Director

Director Cathy Koncurat has really put her stamp on the production, sliding things into that speakeasy era and letting subtle moments really catch the eyes of the audience— like having Hades play live trombone at times (and Daniel Koncurat is a rather impressive trombone player to boot) or constantly having the Fates in perpetual states of ‘RRF’ (Resting…Rage Face.) Having the chorus never truly lift their eyes or faces when they’re chanting is such a powerful statement choice that really resonates with the song’s subject matter, it sticks with you long after you leave the performance. You get this hitting home particularly hard during “Why We Build the Wall” and it’s deliciously unnerving. The overall tonal shift that Koncurat achieves (working in tandem with the rest of the production team) as Orpheus rolls into “Wait for Me” and again with “Doubt Comes In” is spine-tingling. And there is a moment of sheer goosebumps and clinging to the edge of your seat just as the end of “Epic III” that will sit with you through to the end of the show as well. Theaterworks Live has something extraordinarily special with this production of Hadestown (Teen Edition) it’s exquisite, it’s rare, and it’s beautiful.  

What makes this production of Footloose a step above is Cathy Koncurat’s direction (with massive assists from Stage Manager Kody Coudon and ASM Peter Lein.) There’s intentional character work, raw emotions, and an overall sense of understanding being taught to these young performers and not just the principals. Lots of folks can sing and dance, some of them can even act, but these kids at Theatreworks Live really seem to understand the show— a rarity for some of these ‘older’ shows nowadays. They’re doing impressive work up in Harford County; don’t miss them!