BWW Reviews: CLOVEN TONGUES Captivates at The Wild Project

Victor Lesniewski's new drama CLOVEN TONGUES has it all: humor, suspense, and a strong cast.

Lights up on Casey Bigg's Pastor Ronald, the seemingly likable, genuine neighborhood pastor, trying to get to know Lela (Ema Lakovi?), a young, stoic drug smuggler with a troubled past, who was found at the Canadian border. Orange Is The New Black's Catherine Curtain is Jenny, the woman who sees something in Lela that she want to help. She brings Lela to Pastor Ronald to work as his housekeeper to keep her out of trouble. During this time she meets Paul (Alex Mickiewicz), a delivery boy for the local grocery store who takes a romantic interest in the "worldly" Lela. Everything seems to be going fine, that is until Lela has an apparent, and occasionally violent, struggle with faith and religion and is sent away to a safe house. During that time, she has flashbacks, and forwards, to her life during the war in Bosnia ten plus years previously, and what is happening with her life in upstate New York with Pastor Ronald, Jenny, and Paul, all of whom play duel roles.

The cast is strong: Bigg's is a both a joy and a jaw-dropped, Lakovi? is downright astounding, Curtain is heart-wrenching and sincere, and Mickiewicz is just the right amount of awkward and charming. Their duel roles are the complete opposite of their characters, making their actions even more powerful. The sound design is sharp and emanate, finishing off this new drama perfectly. Lesniewski's work was very real, meaty, and was nourished and enhanced by the actors.

The opening night crowd was substantial, featuring a group of patrons of all ages packed into the decently-sized theatre. The company bowed to a chorus of whoops, hollers, and cheers.

CLOVEN TONGUES opened November 13th and runs through the 23rd at The Wild Project (195 East 3rd Street, New York, NY 10009, between Ave A & B.) It is presented in association with Plum Productions, developed in part at SPACE on Ryder Farm. This production was made possible by the generous support of Ted Snowden.