Triad Stage: My Thoughts on “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You” and “The Actor’s Nightmare”

I have some good news and some bad news.   Good News:  I had a great time at Triad Stage’s UpStage Cabaret last night seeing these two shows.  Bad News:  I saw the last performance so it’s too late for you to go…

These shows are part of the repertory summer season that Triad Stage does with UNC-G.  I don’t know the details around this, but the Actors appear in the main stage show and after hours in these two shows as well as in another production.  I have attended these late night shows in the past and also had a great time.  I recommend you keep an eye out for these opportunities to see these late evening shows in the Upstage Cabaret.  They are a great addition to the main season at Triad Stage.

I also love the space where these shows are held.  I wish Triad Stage would use it more.  It would be a great place for small concerts, Cabaret acts as well as theatre.  And you can drink during the show…

The plays themselves are two short plays by Christopher Durang.  I always enjoy his work when it is done well-as it was last night.

“The Actor’s Nightmare” is very short and very funny.  Anthony Scarsella did a great job as the lead with able support from the rest of the cast.

The longer play, “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You”, is totally dependent on the actress playing Sister Mary for the play to work.  Leah Turley was delightful.  Although she is too young for the part, as written, she made it work beautifully.  I would love to see her do this again in about 20 years.  She was also a stand out in the main stage show at Triad Stage.  I hope we get to see more of  her here in the Triad.

The entire cast of “Sister Mary” was excellent. Outstanding work by the entire cast including Catherine Delaney, Matthew Delaney, Izzy Goff, Dylan Weikel-Feekes and Nick Albrecht.  Especially, Dylan Wiekel-Feekes.   As the perfect Catholic schoolboy, he almost stole the show.

Both plays were also extremely well directed  by Kate Muchmore, for “Actor’s Nightmare” and by Bryan Conger for “Sister Mary”.

We are lucky to have several good College theatre programs here in the Triad.  I applaud Triad Stage for their support and partnership of these groups.

Congratulations to UNC-Gs’ Theatre program for such fine work during this Summer Rep series.  Many thanks to Triad Stage for providing such fine facilities and support to these young artists.

I can’t wait until next year!