by Emily Edelman
Immediately upon entering Bard College at Simon’s Rock’s McConnell Theater for Great Barrington Public Theater’s “Night at the Speakeasy,” one is met not by the usual rows of theater seats, but by a meandering alleyway filled with vines and garden statuary ending at a bright red door, at which one must knock and then utter a password in order to gain admittance to the theater’s stage, which has been transformed by set designer Juliana von Haubrich into a 1920s-era nightclub. There is a bar at the back, and audience members may order a beverage before settling down at cafe tables to watch a solo performance by Janelle Farias Sando.
Farias Sando captivates her audience from her first moments, engaging them with sexy confidence in a showcase of songs from the time period alongside more modern selections from Broadway musicals including “Victor/Victoria” and “Jekyll & Hyde.” She is joined onstage by piano accompanist Hudson Orfe, who partners beautifully with her and even delights the audience with a song of his own during Farias Sando’s costume change. The show is interspersed with facts about Prohibition and what it was like to participate in speakeasy culture, which, Farias Sando informs, was inclusive of all lifestyles and expressions as well as being a safe place for women to embrace their independence.
Director Wendy Welch has Farias Sando weaving in and out of the audience and including them in her banter as well as utilizing other parts of the room (such as the bar and a vacant table) in different parts of her act, adding to the intimate feel of the club-like environment. Haubrich, lighting designer Matthew Adelson and sound designer Jacob Fisch have created a welcoming and interesting space that adds much to the appeal of this unique experience.
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Created in collaboration by Janelle Farias Sando, Wendy Welch, Hudson Orfe & Katherine Humes. Directed by Wendy Welch. Featuring Janelle Farias Sando, accoompanied by Hudson Orfe. Scenic design: Juliana von Haubrich. Lighting design: Mathew Adelson. Sound design: Jacob Fisch. Costume design: Janelle Farias Sando. Music arrangements: Hudson Orfe. Stage manager: Kaleigh Cerqua. Assistant stage manager: Victoria Bokaer. Assistant director, dramaturg & choreographer: Katherine Humes. https://www.greatbarringtonpublictheater.org/