Photo by Pamela Mourão (@unframedbypamela)
Sexy. Sultry. Seductive. The Witches of Eastwick is Happily Ever After Productions at their raunchiest yet, now under fledgling director Brittany Sanders. While no stranger to the stage herself, this is Sanders' directorial debut and The Witches of Eastwick gives one the impression that there isn’t much that scares Sanders.
The difficulty of this musical is not presenting a complex narrative or structure, but rather a book that challenges the creative team to frame the story in a way that is not incongruent with modern sensibilities. The fervour with which the cast attacked these challenges communicated a trust between its members and their director that was a delight to watch.
Photo by Pamela Mourão (@unframedbypamela)
No-one does this as ferociously as the leading ladies of this production. The witches themselves displayed a comfortable camaraderie that conveyed the shared history of these wildly different individuals. While the on-stage antics of this trio, played by Alex Mukmanova, Vera Sophie Huibregtse, and Evelien Vermeulen, were enchanting and enjoyable, these ladies truly came alive when singing together. Being the titular characters of the production, it is not surprising that much of the success depended on the trio, and let me tell you, the ladies ate. While individually their numbers are thoroughly enjoyable, together it was witchcraft.
Photo by Pamela Mourão (@unframedbypamela)
Opposite them is the catalyst for change in this entire production, Darryl van Horne, played by Casey Kooyman. Embodying toxic masculinity made flesh, the audience is under no illusions about this devilish individual from the moment he manifests. Like the people of Eastwick, you quickly fall under the spell of this imposing figure on the stage but beneath the charm is barely concealed venom and danger, that once unleashed feels like a primal fury upon the stage.
Photo by Pamela Mourão (@unframedbypamela)
And what about the egrets!? Apologies, I mean the Gabriels. The fact that we never see the matriarch of Eastwick, Felicia Gabriel played by Patricia Butterfield, and her daughter, Jennifer Gabriel played by Noemi Sgambelluri, sing a duet together is a travesty. Vocally, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in this household with both performers displaying gorgeous tone and dynamic control, meaning time with these supporting characters is time well spent.
Photo by Pamela Mourão (@unframedbypamela)
Supporting all of these wonderful performances is a tight quintet of musicians led by music director Mark Arthur Wyman. I do wish the accompaniment of the show gave the band more room to breathe and display their abilities. Trumpeter Jasper Aubel rips through a number of electric motifs beautifully, and the score doesn’t share that luxury with the other instrumentalists enough.
If you are a fan of music theatre and passionate performances, then you owe it to yourself to visit Het Amsterdams Theaterhuis to experience this saucy production while you can. Though I do recommend bringing a fan to cool yourself as this show is nothing if not exciting. Get tickets at https://www.heaproductions.nl/the-witches-of-eastwick
Photo by Pamela Mourão (@unframedbypamela)