Town[e] Comedy Series Was ‘Simply Brilliant’
[Written by Vejay Steede]
Sometimes … it’s difficult to express an honest reaction to great art. To be honest is to share your deepest emotions, and most unattractive flaws with the world. This is why great art is rare … and honesty is not remotely as prevalent as we would like to think.
Honestly, I was tired last Friday evening when I arrived at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI]. My full workweek had ended, and I just wanted to chill at home with my family. I’ve never been a Friday Happy Hour type, so – as far as I was concerned – this assignment to cover a show premiere was just eating into my down time.
I’m sure my demeanor showed a measure of agitation as well – I actually said, “This is going to be good right? I don’t want to write anything bad” to Kristin White! Sigh … talk about a Curb Your Enthusiasm moment!
In all honesty – and this is the ugly side of truth – I probably wanted to not like the show. I was probably on my Haterade over this group of Bermudian artists having the gumption to get together and produce something transcendent – especially when I am still plodding away on a day job some 20 years after my time gracing local stages and writing impactful art for local projects began. Probably … is probably the wrong word ….
So … I arrived in a state – but I hid it fairly well [dumb comments to the show runner notwithstanding]. I greeted all the faces that remembered me from my artistic peak, took in some of the expectant atmosphere, and questioned the excitement and electricity in the air.
Once I took my seat in the reserved section – positioning myself well, so that I would be able to enjoy the full experience the BUEI theater had to offer – I was satisfied that this was a proper Bermuda event. Artists, politicians, dignitaries, business owners, movers, shakers, and notable Bermudian art lovers populated the theater on Friday night, and this leant heavily to my anticipation of the show I had come to review.
Kristin took the stage around 6:40pm, immediately confessing that she felt overwhelmed – and with that, making me feel like a complete [expletive deleted] for saying that nonsense to her earlier. She shared her thoughts on the journey toward making town[e]. a fully realized work of art, she thanked Nishanthi Bailey for her masterful depiction of the lead character [which is loosely based on Kristin herself], and she encouraged us to love the project as much as she loved creating it.
There were some technical issues initially – which were fun for me [smh], and instantly forgiven by the capacity crowd. Once the show got running, however, the laughter, engagement, and love was infectious – and, even I, was powerless to resist.
Kristin had requested that we don’t share anything about the episodes we would see with the outside world, because she intends to hold another similar event for more people to get a taste of town[e]. So … by way of a spoiler free review – this show was simply brilliant.
Being a St. George’s boy through and through, I was truly proud to see my little home town being featured as a backdrop for such a fabulous collection of ridiculously entertaining Bermudian stories.
The writing, production value, and acting were all spectacular throughout the 40-or-so minutes that town[e]. played on the screen before us, and I could absolutely have binged the series for at least 3 more hours – and I guarantee that I’m not the only one who felt like that!
I’ve been proud of Nishanthi Bailey for decades now – in her many impressive capacities – so it was no surprise to me that she was simply effervescent as Kristin. Similarly, having worked with Daren Herbert in the past, and followed his career over the past 20 years; I was confident that he would be magnificent as Marcus [Kristin’s “straight man” husband – think Ricky Ricardo to Lucy]. Daren is, of course, always magnificent, so my confidence was not really a factor at all, if I’m honest.
Other standout performances came from Gordon Emmerson as the creepily charming James [Marcus’ boss], and Julia Pitt as Kate [Marcus’ work wife]. Both were excellent supporting characters, bringing a real depth to the proceedings, and leaving the audience in stitches at times. Bravo!
Town[e]. was nothing short of inspiring, and the dollop that we were fortunate enough to indulge in on Friday night was more than enough to get us all hooked. This is a show that needs to be on a global streaming service – I could definitely Netflix and chill to this show; on repeat!
Modern, funny, grown & sexy, socially aware, and exceedingly Bermudian, town[e]. exudes an easy charm, and leaves you with no other choice but to love it. The stories are real, the settings are stunning, and the scenarios are hilarious. The show is billed as a dramedy, but the episodes we saw on Friday definitely delivered more laughs than moments of high drama – other than that special brand of high drama that leaves an audience ravenous for more.
During the post-viewing interview section, Kristin, Co-Director Phaedra Dill, Nishanthi, Daren, and Julia all agreed on one thing: “We want to do more!”
Well … if these couple episodes are an accurate indication of quality … then we absolutely want more! Bermuda! You need to support this project! This is a show that literally has the potential to become synonymous with Bermuda. It shows US, and celebrates aspects of Bermudian culture that the world needs to know about.
Kristin White has brought a classic Bermudian show to life, and I, for one, am thoroughly inspired by town[e]. I was grateful for the opportunity to tell Kristin how brilliant this show is after the crowd stood for the last time [having given several standing ovations during the actual presentation]. As they made their way into the BUEI lobby to regale each other with their impressions of the masterpiece they had just experienced, I got to apologize for the completely selfish way I had approached her earlier.
Tired or not – town[e]. was a shot of energy … for me, as well as the entire Bermuda Art culture. Let’s make this thing massive!
- Vejay Steede
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Congrats to Christian and cast. Yes, we do need more. This is an excellent from the heart review. Well done Vejay. Letting folks know what we sometimes go through to attend and complete a project is real. Keep writing. I’d like to retire after doing over 50 reviews
I am delighted to read that Kristin White has succeeded with town(e). I’m not surprised as she is enormously talented and frankly, would be considered accomplished and talented in any jurisdiction. She’s the real thing. Although I don’t know Kristin personally, I know that she works tirelessly and has been an outspoken advocate for St. George’s and its importance to all of Bermuda. I cannot wait to see her town(e)!
In the meantime, I hope that Mr. Steede will be able to recover from his long work week. For a minute there, I didn’t think he’d be able to get past his own ennui.
Thank you so much Elaine! I can’t wait for more audiences to get the chance to see ‘town(e)’.