On September 23rd, actress Martha Madison (“Days of Our Lives”) starred in “Benny Go Home” at Caveat NYC.
It was written by Christie Perfetti Williams (Carnival Girls Productions) and directed by British filmmaker Laura Killeen, who also served as the narrator.
The synopsis is: A dejected big city playwright, Benny (Martha Madison) escapes down the Jersey Shore only to take on more drama.
The cast features Anissa Barbato as the MC/Lady Barker, Arlene A. McGruder as Jules, Galit Sperling as Greta, Nancy Evans as Honey, Mike Puckett as both the deli guy and Mike, Hilary Asare as Evelyn, Lori Funk as Sherri, Shelton Pritchard Lindsay as Marty, Jane Aquilina as Barb, Robin Virginie as Chloe, Andrew Southern as Elijah, Rich Hollman as Patrick, Charmaine Broad as Reverend Rosie, Stephanie Annette Mankuro as Dr. Mirabella, and Dave T. Koening as Officer Buckley.
Strong performances from the entire cast led by Martha Madison gave this staged reading its beating heart. Every character had their own unique characterization, which unveiled as the show progressed.
In addition, the music by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Pat Benatar (“Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “We Belong,” “Shadows of the Night,” “All Fired Up,” and “Love is a Battlefied”) helps provide a throwback to the ’80s, and in many ways, the music feels like a backdrop in itself.
The screenplay by Christie Perfetti Williams fulfills the ensemble comedy cardinal rule; moreover, the direction and the narration by Laura Killeen was quite eloquent. It is rich in symbolism with many double entendres.
“It was a great play, which sustained my attention the entire time. It had some good laughs and the material was relatable to this 44-year-old woman,” Veronica White, fan and attendee said.
While it was a staged reading, Martha Madison hardly even needed to look at the script at all, and the same holds true for most of the actors. It is evident that Madison’s nearly two decade career and training in the daytime drama world has paid off (where actors are dialogue-heavy most days on soap operas).
The Verdict
Overall, “Benny Go Home” was engaging and fun. This is a show that deserves to have a bigger and wider release. It helps bring escapism, and it will bring smiles and laughter on people’s faces. There is something in it for everyone. “Benny Go Home” garners four out of five stars.
