Date: Fri 16-Jul-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: SHIRLE

Quick Words:

Cabaret-Cassidy-Kerouac

Full Text:

THEATRE REVIEW: Quite Possibly Teen Angst Brings Cabaret Its Best-Ever

Production

By June S. April

NEW HAVEN -- It is a rare production that probes the psyche of the teenage

male. Yale's Summer Cabaret second presentation, Maggie Cassidy , however,

sensitively explores the growth and pains of first real love.

Though it may lack depth, Maggie Cassidy does address issues that can be

related to by both sexes, and it underscores the emotional aspects through

original lyrics and music.

Based on the autobiographical writings of Jack Kerouac, Maggie Cassidy loosely

recounts how this very bright and admired young man is drawn to a needy and

very attractive young women from the proverbial other side of the tracks.

The talented writer, pianist, composer and lyricist Chris Jeffries created

this production. Graduating Yale 12 years ago with a bachelor's degree in

music, Mr Jeffries' schedule is filled with commissions to write musicals for

theatres in Washington and Seattle.

Jack Kerouac was one of the figures that epitomized what is termed the Beat

Generation. According to Mr Kerouac and embraced by his devotees, life was to

be fully lived, experienced usually without much consideration for others, for

that moment, drifting with whatever winds that called.

While Kerouac may be best known for his novel On the Road, which recounted his

wandering experiences, Maggie Cassidy was slipped in during the same writing

period to provide another outlet for recalling and capturing on paper his

personal adventures.

Jason Lambert does a fine acting job as the young Jack Kerouac. His acting

ability is stronger than his vocal skills, but he pulls the part off with

poignant understanding. Portraying the rather forward and popular Pauline, who

has a big crush on Jack, Kate Nowlin stands out not only because of her

physique and startling red hair, but because she connects to the audience and

wears her part in quite a credible manner.

Though a member of Actors' Equity Association, Alice Dodd portrays Maggie

Cassidy with a sense of tension and acting at , but somehow not truly

absorbing her character.

The cast is fine, with the stronger script giving this production the

credibility and meaning that made it so worthwhile. Mr Jeffries plays the

piano for his play, and one can leave humming several haunting melodies.

Accompanying on guitar is Jeffrey Herrmann, another Connecticut son and Yale

grad of considerable talents.

The play setting is rather like a large cross, with action at Maggie's house

at the south end of the theatre, Jack's own home at the (relative) north, and

the school scenes in the more centered section of the theatre.

Set and costume designer Luke Cantarella boosted the production's ambiance --

set in Kerouac's hometown of Lowell, Mass., circa 1938 -- by his choices of

dress and few artifacts.

This is one of those shows that would be valuable for teenagers to experience.

Emotional angst is universal and timeless.

Running through July 17 Maggie Cassidy is one of the better and most

meaningful productions ever experienced at Yale's Summer Cabaret.

(For further information and to obtain tickets call 432-1567.)