"Sirens" Attracts Crowd at Penguin Rep Theater

Penguin Rep Theater is known for innovative and fresh plays, bringing new talent and shows to Rockland County.

Their current production, Sirens, proves why crowds return to Penguin Rep every show. It's funny, intelligent, intriguing, and entertaining; another must see for everyone.

The story follows Rose and Sam, a couple celebrating their 25th anniversary. Sam is a musican with a one-hit wonder named after and written about his loving wife, Rose Adelle, and Rose owns a shop to pay the bills.

Rose wants to do something special for their anniversary now that their son is grown but Sam is too busy trying to relive his past in order to remember the passion of first falling in love. However, he decides to do this by meeting up with young girls on Facebook.

It isn't until circumstances lead him to meeting a Siren, ala the Greek stories, that he realizes he can still feel that passion with someone he's so comfortable with, he just has to try.

The play does a wonderful job at contrasting new and old themes, from Sam chasing younger girls to the Siren owning a handheld electronic Solitaire game.

It skews the view of what is "old" and "young." For example, when Rose meets someone she hasn't seen since high school, she perceives him to look the same while the 20-something year old waitress insists he looks about her dad's age.

The set, designed by Charles Corcoran, is stunning, complimented extremely well by Todd O. Wren's lighting design.

Joe Brancato's direction keeps everything smooth and adds texture to special moments, such as Rose's vignettes in spotlight.

The four-member cast shines in their roles. David Deblinger and Mimi Lieber are a formidable team as Sam and Rose, complimenting each other perfectly and relating to the audience and the material.

Adam Zolotin plays a very funny Richard Miller, an old flame of Rose's. Katie Fabel does all three roles she performs justice, showing her talents as a beautiful singer as well as versatile actress.

The stand-out performance of the entire show, however, is Deborah Zoe Laufer's writing. Her banter between Sam and Rose echos real life; also, her sensitive approach to the themes she brings up allows for all ages to relate to the show, not only those who have been with someone for 25 years and counting.

Sirens runs smoothly with no intermission and is a fantastic idea for a night out.

Sirens will plays through Sunday, July 31^st at the Penguin Rep Theater in Stony Point: 

• Thurs, Fri, and Sat at 8 p.m.
• Sat at 4 p.m.
• Sun at 2 p.m.
• Tickets are $34
• Group rates are available
• Call Penguin Rep at 845-786-2873 for more information.