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Very excellent show. The actors were amazing. Have seen the John Correll before. He's always good. The two girls were very, very good. The young man reminded me of my grandson. Thank you for what you do for us seniors. The show was very meaningful.
Lillian K…[Mar. 2, 2013]

In good time and bad times, it has been said laughter is the best medicine. Westfield Community Players has the right amount of dosage of laughter with its production of a rather unknown comedy called Squabbles written by Marshall Karp, the creator of the Payne Webber commercial.

Squabbles concerns the living arrangements of 72-yr. old Abe Dreyfus, played by Lou Savarese, who was forced to move in with his daughter and son-in-law, Alice and Jerry Sloan, respectively played by Ana Soulios and Tim McGovern, after he suffering a heart attack. Complicating matters is Jerry's mother, Mildred Sloan, played by Debbie Badal, informs the family her house burned down and needs a place to live. Alice and Jerry invite her to move in with them. Then the trouble begins. It seems that Abe and Mildred never got along since the wedding of their children, so much that Abe accused Mildred of coming after him with a knife, Actually it was a cake cutter. And this was only after he said "one little thing to her".

After moving in, Abe and Mildred squabble over everything from the TV to the choice of wine for dinner. But don't be alarmed, the squabbling is outrageously funny and quick witted…each trying to out do the other. In Abe's own words, arguing is good for your health.

Lou Savarese is a delight as Abe. His ability to portray a 72-yr old cantankerous cab driver without making him unlikable is a testament to Mr. Savarese's acting ability. He brings a youthful, childlike presence to the character, making the audience like him so much. His ever-taunting of everyone to argue with him is cleverly achieved. Though in real life, Mr. Savarese isn't 72 or 73, he has a sense of delivering it with ease…a testament to his ability to understand and be motivated by "Abe."

Debbie Badal, as the mother-in-law Mildred, is equally adept at bringing a sophisticated, hard-nosed persona to her role. She is immediately sensed by the audience as being someone not to be liked. How wrong the first impression is. Ms. Badal is Abe's equal when it comes to arguing and the sparks she instills in Abe only enriches the laughter that ensues. Ms. Badal's character does win over the audience and Abe in the end, a tribute to her ability to effect this difficult transition.

Ana Soulios, playing Abe's daughter, is charming. She presents herself as the protective daughter wanting her dad to "act his age". She is tossed between caing for him, her husband, expectant child and mother-in-law. The conflict is excellently portrayed by Ms. Soulios. Her views of her father quickly change when Abe describes what love means to a 73-yr. old. This was a special moment in the play. It points out life's struggle of growing old, but still wanting to live one's life to the fullest. Ms. Soulios' emotional changes, her ability to present the audience with believable reactions of face and body movement is remarkable.

Tim McGovern, playing Jerry Sloan, is a regular at Westfield Community Players, and is always convincing. He is a jingle writer and must sing a few jingles on stage in the opening of each act…and quite nicely. Jerry is quite funny as the laid-back son-in-law who tries to keep the whole situation in stride. His nervousness during the scene in which Alice starts having labor pains is quite funny.

Ken Webb, playing Hector Lopez, the handyman that Jerry hires, was a thrill to watch. He plays the role to the hilt… his effeminate style, accent and constant use of the bathroom, has the audience in stitches eac time he appears. Mr. Webb had the audience rolling when he began to mimic Alice's labor pains. It was a show stopping performance.

Russ Ortiz, playing Sol Wasserman, Abe's retired pharmacist neighbor, is the counter-balance to Abe. He is the wise, practical, calm-one who tries to understand Abe and present a positive feeling about the living situation with Mildred. To no avail, of course. The exchange between Sol and Abe over the "knife" explanation was a gem. Equally hilarious was the banter in the last scene with Sol and nurse Fisher.

Rounding out the cast is Linda Correll who plays Mrs. Fisher, a nurse Jerry and Alice hire to care for Alice's newborn. Ms. Correll controlled this role with ease. Her "Gestapo-like" character, as Abe describes her, put the family on noticed as to who was in charge. Very funny.

