A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF-Rimers, Spirits and Hit Parade on Queens Stages

An intense drama, a classic farce and a musical revue top the list this week in Queens. The haunting “Rimers of Eldritch” by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lanford Wilson is the latest offering from the Phoenix Players in College Point. Noel Coward’s farce, “Blithe Spirit” is FSF Community Theatre Group’s project in Flushing. An affectionate look at several decades of golden hits is Theatre by the Bay’s musical contribution in Bayside.
On opening night, the Phoenix Players used their intimate venue to lure the audience into the characters’ psyches for The Rimers of Eldritch. Co-directors Robert Combe and Ben Fabrizi with producer Anna Wolf guide the cast with professional polish. For their latest thought-provoking presentation, they have assembled a cast from across the country.
Eerie repetitions of dialogue, ambiguous settings, and a skillful combination of foreboding and cynicism create another must-see production by this extremely talented troupe. The story revolves around a decaying 1960s Midwest community. The symptoms are obvious. Immorality, hypocrisy, and murder have become woven into the town’s threadbare fabric. The ensemble includes Bernard Bosio as the town scapegoat with Sari Lee Gordon and Margaret Adams as the obligatory loose women.
They are housed at the Landmark Poppenhusen Institute at 114-04 14th Rd. Call (516) 678-0016 for information.
A lighthearted look at marriage and magic is offered by the FSF Community Theatre Group. The charming 1930s British farce, Blithe Spirit features some of Queens’ most recognized community veterans. At Sunday’s matinee, Kevin C. Vincent gave a strong performance as the harried husband of a domineering wife (Helen del Bove). He’s also victimized by his clinging ex-wife Elvira (Jennifer DiMatteo). She just happens to be a ghost. Supporting roles are well presented by Suzanne Haehnel, John Baratta, and Sharon Levine. The show’s impressive scene-stealer is Jean Ann Kump as the scatterbrained psychic-medium.
Kudos to director Mark Lord, production coordinator Mary Ellen Pierce, Cookie Knisbaum, the Barattas, and webmaster Charlene Greenberg. They are located at the Free Synagogue of Flushing, 41-60 Kissena Blvd. Call (800) 260-6789, (516) 354- 3017 or click on www.spotlightonstage.com for details.
Dozens of popular hits from the 1930s through the 1970s fill Theatre by the Bay’s songbook this spring. Director/producer Larry Bloom has created Remember Your Hit Parade-“2” with energetic Queens Performers.
At dress rehearsal, individual interpretations were complemented by equally strong group presentations. The cast boasts more than 40 enthusiastic singers and dancers from elementary schoolchildren to practicing physicians. Musical director Rhea Arkin is on keyboard (with Vicki Gleicher) for favorites such as “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Over the Rainbow,” “What Kind of Fool am I?” and a few dozen more. There are tributes to the Supremes and Madonna as well. Choreographer Caron Eule and assistant choreographer Jenifer Badamo also deserve high marks. Performances take place at the Bay Terrace Jewish Center 132-00 209th St. in Bayside; call 718-428-6363 for tickets.
Queens theatre season runs into June! As always, save me a seat on the aisle.