Tesia Nicoli’s new play “Three Fortunes” surrenders the secrets and regrets that swarm around us like summer wasps as we try to negotiate our lives.
Now and then they sting with the realization that we must keep dealing with our transgressions until we can put them right.
At the center of the play is Gwen, a woman in a sour mood, even as her two dearest friends try to weasel a smile out of her with a visit to a fortune-teller.
Kate Hughes gives a stellar performance in this angry and inconsolable role.
Marian Barshinger, as the loyal friend Penny, tries valiantly to battle Gwen’s depression; Ryan MacNamara plays the cheerful longtime friend Jonathan. Marci Repp’s Vadoma, the psychic, adds a bit of fun to the show and to Gwen’s humorless life but, alas, the fortunes she tells only ignite more of Gwen’s painful memories. There’s nothing good for her in the present that isn’t also part of the past.
Genia Miller brightens the scene as a nosey landlady as she bursts uninvited into Gwen’s private life, scatters her opinions whether anyone wants them or not, and then poof! she’s gone, leaving us chuckling.
But although there are some giggles, “Three Fortunes” is no comedy. It’s a sober and intimate look at friendship, marriage, and the secrets that we order to stay put, which, of course, they never do.
“Three Fortunes” is a co-production of Between the Lines Studio Theatre and Global impACTORS Group. The Valley is lucky to have these and other small troupes adventurous enough to produce original plays.
Part of the impACTORS’ mission is to support local causes: This show will benefit the American Lyme Disease Foundation in honor of Linda Maniscalco of Allentown who’s fighting Lyme disease and stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
This is playwright Tesia Nicoli’s second staged production in as many months; Burlington County Footlighters of New Jersey presented “Red Wrench” just weeks ago.
Also an actor, Nicoli is artistic director and executive producer at Global impACTORS. Her script has a flawless invisibility that allows you to follow the story instead of the syntax.
Between the Lines co-founder Rachel Williams capably directs the cast of seven as they interlace their stories.
The cast is comprised of experienced actors most of whom also direct and write their own plays.
Hughes gives an outstanding and realistic portrayal of a woman in middle age still suffering from a parent’s rage.
And MacNamara’s wide emotional range well suits his role as the repressed Jonathan.
The cast is rounded out by Jason Roth and Whitney Pirnik who also do well in small but essential roles.
Kudos also go to technical director Chad Boushell, sound designer Eric Hersh and lighting designer Todd Williams. Formerly a school, the Macungie Institute has only a small stage with limited space for sets; this tech crew made the most of it.
“Three Fortunes” plays again at 8 p.m. May 17 and 18 and 3 p.m. May 19 at the Macungie Institute, 510 E. Main St., Macungie.
Tickets: 484-891-1314 or www.betweenthelinestheatre.com, or email: