100 Saints You Should Know – Schenectady Civic Players
This was an early favorite, so much so that I saw it twice. A strong cast of characters grapple with questions of faith, all looking for answers but also comfort, and ultimately finding it in the emotional connections they share. It’s a great script, and was excellently performed by this cast. I don’t think I gave enough credit to Alex Yun (Matthew) in my original review, because his delivery of that monologue in the first act still sticks with me, a powerful expression of loneliness and self-doubt.
Jesus Hopped The “A” Train – Albany Civic Theater
It was a strong year for grappling with faith. This show tackled similar themes, as well as exploring tough questions about guilt, redemption, and the cruelty of the criminal justice system. Nellson Moore (Lucius) turned in one of the most spellbinding performances in recent memory, coming across as both incredibly charming and deeply disturbing, and making both look easy.
Puffs – Sand Lake Center for the Arts
I have to imagine Puffs is incredibly challenging to produce for any community theater group. The sheer size of the cast, the rapid scene and costume changes, the cavalcade of props and effects, it all looks like total chaos in action. The fact that SLCA’s cast and crew got through it so smoothly, including improvising around a door on the set breaking and a puppet partially falling apart, is enough to make you believe magic is real.
Fuddy Meers – Albany Civic Theater
I definitely have a soft spot for the weirder shows. ACT’s production was a delight to watch, thanks largely to a tremendous cast of fresh faces. It was a smart move scheduling this show in December. Nothing prepares you for the holidays quite like a dysfunctional family that makes your own seem idyllic by comparison.