A bloody great sold out performance
By Claritza Basabe
The biggest ‘robberies’ and ‘blood baths’ in Panama last week took place next door to a police HQ in Ancon where The Theatre Guild went to work with guns and knives to wow a full house for three successive nights
The Guild’s production of Reservoir dogs: every “dog” has its day, opened May 24 and rolled in audiences faster than the cops next door could say "hands up". But there were hands a plenty to applaud the cast at all three performances.
All the intrigue and foibles -as well as the perilous and sometimes hilarious circumstances- unraveled splendidly in this jewelry heist gone wrong where gang members plan a perfect robbery and end up turning against one another, in this successful presentation with their locally flavored adaptation of the film classic.
Reservoir Dogs was one of the most entertaining –and probably bloodiest- plays ever produced at the Theater Guild, certainky in this century, No sooner had the lights dimmed than thethe door to Joe’s Bistro was opened. Joe Varela. acting on stage for the first time was the quintessential Joe Cabot ( chosen for my shape and voice “ he told me later) welcoming and enticing each criminal into his sure fire heist.. Varela’s powerful voice and stature was hard to ignore, as he established his leadership role balanced by Francis Icaza’s comedic timing and genial portrayal of Mr. White. But the high-strung, suit-clad clan would not have been complete without the flawless delivery of Adrian Benedetti, who played Eddie “Nice Guy” Cabot. Benedetti’s performance was a highpoint of the evening. The talented young actor appeared as comfortable in this role as he seemed to be inside the Converse shoes he was wearing – each actor having a pair that fit the color of each character’s name. Line after line, Benedetti was the very embodiment of Nice Guy; dangerous and hotheaded, yet cool and in control if need be.
Some of the most memorable lines such as “…he don't tip… he don't believe in it” or “Hey what's goin' on? Can you hear that?” a line from Mr. Blonde (Miguel Celucci as he slices off the police officer's ear and begins talking into it, were matched by the rest of the cast members.
H.B. Twohy (Mr. Blue), Rob Rivera (Mr. Brown), Giancarlo Benedetti (Mr. Pink), Jose Mezquita (Mr. Orange), Lili Mendoza (Lt. Mendoza), Catalina Bernat (M. Sanchez), along with debuting actor Carina Weber (Carina), were the ideal ensemble for a well-delivered show, brought together by young Producer Andrea Boaiuto and directed by Mathew Addis.
Reservoir Dogs was a theatrical experience that brought the audience to their feet to pay tribute to the cast and crew of the production.
If you missed the show and its outstanding performers on opening weekend, don’t despair … but move quickly. There are Three more shows this weekend, from May 31 through June 2. You can make your reservation by emailing dogs@portodiao.com. For more information visit Theater Guild of Ancon’s website.
