BWW Reviews: BROOMSTICK at NJ Rep - A Must-See

There is an old, mysterious woman who lives near you; she is someone who conjures up a sense of the unnatural, or supernatural. What if you dare to enter her home, learn about her past, and how she perceives herself? That is what you can experience at New Jersey Repertory Company in Long Branch.

John Biguenet's hit play, Broomstick, sweeps away the dust that lies on the path between fantasy and reality. It takes you on an intimate journey with a woman we know to be a witch. Set in a remote cabin deep in the woods, the audience becomes guests of her unique world. Biguenet has written the text of Broomstick artfully; we are aware of the rhyme scheme as it compliments each line.

Produced by Gabor Barabas and directed by Suzanne Barabas, Broomstick is a one-woman play that is so seamless, its ninety minutes fly by. The creative design team has captured the mood of the show with the set design, lighting, sound and costuming that perfectly complements the show.

Andrea Gallo delivers a truly remarkable performance as she assumes the role of the old crone and the individuals that were a part of her dark childhood; she describes her life believing it is terribly misunderstood. With both humor and drama, Gallo incorporates other characters so effectively into her monologue that we are led to believe the stage is full of the people who roamed her past. Gallo's extraordinary skill as an actress found its home with Broomstick.

The winner of American Theatre Wing's National Theatre Company Award, metropolitan area audiences should relish an opportunity to see this gem of a production on its limited engagement at New Jersey Repertory Company through October 13th. NJ Rep is located at 179 Broadway in Long Branch. For tickets to Broomstick, and their other upcoming shows, contact the NJ Rep Box Office at 732-229-3166 or visit www.njrep.org to reserve your seats online.

Photo: Courtesy of New Jersey Repertory Company