NE Review: 'Approaching Moomtaj' Is Psychological Warfare

"Approaching Moomtaj"

A new play by Michael Weller

Presented by New Repertory Theatre, Newton, Mass.

Directed by Rick Lombardo

Scenic Design by Janie E. Howland

Costume Design by Frances Nelson McSherry

Lighting Design by Daniel Meeker

Original Music by Haddon Kime

Multimedia Design by Dorian Des Lauriers

Violence Design by Robert Walsh

Sound Design by Haddon Kime & Rick Lombardo

Production Stage Manager, Cheryl D. Olszowka

Cast (in order of appearance):

Walker Dance/Sir William Powers: Robert Prescott

Kelly Dance/Queen Aunt Noor: Rachel Harker

A Bakht: Kevin Topka

Faith Cherubini/Fatma: Natalie Brown

Madeline/Mawan: Lordan Napoli

Josh Dance/Boy: Jacob Brandt

Wylie Dance/Sufi Sid: Thomas Derrah

Performances: Now through October 17

Box Office: 617-332-1646 or www.newrep.org

The mind of Walker Dance, the central character in Michael Weller's new play Approaching Moomtaj, is as twisted as the wreckage of the Twin Towers after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. This conservative Everyman's precariously balanced and well-ordered life is literally blown apart after he witnesses the collapse of The World Trade Center from the roof of his nearby office building.

Jan Nargi is owner and creative director of JMN Publications, a marketing and public relations firm based in Boston, Mass. She provides consultation, communications, and writing services to clients in the health care, entertainment, financial, retail, manufacturing, non-profit, and sports industries. As a freelance writer, Jan has had hundreds of articles published in business and high-tech magazines. Theatrically, she has reviewed, written, directed, acted, produced, sung, danced, managed publicity, pounded nails, and designed lighting and sets. Jan has even acted in the occasional B-movie, playing a zombie, a psycho shrink, and a clueless news reporter. You may visit her on the web at www.jmnpublications.com.

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