOR at NJ Rep is a Mystical and Mesmerizing New Play

"Dream it all away, dream through this winter"

by Rocio in Wolf at the Door

A very distinctive production is now on stage at New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep). The world premiere of Marisela Trevino Orta's Wolf at the Door, exquisitely directed by Daniel Jaquez, is now being presented through November 18. We attended one of the show's preview performances and the audience was wowed. Inspired by Latin folklore, this is a mesmerizing and mystical adult story that tells of struggle, devotion, and survival.

The play is set at a Mexico hacienda where Isadora lives with her once charismatic husband, Septimo and her loving childhood nurse, Rocio. Isadora is expecting her first child but injuries caused by Septimo's physical brutality leads to a premature birth. As the cold winter closes in, a young, pregnant and unclothed woman, Yolot mysteriously appears. Septimo offers Yolot shelter but treats her like a prisoner, while Isadora becomes protective of her. And it is the first time that Isadora defies her troublesome, unpredictable, and cruel husband. With the ominous sound of wolves howling in the distance, there is also danger looming in the hacienda. Like the finest myths and folk tales, the plot of the Wolf at the Door sparks the imagination.

The production stars an accomplished cast of four that include Desiree Pinol as Isadora; Oscar A. L. Cabrera as Septimo; Alexandra Lemus as Yolot; and Liz Zazzi as Rocio. This foursome brings the mysterious and magical story to life with all of its drama and intrigue. Scenes that include Rocio delivering Isadora's baby; Yolot's sudden appearance at the hacienda; Septimo's discourse on his troubled childhood; Isadora standing up to Septimo; and many other moments in the show will keep audiences captivated.

The Creative Team has done a fantastic job of creating the backdrop for Wolf at the Door. They include scenic design by Jessica Parks; lighting design by Jill Nagle; costume design by Patricia E. Doherty; sound design and webmaster, Merek Royce Press. The Production Stage Manager is Rose Riccardi; Adam von Pier is the Assistant Stage Manager/Company Manager.

Wolf at the Door is the 132nd production in New Jersey Rep's 20th season. It's premiere is part of the National New Play Network, an alliance of non-profit theaters that presents new works. We applaud New Jersey Rep's Artistic Director, Suzanne Barabas, Executive Producer Gabor Barabas, and their team on their many successes. They can certainly add Wolf at the Door to the Company's long list of new hit plays.

Tickets, subscriptions, and reservations for NJ Repertory Company are now available. The theatre is located at 179 Broadway in Long Branch. Wolf at the Door runs for 90 minutes with no intermission. Regular performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 PM; Saturdays at 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM; Sundays at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $50. All tickets may be subject to a service charge. Annual subscriptions are $225 per person. For tickets or additional information call 732-229-3166 or visit www.njrep.org.

Photo Credit: Suzanne Barabas

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