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Regional Reviews: Philadelphia The Last Parade Also see Rebecca's reviews of The Lifespan of a Fact and Clyde's
Most of The Last Parade takes place over a few days in the life of a multi-generational family living in Kyiv in 1991. The family's matriarch, Zoya (Lindsay Stevens), is hoping that the family can immigrate to Israel. Zoya thinks the family will feel comfortable with other Jewish families, even though they do not practice or even know much about their religion. Unfortunately, her precocious daughter Anya (Ava Weintzweig) has her heart set on moving to the United States. Grandfather Yasha (Tim Moyer) will be happy anywhere as long as the family is together. The family's adult son Borya (Adam Howard) is making the most of his life in Kyiv rather than thinking about where they will go next. Where their father Leon (Anthony Lawton)–a professional scientist and amateur distiller–wants to end up is not completely clear. Of course, none of their hopes and dreams matter if they cannot get a visa from a country willing to let them move in. Thanks to Chris Haig's skillful set design at InterAct, the family's cramped apartment felt both warm and unpleasantly confining. Lindsay Stevens' vivid lighting designs created just the right mood. It was the perfect set up for this powerful story. Stevens brought a remarkably commanding presence and a great maternal energy to her role as Zoya. Weintzweig's optimism and frustration felt completely authentic and just right for young Anya. Moyer was hilarious and unexpectedly charming as grandfather Yasha. Howard played Borya with an appropriate bravado and just a little charm. The entire ensemble was excellent, but my favorite performance of the night came from Anthony Lawton as Leon, a man visibly struggling to adjust as the world constantly changed around him. I think a lot of us feel that way these days. The Last Parade ran through February 19, 2023, 302 S. Hicks Street,. Philadelphia PA. For more information please visit www.interacttheatre.org/the-last-parade. Cast: Crew: |
