Theater Review by Howard Steven Frydman
Play: JBKO – The Life, The Legend, The Legacy
Theater: Seven Angels Theater
Playwright: Tom Santopietro
Director: Semina De Laurentis
Scenic Designer: Kimberly Jackson
Howard’s Exhale- “JBKO is a Glorious Sentimental Return to Camelot”
“The first time you marry for love, the second for money, and the third for companionship”- Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis.
My friends, I am currently engaged in a most eagerly anticipated production at Seven Angels Theater, the world premiere of – “JBKO – The Life, The Legend, The Legacy” by Tom Santopietro and Directed by ‘the” Semina De Laurentis. Though the production’s estimated run is 90 minutes, time currently is at a glorious standstill – we have returned to a more sentimental time – a golden time in our combined history – echoes of Robert Goulet can be heard overhead – “Don’t let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment, that was known as Camelot.” Like it’s subject matter, this entire audience has surrendered to an enchanted pure bliss in watching such grace in motion once more– thee Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. JBKO has come home.
JBKO was the “simply exquisite epitome of style and grace” and everyone tried to follow her style, from Actress Audrey Hepburn, with their combined love of wearing Givenchy, 60’s tv “Perky Jackie Kennedy” Laura Petrie (Mary Tyler Moore) to Seinfeld’s Elaine Benes in similarly securing an editing job at Doubleday remarking, “Not many people have grace, Well, you know, grace is a tough one. I like to think I have a little grace. Not as much as Jackie O., You can’t have a little grace. You either have grace or you don’t”. In the spotlight this day, is Marina Shay in portrayal of Jackie O, a scarf, sunglasses and she is transformed – we are charmed by her portrayal, her grace, and the simple joy of remembering a time and place when things seemed so simple and pure.
My friends- it is a sincere joy to be a witness to theatrical greatness upon a stage, at this very moment in time, we are the second audience to see this World Premiere Play at Seven Angels Theater by Waterbury native – Tom Santopietro. Yes, we are privileged first viewers and hopefully afterwards this “theatrical docudrama” will soon be shared and head to Broadway. Through the written word of Santopietro, we learn of the spirit, beauty, style, humor, wisdom and majesty of our former first lady. The setting- her regal New York City apartment, with her written autobiography manuscript in hand, she slowly lights a cigarette and begins a retrospective of her life. From one end of the stage to the other we follow each breathy “Bostonian accented” word she utters – from her privilege childhood, daughter to stockbroker “Black Jack” Bouvier, to her first love- John Kennedy, her marriage for money, Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, to later on, her companionship with businessman Maurice Tempelsman. Mrs. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis has arrived on stage – No Photos Allowed!
The Seven Angels theater lights fade to black, our vividly stunning 90-minute reacquaintance with JBKO graciously has come-to-a-close, as strains of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” rains a light farewell. I take note, that during these brief minutes, two women, who have sat immediately in front of me, having silently chatted throughout the performance, yet at this very moment they cry. Slowly, I behold others in this audience, I am amazed, overwhelmed, this entire audience seems to be wiping away tears in memories of yesterday- and that my friends is quite a good thing. Brava Actor Ms. Marina Shay and Playwright Santopietro. Lastly, let me state that after many years, it was my sincere pleasure finally meeting the First Lady of Connecticut Stage, and the Artistic Director of Seven Angels Theater, Semina De Laurentis, as expected- I must state, “she is a lovely lady, “simply exquisite” and equally the “epitome of style and grace”. “JBKO is a Glorious Sentimental Return to Camelot” – Connecticut Live theater at it’s best. Enjoy says The Howard.
Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury is presenting the World Premiere Equity production of JBKO June 14-30. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM.Tickets are $37 and are on sale now. Details of this play and other upcoming shows can be found on the Seven Angels Theatre website. To purchase tickets stop in, call the box office at 203-757-4676, or online at SevenAngelsTheatre.org. Seven Angels Theatre is located on Plank Road in Waterbury, with plenty of free parking. Just off exit 25 on I-84. GPS directions use: Hamilton Park, Waterbury. (At this time Plank Road is partially closed. You must enter from Harpers Ferry Road.)
Howard Steven Frydman is General Manager and Executive Director of BATV – Channels 5, 95 & 96 and a member of the CCC. Please feel free to contact Mr. Frydman with your thoughts and ideas at howards2424@gmail.com.
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