Director Steve Lemenille assembled an ensemble of talented and skillful actors in this production. Comedy is a difficult genre to develop and stage without flaw. The actors achieved it flawlessly…a tribute to Mr. Lemenille's direction and cast selection. Mr. Lemenille's use of music and lighting effect in the beginning of each scene was unique. Each scene began with music that presented the audience with a sense of the plot to each scene while the actors were lit in a subdued "blue" silhouette while they were frozen in place…different but beautifully done.

Westfield Community Players is a small theater, and as such could be problematic with sets. However, Westfield never seems to have no difficulty with design and presention of sets that are appropriate for their productions. This production is no exception. Striped walls that resembled wallpaper, a beautiful center door and stylish furniture, give warmth and depth to the stage. They should be proud of their accomplishment with this production.

All in all, Squabbles, is a night of laughs, sentiment and good family ideals. Lord knows, in these times, Westfield has brought fun and entertainment lacking so much to us in today's times.--playciritic [Posted at www.nj.com/forums/theater]

In Westfield Community Players' Squabbles, Generations Collide Living Under One Roof By SUSAN MYRILL DOUGHERTY Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times

WESTFIELD - Family spats and arguments have been a gold mine for playwrights of comedy for years. Aptly named, Marshall Karp's comedy Squabbles, now playing at the Westfield Community Players' playhouse on North Avenue, is a two-act comedy that's relatable for all ages.

The story revolves around a young married couple who are paired with aging parents who can not stand each other. Throw in the fact that all four of vthem - the couple, his mother and her father-are forced to live under the same roof and there is tension galore. Abe Dreyfus (Lou Savarese) has moved in with his jingle-writer son-in-law Jerry Sloan (Timothy McGovern) and his lawyer daughter Alice (Ana Soulios) because he has developed a heart condition. Ask him about it, though, and he'll swear it is gas, not a heart ailment. He likes being cantankerous: the feisty 72-year-old widower's motto is, "An argument a day keeps the doctor away." Alice tries to be patient with her bigoted, outspoken retired taxi driver father. But she is irked by his constantly writing complaint postcards to companies and his answering the family telephone with a country western radio show slogan in hopes of winning money.

The situation is complicated when Jerry's prim mother Mildred (Debbie Badal) moves into her son's three bedroom house after she inadvertently burned down her own house. Mildred Sloan and Abe Dreyfus have a rancorous history. At the wedding of their children, inexplicably, Mildred went after Abe with a butcher knife, (it really was just a cake cutter, she says), and so Abe now refers to her as "Mildred the Ripper." Since Abe loves to squabble, Mildred can only get the better of him when she won't take the bait to argue. When there's no one to bicker with, he's a flounder who has lost his ocean. In Abe's words, "To live is to argue; to argue is to live." His daughter Alice is about to become a new mother and is afraid her father's sarcasm and fighting will be a detrimental part of the atmosphere in which the baby will be raised. Alice and Jerry get fed up with Abe's quarreling and want him, or Mildred to move into a one-bedroom apartment that they have rented for one of them. It seems to be the perfect solution with one of the bickering in-laws out of the way. That proverbial fly in the ointment requires deciding who will leave when the baby arrives. Lou Savarese's character Abe confesses, "I was born to squabble." Mr. Savarese shows he was born to be on stage. His performance in A View from the Bridge last season and what he does with comedy in this play proves he's comfortable playing both aspects of theater.

An array of small characters fleshes out the scenes. Odd jobs handyman Hector Lopez (Ken Webb) with over-the-top effeminate mannerisms (like flouncing in wearing a leopard scarf and sashaying into the room wearing a side slung pocket book) weaves himself in and out of the storyline. Mr. Webb's sympathy labor pains episode bought down the house on opening night. Card-playing partner Sol Wasserman (Russ Ortiz) and Mrs. Fisher (Linda Correll) don't spend much time on stage, but make their presence known. Ms. Correll, especially, is quite a hoot as a domineering German nanny who could have whipped an errant Nazi into place in a heartbeat.

Director Steve Lemenille has selected iconic music by the Mamas and the Papas, the Beatles and other easily identifiable toe-tapping, hugely appropriate tunes as filler between scenes.

An impressive set, constructed and decorated by teams of crew members, is more beautifully detailed than normally found on Community Theater stages and nicely lit by Jessica Foerst.

