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‘Gloria Birnbaum’s Broadway Debut’ features some flawless performances
By Lorraine Wardle
The Youngstown theater scene has been exploding with creativity and originality this summer. In the past few months, community theater patrons have seen new and original works by local playwrights Robert Dennick Joki, Michael Dempsey and J.E. Ballantyne Jr. And now, at the Oakland Center for the Arts is the debut of “Gloria Birnbaum’s Broadway Debut,” a new comedy by Youngstown native and playwright Bernie Appugliese.
“Gloria Birnbaum’s Broadway Debut” is a one-act comedy directed by Appugliese and produced by Michael Morley that opened to a very appreciative packed house Friday night. The production is the start of a series of original plays headed by Appugliese.
The play takes place in 1955 and begins with a cab ride as Bernie Birnbaum is on his way to see his sister, Gloria, at the St. James Theater on Broadway. They haven’t spoken in nine years, since Gloria left Buffalo to pursue her dream of starring on Broadway. As Bernie relates, Gloria called him unexpectedly and asked him to visit her.
When Bernie arrives at the theater, he discovers that Gloria has changed her name to Gloriann (no “e”) Marlowe (with an “e”) and is preparing for her first starring role in the opening performance of a new Broadway musical, “Why Not Love?” But he suspects that there is more to her strange behavior than simple opening-night jitters.
Appugliese’s script and talented cast kept the audience in stitches throughout the production.
Maureen Collins gave a flawless performance as Gloria. She was smooth and cool at first but rose to hysteria at times. Collins is a seasoned professional and knows exactly when to slow down her lines or mug for the audience – her facial expressions were reminiscent of Lucille Ball.
Josh Lewis was perfect as Bernie. His voice, posture and body language all helped to create a lovable, comical character. Lewis matched Collins in pace and intensity, and the two played off each other perfectly.
Carla D. Gipson garnered laughs as the tough-cookie costume mistress Adelaide. Tom O’Donnell’s Roland was suitably flamboyant and equally humorous. Chuck Simon played Al Frattarolli, the lecherous theater producer, with appropriate ardor and great comic delivery.
The gorgeous set and lights were designed by Leslie Brown, and Joanne Carney Smith did a fantastic job as scenic painter. John Pecano’s sound design helped to set both the era and the mood of a bustling backstage theater.
Complementing the play was a collection of scenic and costume designs by the late Paul Kimpel in the Oakland’s Star Gallery titled “Scenes — The Theatre Drawings of Artist Paul Kimpel.” Appugliese and Katey Kimpel created a beautiful and nostalgic collection that area theater goers truly will appreciate.
Appugliese succeeded in creating a great work with his short play that left the audience craving more. Here’s hoping that Appugliese might someday write a second act!
“Gloria Birnbaum’s Broadway Debut” continues Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and next Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Oakland Center for the Arts, 220 W. Boardman St. For reservations, call 330-272-7200.