Review: The Barebones Theatre Company Presents SUPERIOR DONUTS

The second offering from the Barebones Theatre Company's 2016 season is a wonderful showing of the Tracy Letts' play Superior Donuts. Now running through May 22nd at the intimate Northport venue, Jeff Bennett and Christopher Tully superbly direct a stellar ensemble cast in the Long Island premiere. Set in present day, the play revolves around Arthur Przybyszewski, a 1960s hippie turned donut shop owner, and Franco, his young yet trouble-prone assistant.

Theirs is an unexpected friendship. Franco, portrayed excellently by Kyle Grant, is very enthusiastic while Authur, portrayed Kevin Hagan is very obstinate. They work well together and, as you can image, this leads to some hilarious exchanges. Arthur especially put up a fuss when Franco suggests updating the decades-old-family-owned donut shop with sprightly music and healthier menu options. Their portrayal of boss/employee/friend/mentor is convincing and heartwarming. Also emotional are Arthur's monologues peppered throughout the show. In these instances, Arthur discusses his past and how the city use to be when he was younger.

The whole cast is truly outstanding. Another audience favorite, I must say, is Rick Peter's who plays Russian mobster Max. His booming personality and voice brought roars of laughter.

The innovative set is minimal yet relevant. Solely positioned in in Arthur's donut shop, a large bar-like counter is the focal point. Racks for the donuts - that were filled with actual donuts - are mounted on the walls and several chairs and tri-legged tables are sprawled about. This is cleverly enhanced by Mr. Bennett's lighting and Dan Cion's fight chorography fit the stage well.

And so, Superior Donuts is indeed another hit for the Barebones Theatre Company. This is truly a theatre-lovers theatre and the productions here always have heart and display the talented actors that grace the stage. _________________________________________________________________

Superior Donuts is presented by The Barebones Theatre Company through May 22nd.

By Tracy Letts, Directed by Jeff Bennett & Christopher Tully, Set Design by Christopher Tully, Properties by Kate Madigan, Costumes by Sue Waiter, Sound & Lighting Design by Jeff Bennett, Sound and Light Operation by Andrew Brown, Fight Choreography by Dan Cion, Stage Management by Tony English

Starring Judith Anderson, Edson Black, Joseph Cavagnet, Kyle Grant, Richard Hardy, Kevin Hagan, John King, Kate Madigan, Rick Peters, and Ravi Tawney.

Photo by Christopher Tully; Kevin Hagan and Kate Madigan in Superior Donuts.