The entertaining show is produced by theater veteran Kay Macrae. The storyline of Squabbles is pretty predictable and the road to its finale is bumpy, but heartwarming.

For more informaiton, or tickets call (908) 232-1221 or visit westfieldcommunity players.org.

Even though A View from the Bridge doesn't have the universal themes of Arthur Miller's more well-known Pulitzer Prize winner Death of a Salesman, it touches hearts with its poignancy. Westfield Community Theater's latest production is a great choice as the third offering of their season.

A View from the Bridge has characteristics of Greek tragedy: being linear in nature, having a dramatic climax, and having a chorus, or in this case, a narrator. Doing the honors of acting as the Greek chorus and propelling the narrative is a lawyer named Alfieri (Maury Herman), who advises Eddie (A.J. Liana), the tragic protagonist whose fatal flaw is his relationship with niece Catherine (Kristina Hernandez).

Lawyer Alfieri breaks what is known in acting terms as "the fourth wall" to speak directly to the audience. He has a self-described "unromantic practice" that deals with "petty troubles of the poor." Yet Eddie's story is an extraordinary case that Alfieri will always remember. He warns the audience, "There is no mystery to solve" because he could see where Eddie was heading and, in the manner of Greek tragedy, the audience can see it coming, too. He tells us the story of Eddie and his family because it is a tale that haunts him.

In the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge is where Eddie Carbone has spent his life, working the docks to support his wife Beatrice (Andrea Barra) and her deceased sister's daughter, Catherine. With the arrival of Bea's two adult cousins, illegal immigrants from Italy, tension mounts when one of the cousins, Rodolpho (Brian Remo), takes an instant liking to Eddie's teenage niece. The two men are known on the docks as "submarines" since they have come in under the radar of American immigration.

Marco (Lou Savarese), a family man who is built like an ox, sends home most of his money to his wife and sick children, but Rodolpho, a blonde, handsome sensitive young man who seems interested in having a good time in the new world, buys records, clothes and goes to movies.

As niece Catherine grows up before Eddie's eyes, the guardian has conflicted feelings about the little girl he loved and protected who is now a young woman of almost 18. He tells her he doesn't like that "heads are turning like windmills" as she walks down the street. Eddie has nicknamed her "Madonna" which gives an insight into the pedestal upon which he placed her. Truth be told, Catherine doesn't do anything to call attention to herself. Her skirt length is the style of the times - two inches longer than her knee-but he's still nervous about her. "I'm responsible for you," he explains. But that's only part of this fascinating story.

When Catherine falls in love with Rodolpho, it's not just puppy love. They plan their hasty marriage despite Eddie's concern that she is merely Rodolpho's passport to being an American citizen. Eddie gets more and more crazed thinking about Catherine and Rodolpho being together and goes to Alfieri for legal advice. Alfieri tells us "a passion has moved into Eddie's body like a fever." And Eddie can't shake that fever. "Sometimes there's too much love," the lawyer whispers ominously. And from there the dramatic irony rolls downhill like an avalanche of doom.

Director Steve Lemenille has gathered a fine cast of talented actors especially with leads A.J. Liana, Lou Savarese and Brian Remo. As Eddie, A.J. Liana may be a career firefighter by day, but in this show, he becomes a professional actor with great timing, inflection and delivery. Mr. Liana presents Eddie sympathetically with all his human frailty, despite the character's bluster. His perfect Archie Bunker type recitation about Rodolpho-"He ain't right"-refers to the fact that Rodolpho can sew, sing high tenor notes and has light blonde hair. Mr. Liana's performance makes us realize that the tragic figure of Eddie really believes what he says.

Mr. Savarese's characterization of Marco is stellar. The audience feels Marco's sincerity and appreciation for what Eddie and Bea have done for him and his family. Then, when righteous indignation comes to the forefront because of Eddie's actions in Act II, Mr. Savarese's electric performance sizzles.

Through the play, Mr. Remo delivers an impeccable Italian accent and presents an authentic, believable young man searching for the American dream. He has developed an intriguing character especially in scenes with Catherine. When Mr. Remo's character begs Eddie for his blessing for their marriage, it is one of the most poignant moments of the night.

