By Marilyn Jozwik
Next Act’s “Three Viewings” almost seems like a joke that starts: There are this mortician, this jewel thief and this widow who ….
Make no mistake, there is lots of humor in this wonderfully staged show, a delightful way to open a new season of live performances. Yet, there are moments of poignancy and irony as three characters navigate death from unexpected angles, struggling with unrequited love, longings, desires and loss. Edward Morgan directs.
There are only three characters in the show: Emil (David Cescarini), Mac (Cassandra Bissell) and Virginia (Carrie Hitchcock). Yet, Jeffrey Hatcher’s storytelling is so vibrant, and the three are so adept at recreating encounters with others, that you feel like there is a whole stage full of characters—characters the three mention in their monologues. The audience gets to know these unseen characters through Emil, Mac and Virginia’s often hilarious impersonations.
Cassandra Bissell plays Mac in Next Act’s “Three Viewings.”
There are places, too, that become familiar – especially the small-town funeral parlor where everyone knows everyone. There are other places the three mention as well, which link the characters.
Yet, their stories couldn’t be more different. Each of the three is spellbinding, starting with Cescarini’s Emil, the town’s mortician who pines after the lovely real estate agent he often sees at funerals. Emil is obsessed with Tessie, but can’t find the courage to tell her of his feelings. Cescarini as Emil captivates the audience members who are aching along with him on his quest for true love that is as elusive as a butterfly.
Next, we hear Mac’s story. Bissell as Mac is quite the contrast to the buttoned-down, three-piece suited Emil with her heavy boots, leather jacket and plenty of attitude. She’s a jewel thief, but not the kind you’d expect. Bissell sounds tough, like a gang member, and it’s easy to dismiss her as a miscreant. Until you know her sad story.
Lastly, Virginia hobbles in, leaning on her cane. She’s just lost her husband and is trying to get to the bottom of a mysterious message that threatens to turn her comfortable life into chaos. Hitchcock reminded me of my own grandmother, sitting on her high-back chair, cane by her side, telling delicious stories that make you listen and laugh.
Carrie Hitchcock plays Virginia in Next Act’s “Three Viewings.”
There is so much nuanced emoting, including well-placed pauses, plus energy and expressiveness that keep the audience thoroughly engaged. Performers execute the rise and fall of voices, whispers, shouts, exuberant expressions and pitiful ones, confident strides and shoulder-slumping to animate their characters. Cescarini and Bissell use the entire stage to effectively create a variety of settings and times, while Hitchcock as the elderly Virginia charms with her expert story-telling. There is virtually no set, yet it’s easy to imagine other places, other people, through the performers’ skillful characterizations.
Next Act did an expert job with a series of high-quality virtual shows last season, but it can’t compare to the experience of live theater. Next Act has done a yeoman’s job in creating a safe theatrical experience (proof of vaccinations, ID and face masks required, plus social distancing in the auditorium) to make everyone comfortable while enjoying top-notch entertainment.
If You Go
Who: Next Act Theatre
What: “Three Viewings”
When: Through Oct. 17
Where: 255 S. Water St., Milwaukee
Info/Tickets: 414-278-0765; nextact.org