You really have to love a Lanford Wilson script- I mean come on- the man’s a cool playwright & he’s not even dead, yet. (Happy 80th B-Day Lanford!)

I was excited to watch the The Sackett Group’s production of The Mound Builders at the Brooklyn Music School Playhouse directed by John C. Scheffler; and was taken on a thrilling ride through a tale of love affairs, broken hearts, violence, deceit, mistrust, betrayal, secret bi-sexual fantasies, who the baby daddy, drunken stupidity and possible disappearance/murder.

The first 2 minutes of low energy made me a teensy bit worried, but the pace picked up quite quickly & pulled me right into a dynamic performance. It was a bit like a choose your own adventure game- you kinda got to pick your own ending or at least got to draw your own freaky conclusions- fun!

The straightforward lighting design smoothly transitioned the intentional lapses in time. The set was simple, yet completely adequate. What was up with that cheesy desk, though?

Noteworthy performances by Johnathan Pereira (Dr. Dan Loggins) and Deborah Harris (Delia DK Erikson); Pereira’s realistic presence brought believability to this physical role. Harris, stationary for most of the show delighted us with her killer line delivery and interaction with other characters.

By far, the most challenging role in the Mound Builders is that of Chad Jasker, powerfully played by Paul Newport. The most natural and comfortable performer on stage- Newport eats, lives & breathes Chad Jasker. The play is worth coming to see for Newport’s performance alone.

Of course, even with a good production there are always little poopsies along the way, so- here’s what bugged me:
1) Were those twist off beer caps?? I’m guessing that’s a no no for 1975.

2) 3 women at imaginary window downstage describing what the audience can’t see to move the plot along- okay fine- it’s a well-known theatrical technique built into the script, but WAIT… this blocking was sloppy. Where exactly WAS that imaginary window? The gals were looking in different directions! Seriously guys, it’s called the 4th wall & it’s taught in like Theatre 101. So, pick ONE spot, please.

3) Play jumped back & forth in time, really should have been made more clear- if office represented a different time, then leave it that way- it was confusing!

4) Sorry, but you lost me on some of the costumes. In this kind of play, if you notice the costumes it’s probably not a good thing. One character’s wardrobe in particular was all over the place & didn’t make sense at all. (But hey- Jean had a FABULOUS pair of wedges! I totally want a pair for spring to go with my new pedi.)

5) Was that elastic on the ancient burial mask? Okay, maybe I’m easily distracted, but it drove me crazy, nonetheless- next time maybe find a period appropriate alternative.

Now, back to the good stuff: I liked this show a lot- liked the theatre, liked the cast- impressive. This, the solid directing, plus the friendly antics of Producing Director Dov Lebowitz Nowak both before and after the performance- will make me come see another Sackett Group production.

Overall: Great show, very well done– support NYC theatre and go see it!!! Runs through April 29th Thursday’s through Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 3 PM.