A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE OF BEES by Elena Hartwell

 

A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE OF BEES

by Elena Hartwell

Oldcastle Theatre Company

"Longtime regional favorite (Melissa) Hurst delivered Rud's even-keeled irony and embering sensuality in a package that had the audience eating from her hands...we took every word of Rud's to heart. Hurst's ability to rip out our hearts was flawlessly on display in the tears she evoked from Lissa and from the rest of us."

"This is a deeply intelligent and evolving play with endless empathy and a dose of understated humor; its themes and acting are a must-see."

                                                                                             THE ADVOCATE WEEKLY

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"This is a world-class production, the most memorable play I have seen since the original Orphans
at Steppenwolf in Chicago in 1985. Yes, you read that right, the best play I have seen in 25 years.."

"The miracle we see on the Oldcastle stage is how magnificently five actors who love their material can become more than an ensemble, but a family that interconnects on multiple levels on stage."

"Two hours of honest and engaging theatre beautifully acted on the perfect set."

                                                                                               BERKSHIRE ON STAGE

more reviews from A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE OF BEES by Elena Hartwell

                                                                                                                                                        

Rud, the Beekeeper is expertly played by Melissa Hurst. She has the most amazing way of looking at people as though they might not really be there...She is the loving woman who nurtures both her lover and his adopted daughter, Lissa. When she speaks to the infant girl she is cherishing. When she speaks of bees she is clinical and a perfect teacher. When she speaks to Cashman she takes on an almost erotic tone of voice. Hurst is nearly perfection. She is that good an actress."

Is this the summer 2013 play to see? Ask me in the fall. For now, though, it is the finest stagework in the region."  

                                                                                        BERKSHIRE BRIGHT FOCUS

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"...an appealing Melissa Hurst, who anchors this production with a solidly crafted, expertly nuanced performance..."

                                                                                         BERKSHIRE EAGLE

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"The present and the flashback scenes meld together in a sweet and touching story that made this reviewer laugh in places and brought a few tears, too. Performances were spot-on, with characters sharing awkwardness, affection, grief, joy, anger and more in ways that made them stop being characters on a stage and turned them into real people."

                                                                                          BENNINGTON BANNER