gloucester stage company

Friends and I attended the final night of a 7-day run of this show at Gorton Theatre. It was my first time visiting this sweet little theater in the heart of downtown Gloucester. The lobby is modern and spacious and I liked that they offered water and cookies for purchase on an honor system and "pay what you can." The theater itself is modern and "European style" in 3 sections. This was inconvenient, as one has to ask other patrons to move constantly, so you can get to your seat. But the seats themselves were nicely upholstered and comfortable, though the temperature in the room was piping hot. I'm guessing the theater seats about 200 patrons, none with a bad seat in this intimate setting, and the acoustics were very good, making it easy to hear the unmiked actors. Tonight's play, "The Bad Seed," written by Maxwell Anderson and William March, was presented by the Cape Ann Theatre Collaborative. It was directed here by Marc St. Pierre. It takes place in American suburbia in 1954, and was based on the book and play from that year, and the famous cult film, from 1956 starring Patty McCormack, Nancy Kelly, Henry Jones and Eileen Heckart. This production was based on the novel/play, not the film, and was done as a "camp, gender-bending parody." From a technical standpoint, it was certainly good, though given that this was the final performance, the scene changes, pace, and lighting were not as tight as one might hope. The simple set was effective enough, and I liked that the title character, Rhoda Penmark, was often placed behind the main set in the backyard behind the living room bay window- silently showing the audience her silly antics and expressions. Joseph Jefferies was hilarious in his droll but impenitent characterization of sociopathic, sickly sweet and pig-tailed Rhoda. His large stature with hairy legs and deep voice added to the ridiculousness of his portrayal, and his furtive expressions and mannerisms were subtle, funny and well-timed. Lauren Ashly Suchecki, as Christine Penmark (Rhoda's Mother) also had great comedic timing and delivery in her uber femme characterization of this role. Other notables: Elinor Teele as Leroy Jessup, the homestead handyman, whose over-the-top presence was highly entertaining, even if being a bit difficult to understand due to an exaggerated southern accent; Pauline Miceli as a convincing Miss Fern, Rhoda's teacher and apparent nemesis (though she was also miscast, it seems, in a male's role as Emory Wages); and Sheryl Reed as the ever-inebriated, capricious Mrs. Daigle. Ms. Reed is the one who really 'stole the show,' as evidenced by being the only actor in this production who received raucous applause as she left the stage. Other actors varied from acceptable to weaker, partly I think due to miscasting and a noticeable dearth of males whose masculine roles were played unconvincingly by women. Finally, I really missed the climactic final scene from the film version, which could easily have been successfully done off-stage, when Rhoda is struck and killed by lightning in an act of divine retribution. Instead, this Director opted for the unmemorable stage/novel ending, leaving Rhoda alive and the audience to determine the final outcome of her fate. Overall, this was a good production- though not a great one. The half-full house did not give a standing ovation, though applause was apparent and appreciative, even from the couple of patrons who were seen notably nodding-off during the oft-awkward scene changes and occasional uninspired script. I enjoyed this fun parody of "The Bad Seed," having never seen it performed before in this manner, and I especially like this sweet little theater in the heart of historic Gloucester.

The Gloucester Stage has been around for 35+ years. and it consistently delivers high-quality, thought-provoking plays at very reasonable prices. The theater is small and set up in a semi-circle format with about 7 rows so you are close to the state. As with everything in Gloucester, the theater is close to the harbor (East Gloucester) and there are a few restaurants within half a mile plus the full range of restaurants in downtown Gloucester. If you are in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, or Manchester, going to the GSC is a no-brainer. It is a good bet for residents or visitors anywhere on the North Shore.

My husband and I arrived in Gloucester for our four day stay on a rainy Sunday. Since beach/boating were out of the question we searched theater options and were lucky enough to see the final performance of 'Auld Ang Syne'. A terrific production! This is a small, intimate theater and there are no bad seats in the house. We will definitely see the next production upon our return.

My wife and I enjoy an Sunday afternoon performance of Jacques Brel is alive and well and living in Paris. This performance took some of the wonderful songs by Jacques Brel and treated the full house to 2 hours of pure delight. The venue is intimate and there is not a bad seat in the house. The company stayed after the performance for a question and answer/ meet and greet session. This was a nice experience and the audience fully participated - some great observations and thought provoking questions. If you are in the area don't miss this chance to see first class theater.

Theatre has been around a long time and is a great way to be entertained on a warm summer evening. Acting is always excellent.

some good plays but the ones i like the best were done by local talent and produced and directed by semi-professionals who live here.Pick and choose....

We saw two plays this summer, driving up to Gloucester from the western suburbs. The first was the memorable North Shore Fish, a vibrant play about the fishing industry and its people. The actors were terrific portraying the factory workers in the decaying industry, and they were funny, strong and resiliant. The second was the beautiful rendition of Driving Miss Daisy. And here too the acting was superb. We will be back!

We enjoyed the show - "This is Our Youth." The acting and the set was good, but the play was a downer. The building is a little rundown and parking is very limited.

We had a wonderful time over the week-end, taking in "North Shore Fish" at the Gloucester Stage. The theater space is compact, but with a story and characters taken right out of Gloucester itself, the play couldn't miss. Parents should know that the production is "R-rated" for language, but the story is funny and poignant, and the acting very good. Parking a challenge, but a short walk in the neighborhood will get you a space. Definitely worth the drive to Glostah!

We went to a reading of a play The Rainmaker written by N. Richard Nash and performed in honour of his 100th Birthday. His daughter Amanda spoke after about his work and his life and what it was like growing up in a theatrical household. It was my daughter's first experience seeing a play read in such a initimate setting, having been used to large scale commercial productions. We thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to make it a stop on our next holiday to the North Shore!

The show " Crimes of the Heart" was very good. The acting and stage setting was very professional.My only problem was hearing the dialogue. I was seated to the side - the theatre is U shaped - and often the actors had their back to me. It was very hard to hear. I don't think they were miked.A sign in the lobby offered headsets for the hearing impaired. Maybe I should have tried that.

Charming venue for live performances. Saw three plays here. You have to experience this place while in Gloucester

While in Gloucester for a few days, we decided to spend an evening at the Gloucester Stage Company. The play being performed was Alan Ayckbourn's "Round and Round the Garden." We've always enjoyed theater in NYC and at home.....but we had no idea what a treat we were in for.The cast included Sarah Newhouse, Barlow Adamson, Steven Barkhimer, Richard Snee, Lindsay Crouse and Adrianne Krstansky. If you are a theater-goer, or watch TV, you would be familiar with all of them.Their performances were marvelous and it was the funniest play I've seen in years. We laughed from the time the play started to the very closing curtain. It was one of the best evenings we spent in Gloucester!And it's not only the cast that were excellent. The staff of the theater were warm and welcoming and extremely knowledgeable about the theater, it's history and it's future plans. We wish them all the luck in their renovating plans for the future. When they are finished, they will be the "gem" of Gloucester.

Maybe it's just a small city theatre, but what they turn out is far more than that. Some good playwrights and wonderful actors make this stage company a destination. Do yourself a favor and suscribe for the season, prices are reasonable and if you are a resident there are price reductions....go see some theatre this summer!

A beautiful very intimate theater featuring professional actors in a mix of new and classic plays. Many are tried here before heading to Broadway. All seat so close you are nearly onstage!