Directing
Director
Fulton Theater Lancaster PAWho's Afraid of Virginia Woolf
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf Sneak Peek.mp4
The action takes place in a scholarly, yet claustrophobic 1960's living room. The lack of space gives the audience a sense of discomfort and unease, probably not at all unlike the feelings of Nick and Honey, the hosts' invited guests.
Jeffrey Coon plays George, the shlubby history professor past his prime. Coon conveys all the insecurities and frustrations of a man who feels shortchanged in life. He has a unearned smugness about him to overcompensate for his insecurities.
Kim Carson is electrifying as his wife, Martha. Carson embeds a sexual confidence in her character which is always on display. Whether viciously mocking her husband or intensely seducing her new boy toy, Carson pulls out all the stops.
An early scene where George and Martha fight over who is going to answer the door provided amazing insight into Martha's persona. At one point, she grows coldly silent and stares chillingly at her husband. Carson is amazing in her ability to convey intimidation and power through nothing more than a dirty look.
The party guests are expertly played by Spencer Davis Milford (Nick) and Bailey Blaise (Honey). Milford doesn't play his character as especially naïve or inexperienced. He is just a typical guy who walked into George and Martha's living room and reacts in a similar manner as if he just met the Addam's family.
Blaise's Honey is flighty and playful. She embeds the dutiful but dumb stereotype of a young housewife of the early 1960's. Milford and Blaise have good rapport and connect well throughout the entire show.
Prospective audiences should know that this is a very long show. Approximately three hours with two, 10 minute intermissions. With four characters, one set, and minimal action.....theatrically, this is somewhat of a positive. The audience can better experience the interminable bickering and harassing and humiliating that goes on at this nightcap from Hell. They can also squirm in their seats or check their watches from time to time not unlike the very uncomfortable Nick and Honey. It's an effective trick, one that pays off during the show's explosive and cathartic climax.
Backstage Review - Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf
Director of the World Premiere Production of
CHANGING CHANNELS
by John Reeger
"The Fulton's production of Changing Channels is both thoughtful and important." - "Bisgaier and Fahrner are both expertly cast." - "Act Two revolves around a major plot point derivative of The Crucible. Arthur Miller's masterpiece..." Broadway World
The Wonder -
by Susan Ferrara
Co-Directed with Julie Ann Emery Lighting design by Daniel O'BrienWinner - Best Production 2014 United Solo Festival in New York
Announced along side honoree Billy Crystal.
A "Video Look" at The Wonder
Performed by Susan Ferrara___________________
The Glass Menagerie -
by Tenneesse Williams
Fulton Theater, Lancaster, PA
"Kevin Earley’s direction for this production manages to be complex and nuanced His direction is never flashy, but instead simply lets the excellent performances and exemplary text speak for itself. He does though add some comedic moments throughout from Leos’ performances, which add a bit more of a modern sensibility to this classic work. His comedic moments are not grand or farcical, but instead just strives to find moments of laughter in the everyday lives of these characters."
The Snapper - Josh Rittburg--------
"This is the most entertaining “Glass Menagerie” I have ever seen. The laughter flows freely through much of the play. Director Kevin Earley has made the choice to lighten what is often a heavy play, and it is delightful to see how humorous Williams can be."
Lancaster Online
The Fantastics -
by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt
Webster Conservatory, St Louis, MO (My alma mader)
“Kevin Earleys most notable invention was to make the character called The Mute… truly a mute.”
The Fantastics - Two on the Isle Bob Wilcox (Video Review)
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Director
The Whipping Man By Matthew LopezPaused Production Due to Covid.
Kevin is the youngest son of Chicago Director/Artistic Director Dyanne Earley, first woman ever to receive a Jeff Award Nomination for Direction of a Musical. She had four Jeff Award Nominations in her long carrier at the Marriott Theater including The First, My Fair Lady, Windy City and Miss Saigon.
Thomas Meehan : "Dyanne likes things to make sense."
Following in her footsteps, Kevin is delighted to be off to a thrilling start with these productions...
Dyanne Earley
Directing The First (The Jackie Robinson Musical.)