Andrea Barra brings the right amount of old world Italian wife stoicism to the role of Beatrice and Kristina Hernandez's Catherine is rightly naïve in her dealings with Eddie. Mr. Herman's Alfieri gives us thoughtful insight as to why the story still haunts him.

"If I seem to tell this like a dream - it was that way," Alfieri confesses to us as the pieces to this classic tale fall into place. Turn off the TV and get to Westfield Community Players' noteworthy production that runs weekends through the end of the month. ... Susan Dougherty, Westfield Leader Mar. 10, 2011

I hope this is shared with the actors, the director and all those involved. This will be a show not forgotten for a long time......JessieBob [Mar. 4, 2011]

The audience is met upon entering the auditorium with a very subdued set with a surprisingly splendid rendition of the Brooklyn Bridge set back within the confines of the set which is often dimly lit throughout the play keeping the audience ever mindful that this is "Red Hook", Brooklyn…a unique element of the set keeping the symbolism Miller had for the "Bridge" as being the bridge between the "old world" of Brooklyn to the "new world" of the Big City.

Arthur Miller's fiercely compelling drama about love, belonging and betrayal, A View from the Bridge centers around Eddie Carbone, an Italian-American longshoreman who lives in Brooklyn with his wife Beatrice and his orphaned 17-year-old niece Catherine. Beatrice's two cousins enter the country illegally seeking a better life in America, and when Catherine falls in love with one of them, Eddie's jealousy erupts in a rage that consumes him, his family and his world.

In the role of Eddie Carbone is A.J. Liana, who appeared as Tony Wendice in WCP's production of "Dial 'M' for Murder last season, has given one of the most memorable portrayals that this reviewer has witnessed. Mr. Liana's ability to move from levels of gentleness to moments of anger throughout the show without losing the essence of Eddie goes to his talent as an actor. Mr. Liana has brought to life the complexities and troubled turmoil that Eddie Carbone is suppose to present. Mr. Liana is well-suited for this part without question.

Newcomer to WCP is Kristina Hernandez who has portrayed the role of Catherine, Eddie's teenage niece who he has raised since she was very young. Miss Hernandez has given a flawless performance. She is perfectly cast in this role. She epitomizes the role of Catherine that keeps the audience ever so focused on her. Miss Hernandez's understanding of this most difficult role is a credit to her command of the stage and acting ability. Watching her grow from a naïve young lady at the top of the show to a woman who desires to live her own life from under the control of Eddie is something that only a truly talented actor can do…and she has done excellently.

Eddie's wife, Beatrice, is played by Andrea Barra. Ms. Barra has given strength to this role unlike I have not seen before. She has been able to convince the audience that she has love for her husband, yet fully knowing of his unnatural feelings towards his niece. Her displayed of her feelings comes across throughout the show as the audience watches her facial expression and movement define her emotions. Having seen Ms. Barra in musicals, Ms. Barra has now demonstrated the she is quite adept at drama. She has made what could have been a supporting role to one of a major leading role.

Lou Savarese, also new to WCP, portrayed Marco, the other cousin of Beatrice, gave what has to be one of the finest performances for a most challenging part. His ability to be appreciative to Eddie for allowing him to reside in Eddie's home, and hold his refrain while Eddie insults his brother Rodolpho, and yet not lose his demeanor with the part leaves this writer to have enjoyed his performance. Mr. Savarese has taken this role and made it large. He truly made Marco the protagonist that he is to be. A difficult task for any actor to do, but Mr. Savarese demonstrated it with ease. During the jail scene, Mr. Savarese gives what is one of the most moving and emotion times of the show. Mr. Savarese's display of feelings during this scene was compelling.

The role of Rodolpho, one of the two illegal immigrant cousins of Beatrice and brother to Marco, is masterfully played by Brian Remo. Mr. Remo has also performed at WCP both in "Dial 'M" and this season's first show, "Abie's Irish Rose". Mr. Remo, by doing this role, has shown he is a remarkable actor and versatile actor going from mystery to comedy and now to drama. This versatility is commendable. Mr. Remo's portrayal of Rodolpho was played with what has to be a clear understanding of character of Rodolpho. It is evident that Mr. Remo analyzed the part of Rodolpho with insight. . Never once did Mr. Remo abuse the role but kept to the essence of the character. Mr. Remo's excellent use of an Italian dialect and dyed blond hair was so true.

