Halloween comes early as The Witches of Eastwick Casts a Spell at Broward Center with Stunning Harmonies, Colorful Costumes, and a Fearless Exploration of Love, Desire and the Supernatural.

October 20th, 2024

The musical The Witches of Eastwick makes a spirited stop at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts courtesy of Slow Burn Theatre. The Witches of Eastwick is a 2000 musical based on the 1984 novel of the same name by John Updike. It features lyrics and book by John Dempsey and music Dana P. Rowe. Musically, the production has undergone some alterations since its original incarnation, including a new entrance number for Darryl. While some classic songs have been replaced, the core of the score retains its charm.

The show explores themes of desire, conformity, and the supernatural in the morally stringent setting of Eastwick, a town steeped in gossip and societal expectations. The narrative follows three disenchanted women -Alexandra (Gail Bennett), Jane (Leah Sessa), and Sukie (Lindsey Corey) – who, tired of adhering to the oppressive norms dictated by the formidable Felicia Gabriel (Britte Steele), inadvertently summon Darryl, (Phillip Bryan) a figure who embodies their fantasies. While his presence liberates them from their inhibitions, it also leads to unexpected and tragic consequences. Concurrently, the budding romance between Michael (Tony Carrubba), Alexandra’s son, and Jennifer (Laura Swartzendruber), Felicia’s daughter, serves as a counterpoint to the witches’ exploits, providing a more traditional love story amidst the chaos.

Witches of Eastwick – Lindsey Corey & Gail Bennet & Leah Sessa – Photo by Ron Elkman

One would be hard pressed to pick which of the three lead female actresses turns in the strongest performance. Brava – that’s the way it should be! Bennet, Sessa and Corey each have a grounded take on their own individual character. Her strength, her vulnerability and her humor. Though individually they are strong, together (just like their characters) they are stronger. They play off of each other with ease, and when launched in song, their tight harmonies are indeed impressive. They also seem to each find joy in playing their roles.

Phillip Bryan as the devilish Daryl Van Horne – simultaneously handsome and smarmy – is a mixture of brash confidence, and salacious manipulation. He has a strong stage presence, and his acting moments blend seamlessly into his songs. Interesting when singing full out he has a voice reminiscent of a Jean Valjean.

Witches of Eastwick – Philip Bryan & Company – Photo By Ron Elkman

Britte Steele is simply delicious as the ultimate “Karen” of Eastwick – Felicia Gabriel. Like a Disney villain you love to hate she plows her way through her scenes filled with indignant entitlement and a shrewish disposition.

This production features a live orchestra which is always a welcome addition to a live theatre production. Cheers to the sound director as one could hear how well balanced the trio of women were both in speaking and singing. A young Tony Carrubba did seem to suffer from either microphone issues or too soft a singing voice in parts of the show however. I found the choreography disappointing in that it served but did not enhance the production. It seemed derivative in style and form of what one would see in a production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The production did have strong staging throughout  – particularly in the scenes where Felicia is coughing up odd objects. It looked quite believable. Costumes by Rick Pena were colorful and engaging. The sight of the three ladies in red floating high above the stage is truly memorable, and impressively no lines/cables were visible to the audience. Ultimately, The Witches of Eastwick is an engaging exploration of desire and liberation, filled with mischief that make it a worthwhile outing for theatergoers especially during this Halloween season.

*Please note this show may not be suitable for children due to sexual situations and harsh language

Cast:
Aaron Atkinson, Gail Bennett*, Alexander Blanco, Phillip Bryan*, Tony Carrubba, Lindsey Corey*, Ryan Crout, Nikki Dikun, Christopher Dreeson, Steven Ross Dybash, Jonathan Eisele*, Eli Flynn, Matthew W. Korinko*, Stella Macey, Michael Materdomini, Kassi McMillian, Kristi Rose Mills, Sarah Sun park, Heather Jane Rolff*, Allyson Rosenblum, Casey Sacco, Elizabeth Sackett, Leah Sessa, Britte Steele, Laura Swartzendruber

*Indicates a member of Actors’ Equity Association

A spirited talk-back with composer Dana Rowe, and members of the cast and production team followed the show on the date attended. Here are a few of the high points:

· When composer Dana Rowe was asked which came first – the music or the lyrics (the proverbial “Which came first  – the chicken or the egg?”) he responded that he wished he could give a concrete answer to that but it varied depending on the project.

· When asked how long it took to put the show together, Slow Burn executive director Matthew Korinko, who is also an actor in this production, explained that cast members were sent scripts about one month in advance of rehearsals starting. The actual rehearsal period for this production was only 12 days due to the hurricane. The cast expressed their gratitude to musical director Travis Smith for helping them navigate their way through the show musically.

· When the production stage manager Jeffrey George was asked how the technical aspects of the show were achieved, he spoke of careful planning and clear communication with the director. He complimented Slow Burn director Patrick Fitzwater on being easy to work with and expressed his joy at working for the company. (He also shared that coincidentally it had been composer Dana Rowe who helped him get his first job in New York City years ago)

· When choreographer Trent Soyster was asked how he came up with his choreography he said that he really listened to the music and tried to research the history of the show and previous productions. As the show has had revisions over the years it gave him the opportunity to create his own vision.

· When composer Dana Rowe was asked how it felt to watch his own creation realized in someone else’s hands he responded how happy he was with Slow Burn’s production because it had what was most important to him. That the actors weren’t just talented but that they played the characters with real heart.

This Slow Burn Theatre production of The Witches of Eastwick will be appearing at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in the Amaturo Theater through November 3, 2024. The Broward Center of the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW 5^th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL  33312. For tickets and further information please contact Events | Broward Center for the Performing Arts.