Mud by Maria Irene Fornes

Mud written by Maria Irene Fornes (mentor to one of my favorites -- Karen Hartman) is a show that many know and respect. It's one that I have heard about but never got the chance to read or see performed. I'm glad I did this evening. This production was an interesting one. Many decisions were made that were both strong and weak but the fact that choices were made is something to be applauded. Directed by Shaya Mulcahy, her choices were very personal and fascinating. The blocking was her most notable feature of this production. At times, it didn't make sense and the space with the chair opposite of the main playing space wasn't clear. It was used rarely and I question the need for it and the door. I understand the need to cross the thresho... full review

MUD is a great play, and one I've had the privilege of seeing done before, so I was excited to see another interpretation at this years Fringe. Unfortunately, this production left me feeling a little underwhelmed. The cast is fully committed to their characters, so props to them for giving it their all. They had some great physical moments that, although left me questioning the decision behind them, impressed. Here's where the show suffers though - each scene begins to look, sound, and feel like a broken record and there's almost no evidence of any direction throughout the process. Scene changes are FAR TOO LONG and a song plays VIOLENTLY on repeat throughout the entirety of the show. The actors feel more than comfortable stage right... full review

First off, I want to say that I had to leave before the end which had absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the work, I had just not scheduled my shows correctly. Apologies to the cast!! HOWEVER, I can at least say that it was somewhat painful for me to care myself away from the show, and it was so good that I've made plans to go back and watch the whole thing again. This is just an intimate nuanced production that really creates a world so simply and beautifully. It's an established play that probably a lot of theater majors know about, and although it had escaped me until now, I am officially a fan of Maria Irene Fornes.. Annie Hamilton especially did a phenomenal job delivering a heartbreaking performance throbbing with hone... full review

This production is amazing! The acting and direction are sublime!... full review

Another case of the title telling the story, as I left the theater with no clear understanding of what the play was about or what message the playwright was trying to convey. Kudos to the cast, who did their best without any clear sense of direction, much like the soldiers in basic training in the Bill Murray film Stripes. My biggest complaint was the constant repeating of the same song - through pre-show and during every scene changes. You can't tell me that was the only period song you could find. This show needs work.... full review

Mud is a profound play in which all three characters play the villain, fool, and the empathetic soul. Shaya Mulcahy is absolutely brilliant in her blocking, lighting, set design, and directing. The three actors have incredible chemistry and AJ Helfet steals the show after a surprise twist. There is so much wonderful there that can't be expressed in words here, you've really got to see it to understand how moving and powerful this work of art truly is. For only $5, an absolute must see.... full review

*This review first appeared in the LA Weekly* There’s a certain fragility mixed with permanence in Maria Irene Fornes’ melancholy tragedy Mud, and the characters seem to exist beyond the performance that unfolds before us. In seventeen short (sometimes brutally short) scenes, Fornes depicts a squabbling couple, Lloyd (Riley Smith) and Mae (Annie Hamilton), who seem stuck in some kind of rural poverty. While Lloyd appears slightly mentally retarded, Mae is merely illiterate and wants to better herself and get out. Her romance with unsympathetic local fellow Henry (A.J. Helfet) sparks jealousy from Lloyd. But then the worm turns… Director Shaya Mulcahy’s slightly stylized approach has the cast members remaining in character during the dim “bla... full review

This young company is definitely going for a certain aesthetic with their work. The staging, lighting and transitions are all stylized in a way that elicits a general feeling of unease with a touch of bizarre, sideshow-esque flair. The actors, however, seemed slightly disconnected at times. I could not tell whether this was a result of them missing moments, or whether the slight feeling of aloofness or being somewhat emotionally removed was a directorial choice. Having seen this play once before, I confess that while this production seems to have gotten it mostly right, my main issues are with the play itself. It's a tragicomedy, but an especially bizarre one at that. When the very first exchange of dialogue contains talk of violent rape and... full review