60 THE QUEENS COURIER • BUZZ • APRIL 21, 2016 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com ‘TROLL’ AT SECRET THEATRE BUZZ There’s a new lawman in town. He’s the selfappointed judge and executioner whose actions will destroy lives. Some call his modern A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN battlefi eld the Wild West. Others simply call it the internet. For the world premiere of “Troll”, Director Jason Modica’s and playwright Ken Greller’s four talented actors offer a powerful paradox. That is, does justice for the many outweigh justice for the few? Co-producer Brian Drummy is also the lead character, Ari Jacobs. He plays his role skillfully as a signifi cantly unpleasant, overbearing and histrionic individual. He is, in fact a loser of the highest order. Everyone in his immediate world has been emotionally bruised by his behavior. Yet he considers himself a hero. Ari’s good friend and fellow party animal, Tim, is also well played by Andrew Block. His good nature includes free drugs, free alcohol, a sofa for Ari and some excellent if unintentional advice. Ari’s former lover Ben is played by Reggie D. White. He utilizes extremely effective pauses which elevate his segment of the storyline. It takes a confi dent actor to fi ll lengthy gaps with meaningful gestures and facial expressions. Bravo! The most diffi cult and most pivotal character is Jeffrey Delano Davis as Arnold, aka the Troll. He seethes with hate and venom as he posts vicious comments online. His personal life is fi lled with horrible luck and skewed judgment. He is as big a loser in his own right as Ari. Ultimately, the audience is confronted with a surprising dilemma. The troll is clearly a hideous cyber scoundrel. But was his punishment too severe? Could he have been defeated in a more constructive manner? Clearly the sparse sets and peculiar lighting need to be examined. The already small stage has been reduced to a fraction of its size with dozens of empty boxes. They form two parallel walls. At times they are toppled and prodded; exposing strange lights and sounds. Are the two enemies Ari and the Troll as empty and bland as empty boxes? Are the eerie green lights and sounds as intangible as the emotions they provoke? Kudos to creative support from Bryce Cutler, Steve Shack, Tristan Raines, Maggie Burke, Tyler Gattoni, Tracy Moore , John Michael Presney and Imogen Taylor and The Rushline (Theater) Company. The Secret Theatre has once again offered an adults only, thought provoking drama. Check www.secrettheatre.com for this and future productions. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. Courtesy The Rushline Co. Brian Drummy in Troll International festival coming to Astoria Park’s Great Lawn The Central Astoria Local Development Coalition Croatia, Ayazamana Cultural Center from Ecuador, will be holding its second-annual International Cretan Association from Greece, NYC Bhangra Cultural Festival on May 21 on Astoria Park’s Great from India, McManus School of Irish Dance Lawn. from Ireland, The Braata Folk Singers from the There will be representatives from a great variety Caribbean/Jamaica, and the Korean Traditional of countries demonstrating the music and dance of Music and Dance Center from Korea. their cultures, refl ecting the rich diversity and happy Following up on the success and feedback of the confl uence of values that make up Astoria. fi rst celebration, the second Festival will include the The performers will include Ballet Los Pampas same exciting singing and dancing performances, from Argentina, KUD Halaturko from Bosnia, also including extra fun events for the whole family. Croatian Franciscan Fathers Youth Club from The event will take place from 1:30 to 6 p.m. on May 21 on the Astoria Park Great Lawn, on Shore Boulevard between Hell Gate Bridge and the playground. There is also an entrance from 19th Street and 23rd Avenue. For more information, visit the Central Astoria LDC website at www.centralastoria.nyc, contact CALDC at [email protected], or call 718-728-7820. The program is supported by Councilman Costa Constantinides, and in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
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