Review: Roving “The Suburbs” in Ridgefield
The Suburbs, presented by The Thrown Stone Theatre Company, provides a welcomed return to live CT theatre. The sizable audience was receptive and palpably excited to partake of this “roaming production” which was performed outdoors at three stunning local facilities. The fun concept invited us to bring our own chairs and to walk as a group, between each of the three plays, to the performance sites; The Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, and The West Lane Inn in Ridgefield, CT.
We were treated to three bold, intriguing, and entertaining original plays dealing with such issues as class struggles, privilege, racial inequality, elitism, cancel culture, reparation, and historical lore including a stop on the underground railroad. Heady topics, to be sure, but convincingly and skillfully performed by a diverse, multi-cultural cast. The ensemble includes Maya Carter, Tenisi Davis, Justise Hayward, Will Jeffries, Nell Kessler, Ian Michael Mihn, Nedra Snipes, and Bridget Ann White,
The plays, An Education: How to Confront the Classics, written by Catherine Yu; The Caterers, written by Tony Meneses; Should We Dance Instead? by Phanésia Pharel, were ably directed by Kholoud Sawaf with doses of humor and pathos. Her evolving stage pictures and energetic pace kept things interesting. Kudos to the designers and the production crew for a well-conceived production.
These new works were commissioned to be site-specific, the action of each play set at the location where it is being performed.
It was advantageous to discover these local treasures in Ridgefield and at my next opportunity, I’ll visit the museums and the lovely Inn for a more in-depth exploration.
Thrown Stone was founded in Ridgefield, CT, by Jason Peck and fellow USC School of Dramatic Arts alum, Jonathan Winn. “We began to realize the richness of the local arts scene, and how we could contribute,” said Peck.“We were both interested in new plays with daring subject matter,” said Winn. “Jason likes plays with a political edge, and I’m really into history and technology. We saw this as a chance to build something in a community where people are open to new things and eager to take part.”
Thrown Stones’s mission statement includes that they “honor and celebrate local character, culture, and history.” And, they strive “to engage our region with new and reimagined theatre in intimate settings, creating a body of work that moves, connects, and challenges all who join the conversation.” This production certainly embodied these values. I look forward to more offerings from this unconventional company.
The Suburbs runs through September 12, 2021, at Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, and West Lane Inn in Ridgefield CT. For times and tickets, visit https://thrownstone.org/events/.