Review: FLY BY NIGHT at Theatre Arlington is a masterpiece!

Fly By Night

Conceived by Kim Rosenstock

Written by Will Connolly, Michael Mitnick and Kim Rosenstock

Directed by Major Attaway

Music Directed by Vicky Nooe

Produced by Theatre Arlington

Reviewed by Natalie Shaw

Alright, listen! There's a reason this show is called "Fly By Night," emphasizing the fly, here, friends! Are we dealing with flight attendants and pilots? Nope! Are these characters birds of a feather? You could maybe say that. What about superheroes who soar through the sky? Definitely not! The most accurate way to describe this is--"flighty" lovers. Not unlike Romeo when he was first smitten with Rosaline, and now obsessed with Juliet, is our dear Harold McClam! We wish him well with his first love affair, but with the second, all I can do is shake my head in shame for him. Seriously, what is he thinking?! And, the girls? (I'm referring to Daphne and her sister, Miriam.) Let's just say that neither of them has a level head on their shoulders or are prepared for 1960s Brooklyn, New York. For added fun, we toss in a misguided playwright, Joey Storms, (played delightfully by Parker Fitzgerald) who is harboring romantic feelings for the already-spoken-for Daphne. While watching this circus of lovers throughout the show, I pictured four startled pigeons, trapped together in a small cage all trying to escape, but slamming into one another and injuring each other in the process. Oh, you poor young souls! Be still! 

None of this speaks to the actors, themselves, as you know. Landry Beckley, who plays Harold McClam is brilliant! This is the third production I've seen of Beckley's, all of which have been at Theatre Arlington, and I've watched him flourish from sensible supporting roles, to now, a principle starring role onstage and the transition has been one of sound judgement-- very good choice Director Attaway! Sydney Dotson (Daphne) and Donovan Marie Lawson (Miriam) are exceptionally charming and sincere with pitch-perfect vocals and dynamic characterization. Lawson's voice, in particular has just enough country charm to tease us with a little Patsy Cline, as well as a comedic wit that is right on par. But, the one who will absolutely steal your heart is David Coffee and his interpretation of Mr. McClam. I mean, if I've ever shed real tears over a character in a play, it was for him! As an Equity Actor, Coffee is no stranger to the stage, and I can't imagine a more perfect performer to play Mr. McClam. I could've listened to his stories all evening, especially the way Coffee delivers them! Our second Equity Actor and narrator for the evening, David Lugo brings an overflow of life and vitality to the story! Lugo transitions back and forth from the quick-witted, honest storyteller to the much needed fill-in quirky characters (or, should I say caricatures,) such as Daphne and Miriam's mother (and father!,) the shady physic, an after-hours bar manager, and so on. Indeed, there are more characters for Lugo to keep straight than I could keep count, but he transitions with ease and kept me on track. 

On a thematic level, there's much more to analyze than just "flighty" romance of the young lovers, but that is a good piece to keep in mind. Our character, Crabble (played comedically by Billy Betsill) is a former air-traffic controller, who has found it difficult in life to keep up with the monotony of "mayonnaise, meat, cheese and lettuce" lifestyle he's created for himself, post-military life. He longs to be back in command and find his purpose once again. Our young lovers are not only flighty with their affections, but are flighty with their living situations as well. Tired of the country? Go the city! Tired of the city? Head to the beach! Travel the world! Chase your dreams-- follow your heart! Be anywhere, but where you are. (aye, aye, aye, cool it, already!) But, when the escape tactic isn't the best way to deal with your problem, tragedy can strike. There is also an overarching theme of connection: connecting with the stars, as made evident in Miriam's "Stars I trust" melody; connecting past to present, as made evident in Mr. McClam's "Cecily Smith;" connecting to our dreams, whether it's dreams that we dream at night, or dreams that we pursue for our happiness. There's a longing for connection, while simultaneously being independent. It's a longing that speaks directly to the audience it performs to.  

Technically, this production is simple and beautiful. Sound design by Ryan Simon is thematically appropriate and tasteful, while scenic and lighting design by Bryan Stevenson is punctual and graceful. The most elegant part of this entire production, hands down, is in Act 2 with the café lights! Be still my heart! So much romance was spoken through such small twinkling lights. 

If you caught me online before the show on Facebook or on Instagram (and if you didn't, you need to join the Dallas Theatre Journal Members Group on Facebook or find me on Instagram at dtjnatalieshaw,) you know I had a burning question: Will they use the rotating stage?   Let me just say, when I sat down, I saw this amazing band directly on the stage with the actors. God, I love having live bands with musicals!! There's just nothing like it! And this band is on point! (Michael Ptacin drums, Aaron Sutton guitar, Rick Norman bass guitar and Vicky Nooe music director/piano) And, with bands, comes wires. Granted, these wires are hidden very well, but knowing they are actually there, I had a feeling that this stage would not be rotating. But, that doesn't mean it might not rotate for Act 2, so I waited, with baited breath to see if, perhaps, I would come back after intermission and find that the stage had, in fact, rotated. Alas, it did not. BUT... ask me this: Would you rather have a live band onstage, or would you rather have a rotating stage? I'll definitely take the live bad, thank you very much!! Plus, there will be so many more opportunities for the rotating stage to come! And, I'll be sure to write about it when they do! 

Theatre Arlington's Fly By Night is simply beautiful and masterfully crafted! Once again, TA does not disappoint! Fly By Night runs through July 2. Reserve your tickets at https://theatrearlington.org/

Audience Rating: PG-13 for minor language 

Running Time: 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available

ASL Performance: Not Available

Noises or Visuals to Prepare For: Blackouts for dramatic effect, some musical numbers may be loud for certain patrons, some yelling by one character

Y'all Enjoy!

Natalie Shaw

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