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Regional Reviews: San Francisco Triangle Also see Richard's review of Matilda, Patrick's review of Yesterday Again and Eddie's reviews of Top Girls and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
The story centers on high-tech scientist Brian (Ross Lekites), a geek in the present day, who learns that his New York lab is on the site of the 1911 fire that killed 146 people, mostly immigrant women working at sewing machines on the ninth floor. He meets a passionate young man named Ben (Zachary Prince) who had family members in previous generations who died in the fire. Brian also discovers his own mysterious connection to the Jewish immigrant victims of the fire. The plot goes back and forth in time in effortless fashion. In the 1911 scenes we meet a recent Jewish immigrant named Sarah (Megan McGinnis) who parlays her way into a job as a seamstress, the Italian foreman Vincenzo (Zachary Prince) who falls in love with her, Sarah's pregnant sister Chaya (Sharon Rietkerk) who eventually works for the factory as a seamstress from home to help support her no-nonsense father Isaac (Rolf Saxon). The scenes shift smoothly on Zimmerman's simple set. Meredith McDonough charmingly directs this small cast, with most playing dual roles. All have gorgeous vocal cords in their songs. New York actor Zachary Prince is outstanding in the twofold roles of Ben and Vincenzo. He skillfully morphs from the glitzy Ben to a slow-witted Vincenzo. He has a strong and vigorous voice singing "Can You Imagine" and "Daughter's Hand." Sharon Rietkerk gives a splendid performance as the spirited Cynthia and as Chaya. She has lively vocal chops singing "Just a Little More." Megan McGinnis is vibrant as Jenni and émigré Sarah and has a dynamic voice singing "Business" and "Safe." Another New York actor Ross Lekites has pitch perfect resonance with his strong voice singing "Nine Floors Up" and the heartfelt "Love." Laura D'Andre as Dr. Zimmerman and Rolf Saxon who plays three characters (Howard, Boss, and Isaac) are splendid in their respective roles. The six-piece orchestra led by James Sampliner also has thematic resonance. Triangle plays through August 2nd, 2015, at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. For tickets call 650-463-1960 or visit www.theatreworks.org. Coming up next is Donald Marguiles' The Country House opening at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Castro Street, Mountain View. It opens on August 26 and runs through September 20th.
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