What: Queen of the Mist
Where: Alexander Kasser Theater
1 Normal Ave.
Montclair, NJ
Who: Recommended for Ages 16 and Up
(due to language and some subject matter)
Where: Through February 23, 2025
Queen of the Mist is the story of Anna Edson Taylor, the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel and survive. Taylor allegedly engaged in the task because she thought the ensuing publicity would make her a lot of money although things did not turn out that way. At least as written by book, music, and lyric writer, Michael John LaChuisa, and portrayed by Mary Testa, the character has an abrasiveness that can definitely rub people the wrong way. However, it is also true that she was a woman ahead of her time which may have contributed to why she wasn't quite appreciated for her accomplishment. A man performing the feat may have been more venerated.
Testa's characterization is far from one note, however. Although her portrayal of Taylor is fierce on the outside, she does a good job of letting the character's vulnerability shine through, particularly in the latter part of the show. Her final scene is heartbreaking.
Although there are some humorous moments throughout the show, it is mostly extremely dark and depressing. Even the songs have a seriousness to them including the ones which are a bit lighter in tone. There are no cutesy lyrics but every word seems carefully thought out and chosen.
See this show if you want to learn about an interesting historic event and a woman ahead of her time. Don't see it if you want to be uplifted.
And that's our view. For more about Queen of the Mist or to purchase tickets, go to https://www.peakperfs.org/events/
Tune in tomorrow for this week's Sunday Scoop.
All pictures used in this post are our own. If there is a problem with any image, contact us here and we will look into the matter.
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