Theater Review: 'Evelyn in Purgatory' at Sherman Playhouse

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

“Evelyn in Purgatory” is a complex, funny and thought-provoking play that The Sherman Playhouse will present through June 29. The dramatic comedy was written by Topher Payne.
Caught in the Purgatory of the disciplinary “Reassignment Center” five New York Public School teachers wait for their cases to be heard and their fates decided. It is a bit like “The Breakfast Club” for teachers, and educators can easily relate to much of the action and the issues that it explores.

The title character lands in “the rubber room” when she is charged with a claim of improper behavior by a failing student. There meets a group of teachers, some guilty, some not, who have lost hope of returning to a classroom. Over the course of an entire school year, these very different colleagues form an unlikely alliance as they await their hearings and secrets are revealed.

Director Terry Sagedy, who directs his first show for the Sherman Players, credits Board Member Morgana Kate Watson for the vision of this production, for without her guidance and persistence it might not have come to the stage. Sagedy notes that the script uncovers a serious problem in the universal school system. “However, how the characters deftly form their tribe and define the rituals to overcome their mutual adversity is a delight to behold.” The work of the strong cast that he has assembled is a delight to behold.

Erin Shaughnessy, a talented actress in her ninth Sherman production, tackles the challenging role of Evelyn Reid. Her character is a resourceful and driven teacher and Shaughnessy nails the stellar game face that is required.

Madison Alexander plays Candace Metzger, the proctor in the empty office in the Department of Education Building. In her first theatrical venture in over ten years, Alexander embodies the employee with the most power in the room and the least qualifications for her job.

I was very impressed with the performance of Stacy-Lee Frome as Lila Wadkins, a middle aged art teacher who is maternal and the voice of reason. Not surprisingly, Wadkins is the knitter of the group.

Jimmy Hunter, a more-recent addition to the cast, gives a strong performance as the first year teacher Toby Fleming. Hunter, who is currently studying for a BFA at Penn State, nails the twenty-something science teacher who is quiet, a bit of a geek and often uncertain. This Pomperaug High School graduate is a young performer to watch.

Gregg Guest portrays Fred Disalvo, the veteran gym teacher from Hell’s Kitchen who is bombastic and a bit of a bully.

Alexa Wild plays Roberta Burke, a very Bronx English teacher who is close to retirement and the self-appointed queen of all she surveys. Mrs. Burke is the group’s repeat offender by choice and Wild displays her character's razor-sharp wit and lack of patience.

The (unseen) Ms. Atwood, the head of the disciplinary panel, is the voice of the stage manager Lynn Nissenbaum. The stage manager comes onstage between the six scenes to rearrange the props and notes that “stage managing this bunch of delinquent teachers has been a blast.” Al Chiappetta is the director of the technical aspects and the fine elements of the lighting design.
Costumer Terry Hawley paints the well-drawn characters with several changes each, highlighting their personalities. The members of the cast assisted with set decoration and additional props.
This well-constructed script tells an engrossing story which offers an insightful look at the achingly slow “due process” in the field of education. There are a few four-letter words in the script of this play that will mostly appeal to adults, especially anyone ever involved in public education.

Steve Stott served as the show’s producer. The Sherman Playhouse at 5 Route 39 N in Sherman is located between the firehouse and Mallory Town Hall. Tickets at shermanplayers.org/buy-tickets

Nancy Sasso Janis is a retired educator that has been reviewing theater since 2012.

Photos by Trish Haldin