Local Actors Troupe Present Lively One-Nighter

By TRILBY BERESFORD | Reporter

There was an exhilarating artsy buzz at Theatre Palisades on Wednesday, May 16, when the Actors Troupe performed a series of scenes from well-known plays such as “Steel Magnolias” and “Spring Cleaning.”

The production had a homey feel because the Troupe is comprised both of professional actors and also those who simply love to act—there are nurses, attorneys, teachers and even a previous employee of the Palisadian-Post: Manfred Hofer. He used to work in the graphic design department.

Under the leadership of the effervescent Martha Hunter, who went to Palisades Charter High School back in the day, the Actors Troupe has been going strong since 2013. Sherman Wayne, Tony Torrisi and Carolyn Field donned directing hats for this production, with Wayne and Hunter on producing duties. The cheery audience was treated to a varied evening of laugh-out-loud comedy and surprisingly heart-wrenching drama.

One of the highlights was “I Can’t Think of it Right Now,” a 10-minute play written by Nick Zagone. Actors Holly Sidell and Nick Thompson performed the entire text, offering genuine hilarity over a couple trying to remember a movie they (may) have once seen together. “It had battles and blood … ” Finally, the answer emerges as “Braveheart,” a rather obvious choice that makes them feel silly.

Many could relate to the conflict in “Spring Cleaning,” as it featured a married couple celebrating their anniversary while arguing with their adult child about the lies they told her as a kid. Martha Hunter and Michael Nozzi were bitterly funny, with Michelle Nozzi striking an interesting balance between childlike wonder and the jaded views of a grownup carving her own way in the world. The Nozzis are brother and sister, so it was an actual family affair.

But without a doubt, the budding talent of the night was Carolyn Field. Performing alongside retired attorney Mitch Feinstein in “A Couple of Horses Asses,” by David Field (her husband), she encompassed a multitude of feelings—grief, humility and the immense tragedy of lost love—in a scene where her character approached a companion she knew 50 years prior. Although there were few props on stage, one understood that the actors believed they were standing in the great outdoors near a railroad track. The sadness is that they exist on different wavelengths; she remembers their personal history, he has no idea. In fact, he’s more impressed by the railroads than her presence, and the reality of that is deeply upsetting. So close, yet so far.

“I was your girl, Michael,” she said quietly. The scene was powerful, especially for anyone who has experienced the pain of unrequited love or a relationship that has unraveled over time. Unsurprisingly, Field’s background is in the entertainment industry. She’s acted in live theater for 30 years, appeared on television and in numerous commercials. She produced the first play at Theatre Palisades in 1963 and has been a Palisadian resident since 1956. Field has been performing with the Troupe for a year.

Every player in the Actors Troupe offers a different delight, and their dedication to the show was abundantly clear. Next on Theatre Palisades’ agenda is “Write Me a Murder,” and the season runs from June 8 to July 15.