Full from the Mist

Andrew Samonsky handles Mary Testa when she turns into a celebrity after plunging over Niagara Falls inside a barrel in Full from the Mist. A Transport Group in colaboration with Sarah Ackerman, Sase Sham, Benjamin D. Goldberg and Jennifer Orr presentation of the musical in 2 functions with book, music and lyrics by John Michael LaChiusa. Directed by Jack Cummings III choreographed by Scott Rink. Music direction, Chris Fenwick.Anna "Annie" Edson Taylor - Mary Testa Frank Russell - Andrew Samonsky Jane, et al. - Theresa McCarthy Guy Together With His Hands Covered with Handkerchief, et al. - Tally Periods Barbara Nation, et al. - Jule Murney Mike Taylor, et al. - Stanley Bahorek A Brand New Manager, et al. - Electricity AndersonAnna Edson Taylor, a battling 63-year-old schoolteacher, put caution towards the wind in 1901, stepped over Niagara Falls inside a barrel and resided to inform about this. Instant celebrity resulted, but she just like rapidly stepped into obscurity. So far, that's, as prolific musical maker Michael John LaChiusa has had up Taylor's cause with "Full from the Mist." A unique story, a provocative score and artistic staging by Jack Cummings III mix to create this an intriguing offering in the Transport Group, buoyed by Mary Testa because the stubbornly contrary Anna. Testa makes a reputation for herself in the last 3 decades working frequently with LaChiusa and William Finn whilst bringing in attention (and Tony nominations) in mainstream revivals of "Around town" and "42nd Street." Testa's extra-large talent and ferocious intensity, however, have sometimes overpowered her play pals. LaChiusa has written to her talents individuals wild comedy forces are because, but tempered through the dramatic needs from the role. Testa shows how wide her range is incorporated in the final moments. The key lady -- given star billing around the houseboards, though not within the program -- is ably based on a cast of six. Andrew Samonsky does an excellent job as Frank Russell, Taylor's manager. Samonsky, who had been a alternative Lt. Cable within the recent "South Off-shore" (and performed the role around the PBS broadcast), includes a strong voice and holds their own against Testa. Others play multiple roles, acquitting themselves well in a couple of featured spots. Theresa McCarthy, who stays the majority of the evening as Anna's respectable sister, sticks out in her own overbroad second act scene like a foul-mouthed and incredibly funny pretender inside a blonde hairpiece. LaChiusa ("Marie Christine," "The Wild Party") is promoting a status for implies that tend to be more esoteric than including. "Full from the Mist" breaks the pattern: Here's an earthy, tabloid story of emancipation and celebrity with lots of humor. Tale appears to spring in the author's roots in upstate Chautauqua, N.Y. Taylor aspired to recognition through the Chautauqua Institution, the 1800s cultural citadel. Score isn't just intelligent but more tuneful than recent LaChiusa efforts. Michael Starobin supplies a strong orchestration for six pieces, including a highly effective French horn. Director Cummings' Transport Group, which loves non-traditional playing spaces, returns to a health club at Judson Memorial Chapel on Washington Square, scene of the June triumph "Lysistrata Johnson." Stage is set up like a rectangle with bleachers around the two lengthy sides, permitting Cummings and choreographer Scott Rink to stage the experience effectively in tennis court fashion. The issue with lots of one-shot celebs within our culture is the fact that there's sometimes no second act. That's a little of the problem here after Taylor shoots the falls, there's relatively little left to occur within the less-including and overlong second act. Fortunately, this really is alleviated by some high-powered turns (like McCarthy's) along with a strong finish. LaChiusa's musings on fame and celebrity have resonance, and never only regarding the lengthy-forgotten Taylor. The writer also introduces us to some deranged anarchist in the 1901 Zoysia Exposition, who soon after his (most probably imaginary) exchange with Taylor chimes and shoots the Leader. The assassin was top of the page news until his execution, after which faded from memory. Nowadays, the once well known Leon Czolgosz is famous exclusively like a character in another modern musical, "Assassins" -- a lot to ensure that he will get a gasp of recognition in the audience some 110 years after his one, mad act.Sets, Sandra Goldmark costumes, Kathryn Rohe lights, R. Lee Kennedy seem, Walter Trarbach orchestrations, Michael Starobin production stage manager, Wendy Patten. Opened up November. 6, 2011. Examined November. 3. Runs through November. 20. Running time: 2 Hrs, 20 MIN. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com