Emily Dickinson was a woman ahead of her time. She didn’t feel the need to marry, to have kids, to be known as a Good Christian Woman who went to church every Sunday. Instead, she chose to inhabit her own world filled with joy, sorrow, passion, and poetry. Her own imagination was world enough. This production features a very different interpretation of the writer, and one I find difficult to grasp. Angelica Page is a thoroughbred; with Geraldine Page as her mom, and Broadway shows, films, and TV appearances under her belt, she knows her way around successfully building a compelling character. Here, however, her Emily is sour, slow, and anything but captivating. I don’t understand the choices that were made. By contrast, the string quartet, with Victoria Lewis and Melanie Clapies on violins, Chieh-Fan Yiu on viola, and Ari Evan on the cello, makes beautiful music. Pianist Max Barros is so good, I would gladly attend his solo concert. Highest marks also to accomplished Soprano Kristina Bachrach, whose voice soars in the little theater. The program tells us that the composer is Amy Beach; her dates are listed as 1867-1944. Vanessa James designed the scenery, which is minimalist in feeling, and Ms. Page’s wine- colored costume. The shade is an interesting choice, as it’s usually associated with martyrdom. There are eye catching projections on the back of the stage screen, as designed by David Bengali. I do wish I could be more positive about this production. But while the music struck all the right notes, the lead character struck all the wrong ones. I look forward to seeing Ms. Page in another show where she can really shine.