A surprising performance was given by Maury Herman, who was recently in "Abe's Irish Rose" opening WCP's season. Mr. Herman is noted for his choreographic talents and musical appearances. This venture in drama hopefully has struck a new chord with him. Mr. Herman was impeccable with the role of Mr. Alfieri, who not only had to act as a narrator for the audience but then come alive as a confidante to Eddie. The scenes between Eddie and Mr. Algiers are warming yet personable. Mr. Herman's closing words left this writer with a tear in the eye and a lump in the throat. Bravo, Mr. Herman!

Rounding out the remaining members of the cast are Peter Curley who has also performed for Westfield, the last memorable performance was that to Prince Igor in WCP's production of Neil Simon's Fools. Mr. Curley's portrayal of Mike, one Eddie's friends, was played with delight as he tells Eddie about how Rudolph is being accepted by the other dock workers. Mr. Curley's "Brooklyn-nose" dialect and mannerism was a necessary break in the drama that Arthur Miller must have had in mind. Even a delightful was Mr. Curley as the 1st Immigration Office and his wit was delightful when he recalled exactly what street his was born on in Brooklyn.

Ken Webb, who made his WCP debut played Louis, was one of the most natural characters on stage for this being his first show. He seemed relaxed and at ease, and into the dialogue. He actually made it appear that he was living at that moment as Louis.

Gregg Melee has appeared several times at WCP. His memorable portrayal as the Rabbi in "Abe's Irish Rose" is a far cry from being an Immigration Office in this show. As with any role it is what you put into it that makes it come alive. Mr. Melee presented himself with commanding authority as a law enforcement official.

Jon Robinson played Tony and also another illegal immigrant. As Tony, Mr. Robinson is the one who is "pieced off" in getting Marco and Rudolph into the country. Mr. Robinson gave a good performance highlighting his role as warning the cousins to be careful.

Kevin Cousin played one of the submarines who only on stage for a short time, really did act as scared and worried some when arrested by the Immigration Officers.

Playing the role of Mr. and Mrs. Lipari were the husband-wife team of Joanne and Steve Lemenille. They last appeared in "Abie's Irish Rose" as Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Cohen, which this writer immensely enjoyed their comedic performances bring down the house every time they appeared on the stage.

The most dramatic scenes during this production are the scenes where Marco challenges Eddie to lift a chair and the ending scene where Eddie and Marco fight. The lifting of the chair by Marco (Lou Savarese) daring Eddie to do the same was breath taking...not only from the point of where Marco sets the chair center stage but the reaction of Eddie when Marco lifts the chair by one hand. Both Mr. Liana and Mr. Savarese truly made this appear that it was happening at that time, for the first time. Bravo!!

The fight scene at the end was outstanding. During this scene Marco has arrived back at the apartment to avenge Eddie for calling the Immigration Department to arrest Marco and Rodolpho. Normally this scene is played with Eddie using just a knife to challenge Marco. But, the director, Mr. Lemenille, also employed the use of bailing hooks. What a unique embellishment of this scene. When the hooks clashed and the sound of metals hitting each other, the audience was in awe. Mr. Savarese and Mr. Liana played it so convincingly that it appeared so real. Wonderful choreography!!

This modern classic was given true-to-life exposure under the able direction of Mr. Steve Lemenille. Mr. Lemenille's directorial talents are quite apparent in this production. His ability to cast, shape, mold and maintain the tragic elements of the characters through these exceptional actors is seen throughout the entire production. Mr. Lemenille never lost sight of the plot. He kept it moving and alive. His use of lighting in the change of scenes set the tone for each dramatic part. His direction and inclusion of bailing hooks in the end fight between Marco and Eddie was masterful, and provocative for the audience. He has kept the depth and emotions ever present. If there ever was a cast that truly represented Miller's concept of the characters he portrayed, this cast fit that bill. ...playcritic [Mar. 5, 2011]