Review: CROSSING SWORDS by ATG at Hamilton Stage is Enthralling

American Theater Group (ATG), New Jersey's newest professional theater company, is currently presenting the U.S premiere of an enthralling new musical Crossing Swords written by Joe Slabe and directed by Igor Golden. It will be performed through Sunday, May 1st at Hamilton Stage in Rahway. This very original production is thoughtful, humorous and heartwarming. Gather your group and get your tickets now. This show is sure to make its mark in the realm of musical theater.

Crossing Swords is set at the boys' school of St. Mark's and the girls' school of St. Anne's in a small New England town. It tells the story of three high school students, David, Jeremy and Nicky who are being mentored by their two teachers, Miss Daignault and Sir to put on a production of the classic play Cyrano de Bergerac. As the rehearsals progress, real life begins to mirror art as romance ensues, jealousies arise and tensions mount. The conflicts that the five characters face put them on unexpected paths of self-discovery. The "play within a play" format works beautifully to develop a humanistic story while showcasing a rich and thrilling musical score.

ATG has assembled a remarkably talented troupe that features Broadway veterans Sarah Dacey Charles in the roles of the Miss Daignault/Older Nicky and Steven Hauck as Sir. Rounding out the cast is Chase Crandell as David, Ali Gordon as Nicky and Jeremy Greenbaum as Jeremy. The company captures the tenor of the story with wonderful acting and extraordinary vocals.

The memorable musical numbers include "The Stories We Write" by Miss Daignault; "Home to Me" by Nicky and Jeremy; "The Three of Us" by the Ensemble; "Heart on My Sleeve" by the Ensemble; "For King and Country" by Sir, Jeremy and David and "The Death of Cyrano by Miss Daignault and Sir.

The design team brings Crossing Swords to life with set design by Bethany Wampol; lighting design by Nick Solyom; costume design by Stefanie Genda. The Fight Choreographer is Trey Compton; Production Manager is Meghan Fisher; Brian T. Sharron is the Technical Director; Allyson Namishia is the Production Stage Manager; Emilie Mirvis is the Deck Supervisor and the casting is by Michael Cassara, CSA.

Crossing Swords is a play that will appeal to a very broad audience of theatergoers. It is a genuine and uplifting show that you will long remember after the curtain call. Bravo to ATG for bringing it to Hamilton Stage.

Performances of Crossing Swords are April 20 through May 1 (Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm) at the Hamilton Stage of Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. Tickets are $38 each. Student and senior discounts available. For tickets, call (732) 499-8226; visit online www.americantheatergroup.org; or in person at the Union County Performing Arts Center Box Office at 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ. Hamilton Stage is located in the vibrant arts and dining district of Rahway, with convenient on site parking. It is just a few minutes walk from the New Jersey Transit Rahway Train Station.

Editor's Note: Read our recent interview with Joe Slabe. /new-jersey/article/BWW-Interview-Joe-Slabe-and-ATGs-New-Musical-CROSSING-SWORDS-at-UCPAC-420-TO-51-20160419.

Photo Credit: Matt Pilsner