PHOTO: Zack Roundy (left) and Adam Minossora play troubled brothers in "Orphans" from Theater On The Edge. (Monica Mulder/courtesy photo)
"The south Orlando theater steadily improves with each production, and this is its best showing yet." - by Matt Palm
Our latest review is in for ORPHANS! Click the link below to read the full review...
FULL REVIEW BELOW:
Sharp, compelling 'Orphans' asks what makes a family
By Matt Palm
Here’s a holiday gift: Theater on the Edge has extended its production of “Orphans,” meaning theatergoers have three more chances to see this enthralling production this weekend.
The south Orlando theater steadily improves with each production, and this is its best showing yet.
Lyle Kessler’s gripping play about two antisocial brothers trapped in their own, tiny world is perfectly housed on Samantha DiGeorge’s highly detailed set — a rundown Philadelphia home circa 1989. The lives of Treat and Phillip, who grew up without parental supervision, are turned upside down when a father figure of sorts enters the picture.
The acting is top-notch from the trio of performers. Zack Roundy is a seething powder keg as violent Treat, the older brother who has supported his sibling for years through petty crime. Allan Whitehead is beautifully enigmatic as the mysterious older figure with plenty to teach — and learn.
Roundy and Whitehead are vets of Theater on the Edge’s company, but newcomer Adam Minossora holds his own. In fact, he mesmerizes as Phillip, the seemingly fragile younger brother. Minossora never overplays Phillip’s nervous tics and avoids showy gimmicks to indicate the young man’s mental state. His transformation as Phillip finds his voice is breathtaking and heartbreaking.
Kudos also to director Marco DiGeorge, who takes some chances with quiet interludes among the often noisy drama; those chances pay off.
There’s a lot to absorb in this play – everything from the dangers of isolation to the importance of parenting to what makes a society. This gripping production makes its points with compelling style.
‘Orphans’
- Where: Theater on the Edge, 5542 Hansel Ave., Orlando
- When: 8 p.m. Dec. 1-2, 2 p.m. Dec. 3
- Cost: $18-$26
- Online: theaterontheedge.org
mpalm@orlandosentinel.com
