Berkshire on Stage

by Emily Edelman

In Larissa FastHorse’s “The Thanksgiving Play” at the Ghent Playhouse, four well-meaning people attempt to devise a historically accurate play for elementary school students about the origins of the Thanksgiving holiday while dealing with complications such as a disgruntled school board, conflicting interpersonal relationships, and the complete absence of Indigenous representation.

Shannon Bell and Jody Green play Logan and Jaxton, a couple who put aside their affections for the sake of creating and performing the play of the title. Their emotions remain visible just below the surface of their adopted personas, however, and both actors are at their best in the moments in which they nearly give in to their instincts. Kevin Kilb as history teacher and aspiring playwright Caden navigates his character’s social awkwardness with endearing naïveté. Carissa Palladino is impressive as self-absorbed professional actress Alicia but really shines in the more compassionate aspects of the role.

Under Brian Wagner’s direction, the characters’ personalities are distinct and well-defined. Wagner makes sure his actors are constantly on the move and engaging with each other, adding much to the depictions and ensuring that the audience never gets bored.

The show runs through Sunday, Oct. 26.

“The Thanksgiving Play” by Larissa FastHorse, directed by Brian Wagner, runs October 17-26 at the Ghent Playhouse, 6 Town Hall Pl, Ghent, NY. Cast: Shannon Bell, Jody Green, Kevin Kilb, Carissa Palladino. Set design: Cathy Lee-Visscher. Light/sound/video design: Michael O’Keefe

“The Thanksgiving Play” runs two consecutive weekends: October 17-19 and 24-26, Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 7:30pm and Sunday matinee at 2:00pm. Tickets are available online only: $23 for members, $28 for nonmembers, and $12 for students. Tickets and memberships can be purchased at GhentPlayhouse.org with no additional processing fees. For more information about this show and other upcoming events, visit ghentplayhouse.org, email theghentplayhouse@gmail. or call (518) 392-6264.