Review: I WILL NOT GO GENTLY at Act II is a Story with Heart

Currently onstage at Act II Playhouse is the show I WILL NOT GO GENTLY, written and starring Jennifer Childs. This show, under the direction of Harriet Power, is a humorous and poignant exploration of getting older and how it affects everyone. This show premiered last spring at 1812 Productions and returns to Act II Playhouse for a limited engagement. I WILL Not Go Gently is a beautiful piece of theatre that highlights the multi-talents of Childs.

Jennifer Childs received the 2016 Barrymore Award for her performance in I WILL NOT GO GENTLY. In addition, she writes and stars in this show. The show begins with a character, Sierra Mist, a rock 'n 'roll star from the 80s, who is beginning her comeback tour 30 years after she originally topped the charts. She faces criticism from the press about things she has said or how she disappeared for fifteen years after her last album, "Y2K." Where Childs really shines is in the energy she provides the multiple characters she plays from a character named Abby, who is Sierra's number one fan to a grandmother who is doing a stand-up comedy routine at open mic night. Childs infuses each of these characters with charm and heart. What really works in I WILL NOT GO GENTLY is how each one of the characters in this show are relatable to audiences. The underlying theme of this show is a story about aging, and how people of all ages deal with the passage of life and the realization that once you hit your mid-40s "Half your life is over." This show is funny, and it also has a lot of heart. If you haven't seen this show yet, make your way to Act II to catch this production.

Along with Childs's outstanding performance, the creative team she teamed up with also needs mentioning. Christopher Colucci is the composer and Sound Designer who wrote the original score for the show. Jorge Cousineau is the Video Designer, and the music videos for this show are reminiscent of music videos of the 1980s. Lance Kniskern is the Set Designer. Rosemarie McKelvey is the costume designer. Lastly, Shelley Hicklin is the Lighting Designer.

I WILL NOT GO GENTLY is at Act II Playhouse through January 29, 2017. For more information and tickets visit their website at www.act2.org or call the box office at 215-654-0200.

Photo Credit: Mark Garvin

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