OPTIMISM! OR VOLTAIRE'S CANDIDE
Adapted by TJ Edwards, Set by Giorgos Tsappas, Costumes by Laree Lentz, Lights by Brian S. Allard, Sound by Bradley Porter, Props by Deb Crerie, Fight Choreography by Monalisa Arias, Fight Choreography by Monalisa Arias. Stage Management by Keta Newborn and Aphra Adkins.
Featuring Adeoye, Michael Kevin Darnell, Ryan Alan Jones, Patricia Lynn, Rosemary Reagan, Jessica Shearer, Gregory Stuart, Ryan Tumulty, John Tweel.
Spooky Action Theater
April -May 2013 — Washington, D.C.
Nominated for 2 Helen Hayes Awards — Outstanding Movement in a Resident Play & Outstanding Ensemble in a Resident Play.
"...a high-energy and highly inventive staging...Chamberlin's in-the-round staging...makes droll use...
of Spooky Action's church-basement space. And into all the scenic atmosphere, Chamberlin's actors bring an easy athleticism and a light touch with Edwards's rhymed couplets and whimsy. — The Washington Post | Read full review (PDF)
"marvelous adaptation by T.J. Edwards, who rewrites everything in witty, modernized couplets...the beauty of an in-the-round presentation is that you can see the smiles on the rest of the audience as it goes along as well." — MD Theatre Guide | Read full review (PDF)
"Chamberlin keeps the action moving in a choreographed dance of chaos that works well for the fantastical elements...the cast slides in and out of roles smoothly and effortlessly..." — DC Metro Theater Arts | Read the full review (PDF)