REVIEW: “Girl with a camera” an intriguing view of a life through photographs
5/15, 5/16, and 5/18 @ Claverack Free Library
Photos by Stephen Sanborn
“The trip was more than worth it to see the two women co-producers presenting the premiere of this local playwright in this rural library with these fine actors.”
Girl with a Camera is an intriguing, sprawling, clever play that keeps you involved every step of the way, mostly due to the sharply etched characters.
It takes up the case of one Ivy Wilmot (the indispensable Constance Lopez), an internationally famous photographer who is having a career retrospective – we visit scenes from her life over the course of eight photographs discussed. Her father is played by Andrew Joffre and he gives no nonsense instruction in the dark room, with nifty lighting effects by the multitalented, multitasking director Stephen Sanborn.
Also giving strong performances are Linda Storms as Jeanne Morris, a demanding echo from her past, Jonathan Tarpy as the self-involved Hollywood actor husband, and Steven Leifer commanding as the FBI agent who is investigating Ivy’s father, while also maintaining a romantic interest in her.
Most importantly for us and the play, co-producer Lora Lee Ecobelli is Nancy Rossetti, a blowsy, seen it all, fashion editor who lights up the stage like her prized Marlboros. It’s a great comic turn and every entrance sparks delight.
The play by veteran local theater maker Byron Nilsson is by its nature episodic and has interesting views on art and a woman’s work. It struck me that it would be a great film for Jill Clayburgh in her heyday in the 70s. I did wonder, if it was written by a woman, would I be more invested in the outcome of the story?
It was a great afternoon for a drive and these fine theater artists held our attention with this artist’s journey. I really appreciated the imaginative work going on in this piece. As an examination of the artistic impulse, the trip was more than worth it to see the two women co-producers presenting the premiere of this local playwright in this rural library with these fine actors. Well worth checking out!
Girl With a Camera plays at Claverack Free Library (629 NY-23B, Claverack, NY 12513) and is presented by Constance Lopez & Lora Lee Ecobelli in collaboration with The Claverack Library and RARE Inc.
The show will run 5/15, 5/16 & 5/18. Tickets: (518) 329-6293.
