New York Review: An Astoundingly Brilliant Bo-Nita at DENIZEN THEATRE
Pia Haas, Contributing Critic - New York
Denizen is a terrific new performing arts center producing intimate professional live theatre in New Paltz, NY. An impressive building, designed as a year-round arts space, prioritizes contemporary works that provoke and inspire audience members. “It’s for the people who reside in the area and want to be part of the community,” Denizen provides opportunities to artists from the Hudson Valley to New York City and they pledge to make live theatre accessible to everyone in the community with affordable ticket prices, internships, and workshops.
Currently in the well-designed black box space, is Bo-Nita, a one-woman, one-act play by Seattle playwright Elizabeth Heffron. Set in contemporary St. Louis, this compelling coming of age story features, in a tour de force performance, Terri Weagant as Bo-Nita.
A 13-year-old girl, Bo-Nita (her mother hyphenated her name because “hyphens are all about hanging on and keeping things together,”) tells us her story in a series of flashbacks.
Bo-Nita’s story is full of laugh-out-loud funny moments as well as others that are horrifying, touching and heartbreakingly tragic. Filled with incredibly vivid details, it is a very human account of this young girl’s dysfunctional family life. She brings to life these rich characters of various ages, in the process of her storytelling.
Heffron says Bo-Nita is about “the tenuous nature of what direction people can go in.” “Bo-Nita needs ‘the village,’” Heffron explains. “All those little advantages—a gifted program at school, a concerned counselor—give her a toehold. But just a breeze one way or the other can determine which way she’ll go”.
The show is beautifully and expertly directed by Summer Wallace. The visually interesting and active staging, the fast pace and the incredible energy never let up. She has delivered every moment and every emotion possible from this richly written piece. I was in awe of Ms. Wallace’s vision and of the masterful performance given by Ms. Weagant.
Through March 1 at the Denizen Theatre, 10 Water Street. Show times: Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:00pm Purchase tickets at www.denizentheatre.com or call the box office at (845)303-4136. They are proud to support students with $5 tickets!
Next up at The Denizen is The World Premiere of “If I Needed Someone” By Neil LaBute, running April 1- May 3, 2020. Don’t miss this exciting offering!
Go visit New Paltz, it is a great daytrip! Experience a play at Denizen and enjoy a stop at the many trendy restaurants, coffeeshops and funky retail spaces, including Water street Market, where you can stroll in and out of the shops and visit the barn, filled with vintage and antiques.