Theater Review: 'The Gift of Peace' a Very Special Shakesperience Production

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member Nancy Sasso Janis

WATERBURY - Shakesperience Productions is bringing “The Gift of Peace” back as their holiday gift to Waterbury. This is “a very special Shakesperience production” that will be presented Dec. 11 - 13 at their studio on Bank St. in downtown Waterbury.

Shakesperience Artistic Director Emily Mattina directs the three pieces that make up “The Gift of Peace,” which “comprises three powerful stories that meditate on ‘the art of giving presents.’

The performance begins with O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi,” adapted and conceived by Mattina and directed by Jessica Gaddis. Mattina notes that the story “eloquently illustrates that the most meaningful gifts transcend their material form, embodying sentiments far more enduring.”

Della is played beautifully by Darlene Fernandez and Jim is portrayed by Daniel Saed. The two make an endearing couple wearing old-fashioned costumes and using props that suggest the gifts.

There are three young performers that narrate the classic tale, with poetic phrases and some pantomime. The narrators finish each other’s sentences, speak chorally, and provide some sweet carols as they set the scene. Della’s Mirror is brought to life by Karola De Freitas, Madame Sofronie is Inaaya Wilson and a shopkeeper is portrayed by Arianna Johnson. They all have lots of lines that they have mastered.

The second story is entitled “Silent Night” and was written by Emily Mattina and Jacob Green. Mattina writes that this short story honors those “who selflessly leave their homes and families to serve.”

“The WWI soldiers who unite in ‘Silent Night’ during the 1914 Christmas Truce evoke a profound reflection on the origins of global camaraderie and the indelible bonds of humanity,” says Mattina. The British Soldier is played very well by Curtis Dunn and the linguistically challenging German Soldier is played by Daniel Saed. As they attempt to communicate, the soldiers of the opposing sides discover that they share more than a first name.

The hour-long performance concludes with “Holiday in Winterberry,” written by Emily Mattina and Jacob Green. This is the story of a fledgling artistic space and it “extols the immense significance of life’s seemingly small moments, underscoring the necessity of hope, creativity, and steadfast support during the most trying times.” This is a testament to “the show must go on.”

The cast for this longest piece mixes adult performers with some fine young Shakesperience performers in a wonderful manner.

The intern Veronica is played by Darlene Fernandez. The facilitator Chris is embodied by Curtis Dunn (who has an aversion to Shakespeare!) and his partner Donna is played by Rebecca Shaw.

An older woman named Edith who happens into the cafe/performance space is played by Susan Merrill and Fred, who arrives to work on the space is played wonderfully by the talented musician Michael Briney. Saed returns to play photographer Marcus, who follows around the Mayor (Cory Shaw.)

The kids learning the art of theater as they rehearse a production of “A Christmas Carol” include Lilly (Inaaya Wilson,) Julia (Karola De Freitas,) Lee (David Torres,) Courtney (Arianna Johnson) and Katy (Ariana Berry.)

Audience members are encouraged to join in the singing of “The Gift of Peace” at the end of the performance, with lyrics provided in the printed program. The lovely song has lyrics by Jacob Green and music by Nathanial W. C. Higgins.

The production team includes Active Intensive Instructors Lux Angamarca and Education Director Jessica Gaddis. Angamarca also works as stage manager, costume designer and light board operator. Gaddis works as projector and audio operator, as well as scenic painter and wardrobe. Virna De Freitas is the house manager.

The production rights for “The Gift of Peace” are available for school performances.

The studio is located at 117 Bank St. in Waterbury and street parking is limited. Get your tickets to be in the audience at shakesperience.org

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch. She was a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper.

Check out the new website for Nancy Sasso Janis Theater Reviewer at in-the-wings-20.square.site.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417.