"sensitive and timely ... powerful display of emotions"

July 5, 2006 performance reviewed by Sandy Michel.

The newly-named Chester Theatre Company's production of "Duet For One," by Tom Kempinski, is a sensitive and timely work of drama. Unlike many revivals produced this summer in the Berkshires, this tragic and inspirational work is worthy of a second look.

When the dramatic theme of facing and accepting one's own mortality is well done, the audience is moved deeply. This is theartre at its best. Set designer Carl Sprague created an atmosphere of simplicity, not quite stark, but spare enough so that one isn't disracted from the powerful display of emotions onstage.

Chandler Vinton's sensitive and moving portrayal of the dying pianist (Stephanie Abrahams) is of crucial importance. She practically takes us through the stages of grief and acceptance. Having seen "Duet For One" several years ago, thanks to Miss Vinton's performance, this was a truly notable, fresh experience.

The psychiatrist(Dr. Feldmann), Kenneth Danzinger, is a bit stiff, and it seems to me, at times that he is trying too hard to appear detached. Even though he is a Freudian, a little more humanity from him would have helped.

Your reviewer always enjoyed the plays produced by the Miniature Theatre of Chester. It was the intimacy of summer stock in small Catskill hotels, when I was a little girl attending many simple productions, that aroused a lifelong love of theatre, and so I hope the management in Chester avoids getting caught up in the sort of overwrought productions that are popping up locally.

Editor's note: Publication of this review was delayed because Ms. Michel's husband passed away shortly after the performance.

Chester Theatre Company  |  miniaturetheatre.org
P.O. Box 722,  Chester, MA 01011-0722
Box Office: 413-354-7771

Chester Theatre Company, an Actors’ Equity Association company, performs at the Chester Town Hall, on Middlefield Street off Route 20. For further information visit MTC’s website at: . MTC performances are supported, in part, by funds from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the Local Cultural Councils of Amherst, Becket, Blandford, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Russell, and Worthington.