A Review

Overcoming Adversity

By R. J. Donovan

The first line of “Abyssinia” is “Today is a happy day.” No doubt, that accurately summed up the feelings of the folks from North Shore Music Theatre on Opening Night.

After a late night fire wrecked havoc at the North Shore theater on July 14, the future of “Abyssinia” and other productions was placed in jeopardy. While theater management was hopeful they’d be up and running very soon, the reality was that damage to the facility was greater than expected. The theater would never be able to accommodate the next show -- one that had special meaning for the theater.

However, Joe Spaulding and The Wang Center for the Performing Arts stepped in, offered The Shubert Theatre at no cost to Jon Kimbell, North Shore’s Executive Producer, and the show was back on.

Good news, indeed. But from backstage to the front of the house, the challenges were only multiplying.

Originally planned for theater-in-the-round, “Abyssinia” would have to be re-thought and re-defined to work in a proscenium house. The set would be somewhat different, the lighting would be changed, and the staging would need adjustments. Changes would have to be made -- and quickly.

As well, those who had already purchased tickets at North Shore, including the theater’s solid base of subscribers, would have to have all new seating assignments. North Shore and The Shubert are obviously two completely different venues with different layouts. Plus subscribers from North Shore communities would have to make the trek from Beverly into the city.

The art-mirroring-life parallels were also apparent. Not only is “Abyssinia” based on a novel entitled Marked By Fire, but the plot deals with a formidable tragedy which must be overcome.

So when the house lights dimmed, the show began, and “Today is a happy day” was uttered, it underscored more than the start of just another performance.

Based on the novel by Joyce Carol Thomas and originally produced by The Goodspeed Opera House, “Abyssinia” is co-written by Ted Kociolek (book and music) and James Racheff (book and lyrics). The story follows Abyssinia Jackson (Shannon Antalan, left, with B. J. Crosby), a gifted young black woman blessed with an angelic singing voice.

Born during an Oklahoma tornado, Abyssinia has the special gift of healing. However, after a personal loss and a devastating tragedy, she loses her faith and withdraws from the world.

Guided by those around her, and under the watchful eye of one very special mentor, she begins the slow and painful journey to renewed courage. Ultimately, music unburdens her heart and sets her free.

The " Abyssinia" company is blessed with a number of soaring voices, including André Garner (far left), who, as the Minister, leads the company in the spirited “Pickin’ Up The Pieces.”

Also in good voice is Nathaniel Stampley as Lucas, Abyssinia’s father.

Abyssinia’s wizened spiritual guide is Mother Vera, played by B J Crosby (top photo with Antalan), who gets to lead “I Have Seen The Wind.”

The Comic Relief Trio, each delivering strong vocals, are (left to right) Angela Karol Grovey as Mavis, Q. Smith as Corine and the exuberant NaTasha Yvette Williams as Selma. They positively bubble in “Get Thee Behind Me Satan.”

As well, the full company shines in “Ragtime Promenade.”

Direction is by Stafford Arima, fresh from directing the sharp and funny off-Broadway musical, “Altar Boyz;” costumes have been designed by Pamela Scofield; lighting is by Kirk Bookman; and the charming set is by Beowulf Boritt.

If the production might have benefited from the more intimate Beverly setting, so be it. Today is still a happy day.

North Shore Music Theatre's "Abyssinia" is at The Shubert Theatre, 265 Tremont Street in Boston, through September 11. For tickets, call 800-447-7400 or log onto www.wangcenter.org.

Production Photos: Paul Lyden

To read more about North Shore Music Theatre's fundraising effort to rebuild and reopen the theater in Beverly, click here.

-- OnStage Boston

08/27/05