“The Birds” at Masquerade Theatre is an Im-Peck-Able Show You’ll Want to Flock To

by Amber Kusching

When murderous, carnivorous swarming birds overrun the world, survival becomes the number one focus for the determined published author Diane, and the emotionally unstable Nat. The two strangers are brought together by their will to live and their need to survive. The two take shelter in an abandoned home by a lake. Their shared fate lies in each other’s hands as they scrounge for food and supplies during the six hours the birds do not attack when the tides are low. The two find comfort and confidence in each other and are each other’s only human contact until the young, and flamboyantly forward, Julia finds them. Diane and Nat take Julia in, and at first her presence is a breath of fresh air, until things take a dark turn. What ensues in a love triangle fueled by strong emotions and high stakes. And, in the end, one of the three ends up dead. 

Conor McPherson’s The Birds is a 2009 adaptation of the story by the same name by British writer Daphne du Maurier. The original story was first published in 1952 and served as the inspiration for the famous Alfred Hitchcock movie from 1963. McPherson’s version is hyper-focused on the lives of a handful of survivors and their struggles with the situation. Masquerade’s production places the audience as a “fly on the wall” in their lives, as defined by Director Gabrielle Affleck in her director’s note. “You become the walls themselves! You will witness, in claustrophobic proximity, the trials and tribulations of three strangers as they attempt to navigate life in the bird-pocalypse!” Affleck writes. 

Masquerade’s production is performed in the round with audience on all sides of the playing space. The audience, as mentioned in Affleck’s note in the playbill, is immersed in the action of the show and in close proximity to the actors. Masquerade, notorious for their inspirational usage of their small space, once again uses the room to their advantage. The closeness not only allows the audience to feel extremely invested in the play but adds a sense of euphoric anxiety during peak morbid moments of the play including some angry outbursts and even birds pecking at the walls.

Scenic Artist Georgia DeFrank uses all the space and gives the set a homey vibe while using details like boarded up windows to keep the somber atmosphere. Affleck uses the space ingeniously and has expertly directed her brilliant cast. The lighting by Managing Director/Lighting Designer Tommy Balne, complemented the set and flowed well with the ups and downs of the show. The lights brightened in happier moments and dimmed in more intimate scenes, contributing to the eerie ambiance of the characters' situations. The sound (Sound Technician Steven Rife), much like the lighting design, featured merry tunes but also dark melodies depending on the scenes. Notably, the sound also featured several voice overs of Diane's inner thoughts which she writes into her diary as well as some expositional context of news reportings. The costumes by Rebecca Sisley emphasize the humanity of the characters while maintaining the characters’ creative expression. Most notable are the characters’ “outside looks” which they use to go outside the house when they face the birds. These range from helmets to skull masks, to even a cardboard box. All are inventive and specific. Mixed with the actors brilliant performances and Affleck's effective staging, the lights, sound and costumes all come together to contribute to the ever-changing range of emotions the characters have experienced in a post-apocalyptic world.

Nanci Cope as the strong-willed Diane keeps the cast centered. Diane’s diary entries are a lifeline for the audience to hold onto. Cope maintains the balance between Diane holding her emotions inside while staying rooted in her cause. And, as the story unfurls, Cope expertly navigates Diane’s transformation. Bernard DiCasimirro as Nat gives a heart-wrenching performance, especially when he delivers Nat’s birthday speech. DiCasimirro allows Nat’s emotions to run high while maintaining a level of control. The character’s emotional instability leads to some twists and turns, and DiCasimirro plays the ebbs and flows flawlessly. 

Miriam Walton as Julia is exuberant and a nice comedic relief with some of her antics in the play. From dressing up in a found wedding dress, to unexpectedly sneaking off to find a treasure trove of food, Julia is always up to something. Walton keeps the audience guessing, and her facial expressions are exaggerated in the best possible way. 

Like the unexpectedness of canned onions on pound cake, Tierney’s presence is an unwelcome surprise. Played by John Nicodemo, the farmer from across the lake mysteriously barges in when Diane is alone. Nicodemo, in a small but impactful role, is captivating as Tierney, keeping Diane and the audience on their toes with his intentions. Is his intent to harm? Or to help?  Nicodemo’s ambiguous portrayal of the character keeps the audience guessing. 

Something particularly impactful about this production is the scenic transitions. Even in the blue light between scenes, we see the actors completely in character moving props and set pieces. The transitions feel like an extension of the show and the actors’ commitment to their characters in these moments is commendable. This is large thanks to the cast and Stage Manager Regina Deavitt

Many congrats to the talon-ted cast and all involved in the show including Production Assistant Lisa Rife, Set Constructors Shawn O’Brien and Jake Hufner, Pianist Trish Dennis, “Wing Crew” Nance Reeves and Damon A. Strothers and Artistic Director Megan Knowlton Balne.

“The Birds” runs now through November 2^nd at Masquerade Theatre in Riverside, NJ. For more information about the show and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.simpletix.com/e/special-event-the-birds-tickets-226088