Good Company Players

Just saw “Our Town” at 2nd Space. WHAT A TREAT. Let’s start with the incredible directing of Robert Sanchez. The incredibly detailed performances were clearly a function of strong direction. From playing to the three sides of the house, to subtle gestures, to intricate pantomiming to enhance the minimalist set, it is clear that the actors were well directed. There were several standout performances. Dan Pessano was so effective as the stage manager. His reflective manner was compelling and truly a call to enjoy and appreciate life while it is happening. I felt like he poured every ounce of his spectacular career into this role, liberally nuancing the character with his vast experience, that only enhanced the impact of the show. The role of Emily was also powerfully presented. The range of emotion demonstrated was exceptional. The wedding day scene and funeral are examples of the actor’s well-developed skills that had this audience member in tears. Good theatre makes an impact on the audience that ultimately serves to inform action. “Our Town”, while an old classic, does just that. I left with a renewed desire to live each day to the fullest and take care to value and appreciate every minute of life, both the monumental and seemingly mundane, to the fullest. Congratulation to the cast and crew of “Our Town”!

I am a parent for a child that performs at Roger Rockas from time to time, I love the other performers and the directors are always wonderful. But there is a major problem with favoritism when the performers are picked for each show. Some have noticed that Emily Pessano gets a lot of roles, she is a very good actress and performer but she doesn't always fit the characters she performs very well. Whether its the vocal range or her age, she is always cast in main roles and it gets rather monotonous to watch after awhile. One of the biggest problems I have with the auditioning process is when they pick performers ahead of the audition for specific roles. For example, I was at todays audition which had a wonderfully large turn out and we were at a table with some RR regulars and they mentioned that Red Riding Hood had basically already been cast and the person they wanted was a middle aged woman. I was shocked since the audition sheet said that the age range was from 14-20. I personally thought there were others that did better than her at the reading as well. This process was also used in Annie and I'm sure its been used in other shows. Often times people who have more talent are not cast because of the favoritism. I will continue to go to Roger Rocka's and support my child's love for theater, I love the theater and the people there but it has flaws that need to be fixed. I hope this review does that.

Good Company Players put on Wonderful shows at Roger Rocka's and 2nd Space Theatre. Always a pleasure to watch.

Always quality performances and very friendly atmosphere!

Good quality productions with good quality food (if you purchase dinner/brunch)!