Review by Steven Maisonet

Synopsis:

“Something strange is happening to Maisie Clark. The porch of her Western New York trailer home has somehow been transformed into an impenetrable haven for those in need. When asked what she thinks is the cause, Maisie’s explanation is entirely implausible—laughable, even—and no one believes her. As tensions rise between Maisie and her friends, the presence of newcomer Penny starts a chain reaction, forcing everyone to question the limits of what they’re willing to believe and the very nature of belief itself.”

*Please note that digital playbills are used for this production and this content warning is not announced. 

Content Warning:
R-rated. The display of guns; sexual assault; domestic violence; drug use and addiction.

Dr. Bella Poynton delivers an ingenious, prolific intersectional lens on sensitive topics for those familiar with the reality of domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance use disorders, with an intrinsic existential plot twist involving otherworldly observers—many of us call aliens. Her now natural flow of live storytelling has paved the way for her to become a predominantly well-known playwright with an exquisite style of envisioning real-world problems through an exploration of inner truth in the journey of healing and growth. As an audience member, I was mesmerized. Dr. Poynton, who has now become a familiar name in the Western New York sci-fi drama theater scene, has earned quite the reputation as a storyteller. Her ability to authentically capture conversations between the concept of truth and the bigger picture has astrologically transformed theater into a new dimension.

The Mighty Maisie not only delivers on its promise of keeping the audience on the edge of their seats with visceral reactions and potentially triggering moments for some, but it also provides comfort through empathetic moments observed by the actors. Making this show the most thought provoking show of the 2024-25 theater season.

If one were to rate the quality of this work, it would be top-tier—not that I participate in hierarchical standards. My first introduction to Poynton’s work was in late 2021, when I participated in a one-act spooky festival. In the context of this review, I portrayed the role of Ian in Anniversary, a Bella Poynton one-act original. Ian is a lonely, woe-hearted fiancé who was abandoned by his fiancée and disappeared for a year after an alien abduction. So, forgive me if familiarity is present here. Nevertheless, The Mighty Maisie is a must-see for theater enthusiasts.

Kelli Bocock-Natale, director of this production, not only spotlights the actors’ ability to authentically embody their characters but also showcases her depiction of faith and hope in something beyond when working with this troupe. Scenically mastered, dramatically correct, and emotionally charged, this production keeps audiences on edge.

Maisie Clark, a possible parody of Dr. Poynton herself—both being academically focused— is portrayed by Marie Costa on stage. Costa delivers an enriched, highly studious interpretation of a possible mental health disorder or alien abduction gone right; a debate later discussed. Costa flabbergasted the audience with her versatile ability to shift between nuanced conversations and existential ideologies, interweaving them with the skill of a seasoned theater professional. Maryna Sophia, a familiar face to WNY theater, portrays Penny, a recent victim of an egregious crime. Penny, by happenstance, comes across Maisie’s property and finds refuge. Sophia, quick-witted and engaging, explores theories about alien existence, becoming involved in Maisie’s “delusion”—or not. Sophia adroitly embodied Penny’s dilemmas, giving life and breath to the character.

We are then introduced to June Rizzo, played by Mariangela Mercurio, an unstable woman experiencing domestic abuse. Mercurio captures the authenticity of fleeing abuse, finding safety in Maisie’s home after work. Her skillful performance and complex portrayal of intimate partner violence make her character one of the most relatable, bringing humor into an otherwise challenging topic.

Zanna, a spunky entertainer and aspiring comedian, is later introduced. She is accosted by Officer Briggs, played by Anthony J. Grande. Zanna, portrayed by Emily Yancey—last seen in Lancaster Opera House’s The Wizard of Oz as Glinda, the Good Witch—delivers her signature tenacious wit and bubbly energy. Yancey continues to outdo herself, showcasing her talent in this production, which contributes to her five-time WNY ARTIE nominations and two ARTIE wins. Scott Gattie, who plays Dave the mailman—a historian moonlighting as a postal worker—rarely gets wrapped up in Maisie’s conspiracy and Zanna’s infatuation. Gattie gives a charming portrayal of his character, offering the audience a much-needed break from the emotional toll of the show’s complex topics. His smooth rendition of songs on his Walkman adds a razzling touch to the performance.

Rizzo, June’s unfortunate husband, is played by Andrew Zuccari. Unlike his character, Zuccari’s professionalism shines, emphasizing his ability to separate the character from the actor. His goofy and devious portrayal of Rizzo, particularly in his interactions with Penny, showcases the duality of domestic violence assailants. His performance also allows the audience to better understand the dynamics of abusive relationships.

Lastly, Officer Briggs—played by Anthony J. Grande—is another character caught in the spotlight, viewed as an offender in a heinous crime. Grande, often seen hassling Zanna’s character, later reveals his role as an assailant in a crime involving Penny and, occasionally, Maisie herself. Grande, like Zuccari, is not at all like his character, as I had the fortunate opportunity to meet him and learn how he distinguishes theater from reality in his acting method.

Despite its focus on expert topics like domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance use disorder, The Mighty Maisie cleverly presents the possibility of mental health psychosis, as theorized by Sophia’s character. The existential possibility that life exists elsewhere, helping unfortunate victims of life’s events find refuge in Maisie Clark’s home, is explored—her porch theorized to have a magnetic force field that repels men from stepping onto it. It might remind some of The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, though with a sci-fi twist. Nevertheless, the show’s ability to empathetically take the audience through a rollercoaster of emotions is subtly expressed through the technical direction of Matthew LaChiusa (Technical Director). LaChiusa shifts lighting between Maisie’s front porch and UFO-themed alien abduction lighting, along with occasional strobe lights. Though a minor mishap occurred at the end of Act 1, the show missed no other cues. Stage Manager Kate Olena efficiently wrangled this troupe, managing props and stage directions with ease. There were minor continuity errors—such as Penny’s “pink purse,” which was later revealed to be a hand wallet—though this may have added to the surprise ending of Penny’s interaction with Briggs.

The American Repertory Theater of WNY’s world-premiere production of Bella Poynton’s The Mighty Maisie runs until February 22, 2025. Performances are on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 PM and Saturdays at 5:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office—an experience highly recommended as the space has an eclectic style—or online at the ART WNY website: ARTOFWNY.org.

The theater is located at the Compass Performing Arts Center, 545 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY. Be sure to give yourself enough time to find parking.