“The Window” at the Cherry Lane Theater (Closed Sunday January 26, 2014)

January 20, 2014 | network, Off-Broadway | Tags:
By Marta Mondelli
Directed by Shira-Lee Shalit
Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza
Theatre Reviews Limited

There is an interesting, stylish and refreshing short play entitled “The Window” debuting now at the Cherry Lane Studio Theater, produced by Teatro Italiano Network. It is an intriguing work which plays well on stage but also has the uncanny ability to present itself somewhat as a television series which you want to tune into next week to see what happens to the characters. It appears as only one minor episode in their complicated yet ever so human existence certainly having an interesting past and an exciting future. It is a story of three characters coming to terms with who they are and what they want, accepting that knowledge, and moving on to more discoveries about themselves and others. The plot is clever but it is the characters that are fascinating as they peel away superficial layers to expose their true selves and enjoy the revelation. The entire cast is excellent and wears the 1950’s time period well in fashion and social mores.

Cristina Lippolis is innocent and charming as Eva and captures the disillusion of youth with an inquisitive glimmer in her eye. Marta Mondelli who also penned the script is vibrant, focused and the epitome of style as she carves and sculpts the sultry Nora. Scott Freeman is all a fifties leading man should be; squared jawed, he pulls off a nicely nuanced character as Bill. Under the astute direction of Shira-Lee Shalit motives are clear; movement is precise and economical as the conflict moves along at a desirable pace. The entire creative team should be applauded for producing a clean, polished production with high artistic integrity.