SPRINGFIELD – Theater enthusiasts, musical lovers, struggling artists who feel unheard, and “Peggles” (Pegasus Playhouse) supporters, this is your last opportunity to see a play at the current Pegasus Playhouse before it departs from 402 Main St., and what better send-off than a play about a struggling artist?
“Sunday in the Park with George,” inspired by French pointillist painter George Seurat, tells a fictional tale about the creation of his masterpiece, “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” The narrative shifts between 1886, when the painting was unveiled, and the modern era, where George’s great-grandson also grapples with his identity as an artist.
Scott Frazier-Maskiell, the artistic director, selected the current production because it is one of his favorite musicals.
“In general, we wanted to tribute Steven Sondheim, who is brilliant,” he said. James Lapine wrote the play, while Sondheim provided the music and lyrics. “It isn’t an easy musical… It is a statement of art about a statement of art. It is about a painter who never sold a painting in his lifetime.”
Biographies of Seurat indicate that he did sell some of his paintings, but his work was largely unrecognized during his lifetime. It wasn’t until after his death that he experienced his most significant sales. It is important to note that this is a fictional account, although it incorporates elements of accurate art history.
The play “is about someone doing something new… just like Pegasus. We don’t choose things that are easy,” Frazier-Maskiell said.
Pegasus Playhouse is a nonprofit theater that was established in 2018 and moved into its current location three years ago. Recently, due to government funding cuts, Pegasus Playhouse lost its main sponsor and can no longer afford to pay rent. Like the artists portrayed in the play, the theater is also facing difficulties. They are currently in the process of finding a new location.
“I’m so sad it won’t be available to our community anymore because of what it means to our family,” says actor Dave Goudy, who plays the boatman.
He auditioned for this play because his daughter has been in Pegasus Playhouse plays in the past. He considers PP life-changing for their family.
Goudy had seen the play before – once in his youth and later in college. He had also come across references to it in a book about depression. His familiarity with the play was one of the reasons he decided to audition. He finds the play’s positive message reassuring, especially considering the current state of the world.
“How do we not need that at a time when everything is stressful and confrontational, and a constant state of crisis? This show is peaceful and meditative. It is a salve, certainly for me. I am reminded how I feel when I am not stuck in anger and fear – that there are things that really matter,” Goudy said.
Sawyer Kavaney, who plays multiple roles, including Louis, added that the play “ultimately proposes that art is inherently rewarding – whether or not it’s understood or successful or easy to balance with the rest of life, it is worth it. In an age when support for art can be so easily taken away and human artists can be so cheaply replaced, that’s more relevant than ever. The show’s call to ‘move on’ and keep discovering new and exciting things is so simple, and yet it is exactly what I, and I’d imagine many others, need to take to heart.”
Audience member and artist Patricia Montoya took particular interest in the light and shadow in the background, silhouetting George in his studio. She said she was also moved by Frazier-Maskiell’s speech before the play about art and theater being an act of resistance, and by Hailey Carr’s voice, who played Dot.
Carr’s opening song was incredible, setting the stage for an even better performance as the show progressed.
One particularly notable moment was when Robin Santa-Teresa sang about change; her expression was so forlorn and sad that the audience could genuinely feel her sorrow.
The production featured impressive acting that complemented its strange and surreal nature. The cast consisted of talented actors who skillfully portrayed multiple roles, making it easy for the audience to forget that the same actor had just played a different character.
“I love the absurdist. It is great theater,” said Max Brockmann, an audience member.
“You don’t know what is real and what is not,” said Angela Lewis, the stage manager. PP has been a part of her community for two and a half years. “It’s been my safe space,” she said.
If you’re interested in supporting Pegasus Playhouse, a benefit event will take place on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.
There are two more weekends left to see the play: performances take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. The final performance will take place on Oct. 5.
Please note that this play features blue and red flashing lights, which may trigger migraines and seizures.
Sarina Dorie is the arts writer for The Chronicle.
