'Breakers' Review

I don’t think I’ve ever done a review on a one-time-only staged play but I was so impressed with the “Sparkhampton: Break/ers” production, written by J. Stephen Brantley and directed by Kate Mueth, that I felt compelled to write about it.

This production, staged at the former Parrish Art Museum in Southampton on Sunday night, included two Hamptons-inspired pieces. The first act, “Breakers,” was a 15-minute dance theater piece starring Susan Stout and Josh Gladstone about the disintegration of a marriage, post Hurricane Sandy. The second act, “Break,” was an award-winning short play, approximately 30 minutes stage time, starring Anthony Johnston and Edward Stanley about a drug addict who breaks into an Englishman’s beachfront East End home.

The acting, directing, choreography, stage design, lighting, etc. were all above par and thoroughly enjoyable. But what made this production so noteworthy was the length of the two pieces (short and lively!) and the atmosphere in which they were presented.

This was, in my opinion, the perfect setting and pace for local theater. Brava to Ms. Mueth, who made a real event out of this evening. Her choice to set the plays in the former Parrish, sandwiched between an opening cocktail reception and closing picnic-style gathering was unexpected and thoroughly commendable. “Break/ers” was more than a play, it was a happening.

I don’t think I was alone in my enjoyment of this novel approach to theater, as the place was packed. Here’s hoping that we get to see more of this type of theatrical production on the East End.

Bottom line: A novel, and wholeheartedly welcome, approach to staged entertainment. I can’t wait to see more!