Hey everyone! Just wanted to share with you what The Aumnibus' Editor-in-chief Candis Calvert (photo) had to say about Over the Tavern in the March 12th Edition of the Aumnibus. Oh, and P.s. she's right about bringing a jacket! :)

<--- (Written by Candis Calvert, Aumnibus Editor-In-Chief)

OVER THE TAVERN WILL SEND YOU OVER THE TOP

Entering the Octagon Theatre at Alabama Shakespeare Festival for “Over the Tavern”, I was prepared for a great many things: cold (which it was), crowded (almost full), and funny (absolutely hilarious).

I got one surprise. Not simply a darkly funny trip down memory lane, this play is a story of redemption. Sitting in the intimate theatre, we watched a man disappointed by life struggle with raising a family. Calling forth “Death of a Salesman” for the poignant look at a life lived unimpressively, “Tavern” offered salvation in an unlikely form. A 12-year-old agnostic.

Tom Dudzick’s semi-autobiographical story opens a window on Buffalo, NY in 1959; a time of unrepressed hope and vitality for the burgeoning city. Following the adventures of the very Catholic Pazinski family, the play reveals the burdens and hilarity that result from ingesting too much religious dogma.

Rudy, the 12-yr-old doubter, hell-bent on avoiding his Confirmation and questioning his teacher into an early grave, shines as the undeniable comic relief of this tale. Portrayed by Seth Meriwether, a Montgomery native, the character comes to life with a believable amount of wit and innocence.

Pazinski patriarch, Chet, dominates his family with mood swings, if not fists. Struggling with his own lost dreams of playing professional baseball, Mr. Pazinski vents his frustration on a submissive, yet strangely spunky family. Thomas Borillo, a veteran actor and writer, gives a commanding performance in this simultaneously painful and hilarious character.

ASF veteran Greta Lambert shines as the strong-willed Ellen. Matriarch of the clan, understanding liberal of the house, Ellen provides a much needed comfort for the family, as well as the audience.

Drawing on the considerable talents of the ASF staff, Gavin Cameron-Webb (Director), has created a sublimely painful look at the turbulent life of a Catholic family. With a well-imagined and nuanced set, precisely crafted costuming, and creative staging, the Pazinski family saga comes alive.

Religious humor abounds, making this a play that strikes the fallen-away-Catholic funny bone the hardest. All audience members will be forced to laugh at the stereotypical nun, Sister Clarissa, who seemingly delights in striking Rudy with a ruler, or anything else handy. Not being a Catholic, I deferred to the judgment of my companion on some matters of accuracy. I was assured that everything represented has grounding in truth: from the hasty unrolling of the schoolgirl skirt before coming home to the desperate search through the catechism to learn one’s eternal fate, that’s life for the Catholic family of yesteryear.

After years of patronizing ASF, I am delighted to find such a wonderful, thoughtful, and unusual play being performed to large crowds. In true critic form, I must make one small complaint: You could hang sides of beef in the theatre. Take a jacket, parka, or fireplace. Maybe all three.

Truly deserving of acclaim, Dudzick’s “Over the Tavern” will run until April 6 at Alabama Shakespeare Festival on Vaughn Road. Ticket prices are $42.00 for adults and $26.00 for ages under 25. To purchase tickets or for more information see asf.net.


*** This article can be found in the Aumnibus, Auburn University Montgomery's Campus Newspaper, Issue 24, Volume 23, dated March 11th. Posted with permission. All rights reserved. ***