Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists

Grab your tickets now to “A View From The Bridge” by Modern Classics Theatre Company at the BACCA Arts Center. The ensemble delivers must-see performances in
this gripping drama set in 1940’s Brooklyn, about a man struggling with his unseemly desire. The combination of excellent direction by Emily Vaeth, moody lighting by Dan
Kani, and clever set design by Ian Fried intensifies the intimate and charged atmosphere.

Right from the start, tunes from the 1940’s played as the ensemble brought to life the common sidewalk scenes in the neighborhood. Derek McLaughlin, as the lawyer Alfieri,
addressed the audience with humor and an authoritative tone. His portrayal of this old-fashioned role (part narrator, part participant) didn’t seem outdated.

Tim Smith commanded attention as Eddie Carbone. He played this big longshoreman with a range of tenderness, jealousy, and, most often, pride. Camile Arnone brought
depth and dimension to the role of Beatrice, Eddie’s devoted and long-suffering wife.

She showed strength and character in her direct confrontations of her niece and her husband. At the end, she defended her husband, saying they were all complicit in this tragedy. “Whatever happened we all did it, and don’t you ever forget it…”

Jules Donohue gave a strong performance as Eddie’s niece Catherine, a believable innocent who matures from a doting girl to a mature woman whose idol has fallen. The
audience feels her anger and frustration as she confronts an unyielding, prideful Eddie.

Beatrice’s Italian cousins, Marco (Andrew Accardi) and Rodolpho (John McGowan) brought the issue of immigration to the fore and a modern pinch to this story. Accardi portrayed Marco with quiet strength and humor. Later, he progressed to a full-boil rage, ready to do anything to protect his family. Rodolpho (John McGowan) was an endearing and sympathetic foil to Eddie’s cruel jealousy. Although McGowan’s Italian
accent wandered around Europe, it did not detract from his moving portrayal.

The fight scenes were expertly staged by Fight Captain Kevin Russo and Fight Choreographer Emily Vaeth. The audience flinched, cried out and gasped at every fight.
I had only one problem with this production. Unfortunately, an important moment in which one actor kisses another was not visible to me at this performance. Had I seen it,
it would have deepened my understanding of the play. However, I enjoyed this show so much that I am going back to see it again, and I hope you will go see it, too.

Tickets can be purchased at mctli.com Modern Classics Theatre Company of Long Island at the BACCA Arts Center, 149 North Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst, NY 11757.