By Joanie Cox-Henry
Images by Ron Elkman
In a bewitching fusion of dark comedy, supernatural thrills, and razor-sharp social commentary, Slow Burn Theatre Company's production of The Witches of Eastwick proves that sometimes the devil really is in the details. This wickedly entertaining musical adaptation of John Updike's novel sparkles with mischievous energy and showcases some of the most compelling performances you're likely to see on stage this season. The Witches of Eastwick hit the stage at Amaturo Theater on Oct. 19 and will run through Nov. 3, 2024.
Philip Bryan commands the stage as Darryl Van Horne, bringing a delicious blend of charisma and menace to the role made famous by Jack Nicholson. Bryan's Van Horne is a seductive mirror reflecting the deepest desires and fears of Eastwick's residents. His vocal performance masterfully navigates Dana P. Rowe's fulfilling score, particularly in the show's more diabolical numbers.
Additional magic of this production lies in the extraordinary chemistry between its three leading ladies. Lindsey Corey brings a vulnerable sweetness to Sukie that makes her transformation all the more powerful. Leah Sessa's Jane crackles with repressed passion ready to burst forth, while Gail Bennett's Alexandra radiates a magnetic presence that anchors the trio's dynamics. Together, these three performers create such authentic camaraderie that their divine bond feels utterly natural and earned.
John Dempsey's clever lyrics and Rowe's sophisticated score receive expert treatment from the ensemble, with harmonies that quite literally raise goosebumps. The music weaves together elements of contemporary musical theater with hints of classical motifs and even rock influences, creating a soundscape that perfectly captures both the quaint surface and roiling underbelly of small-town New England life.
The show's themes of female empowerment, sexual liberation, and social constraint feel startlingly relevant to contemporary audiences while never losing the playful humor that makes the piece so entertaining. The production strikes a masterful balance between comedy and commentary, allowing both elements to enhance rather than diminish each other.
Actress Britte Steele steals the show during the iconic cherry pit scene as the feisty Felicia Gabriel! She shines as the influential, conservative busybody who serves as the self-appointed moral guardian of Eastwick.
Special mention must be made of the technical elements that transform the stage into a world where the mundane doldrums of everyday life and magical convincingly coexist. The lighting design particularly excels during the more mystical sequences, creating moments of genuine theatrical wonder that will leave audiences questioning what they just witnessed. I was also enchanted by the special effects of the glorious moon and the witches rising high above the stage.
Slow Burn Theatre Company has achieved something remarkable here: a production that honors its source material while finding fresh relevance and vitality in its themes. The Witches of Eastwick is a spellbinding reminder of musical theater's power to entertain, provoke, and transform.
For those seeking an evening of sophisticated entertainment that combines laughs with genuine emotional depth, this production delivers in spades. Just be warned: like Van Horne himself, it may seduce you into returning for a second viewing. Once is simply not enough!
Click here for tickets!
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