Berkshire on Stage

Anything goes when you sail away on Darko Tresnjak’s new musical, Ask for The Moon, having its world premiere at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre in Chester, CT. It’s an hilarious evening of madcap comedy, staged with finesse, and populated by three actors and a puppeteer who play multiple characters with lightning speed. I found myself constantly laughing at the antics of Luba Mason, a recent widow; Ali Ewoldt, her nemesis and later ally, Jamison Stern in numerous roles, and Alex Dreschke as “a body double”. Darko Tresnjak’s staging of his work is high octane, amplified by Karla Puno Garcia’s choreography. Ian Axness’ music direction is excellent, and a small band gives Oran Eldor’s music a big lift. The score has some stand-outs, including a song and dance Meringue for Stern and Ewoldt, and the title song, sung by a trio.

When Darko Tresnjak set sail from Hartford Stage for greener harbors in opera, Broadway and other ports-of-call, he left behind a theatre that hasn’t quite been able to recreate his magic. From 2011-19, he directed A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and Anastasia, two musicals that went on to Broadway, the former winning him a Tony. He directed ingenious Shakespeare productions. He brought stars like Mikhail Baryshnikov and Kevin Bacon to town. Tresnjak has also staged some memorable productions at Goodspeed, from A Little Night Music and Carnival to Amour and City of Angels. .The freelance life of theatre and opera has been good to Darko. Ask for The Moon emerged from the pandemic, when he was sidelined.

And, Goodspeed deserves kudos for bringing him back. His story for Ask For The Moon is slick and laugh-filled, and his lyrics are surprisingly sophisticated, surprisingly  so, since English is his second language. Tresnjak’s productions are always complimented by extraordinary design components. Alexander Dodge, a frequent collaborator, has turned the small Terris stage into an elegant ocean liner. Jen Caprio’s costumes are elegant, and Philip Rosenberg’s lighting really defines the playing areas. Jay Hilton’s sound, as always, is well balanced.

Jamison Stern, remembered for his performances in Goodspeed’s La Cage Aux Folles and TheaterWorks’ The Legend of Georgia McBride outdoes himself with his madcap portrayals . Ali Ewoldt from Broadway’s The Phantom of The Opera sings rapturously, Luba Mason from Chicago on Broadway, sings, moves, and poses with intoxicating elegance. Alex Dreschke is a master of pratfalls and probably is the first actor to portray a piranha in a musical comedy.

Ask for the Moon is charming and funny. We all need a dose of that these days. 

Ask For The Moon  runs at Goodspeed through August 11. For details: www.goodspeed.org. 

Goodspeed Musicals presents Ask for The Moon. Book and lyrics by Darko Tresnjak. Music by Oran Eldor. Directed by Darko Tresnjak. Choreography by Karla Puno Garcia. Music direction by Ian Axness. Scenic design by Alexander Dodge. Costume design by Jen Caprio. Lighting design by Philip Rosenberg. Sound design by Jay Hilton. Cast: Ali Ewoldt, Luba Mason, Jamison Stern, Alex Dreschke. Through August 11. Goodspeed Musicals Terris Theatre, Chester, CT. www.goodspeed.org

Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and The Yale School of Drama. He has worked for arts organizations nationwide, and reported on the arts for print and broadcast. Mark produces and hosts ArtsBeat, Athenaeum Spotlight and On The Mark for WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. He’s a regular contributor to Pioneer Valley Radio and a member of the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association.