SUMMER AND SMOKE: Actors Co-op; Los Angeles
*Award Nominee: LA Stage Raw BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEAD ROLE
**Stage Scene LA Award BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEAD ROLE
"Kudos to a superb design team and ensemble surrounding the revelatory Tara Battani and excellent Gregory James. Both actors vanish inside their characters. Her evanescent, Mary-Louise Parker-meets-Kristen Wiig aspects are countered by his calmly volcanic energies, which recall the young Al Pacino by way of Adam Scott. Indeed, one would likely need to travel back to the legendary José Quintero-helmed 1952 Circle in the Square production that launched Geraldine Page and the Off-Broadway movement to find such vivid embodiment of subtext. It would be unthinkable to miss." - DAVID C. NICHOLS, LA Times CRITIC'S CHOICE
"An outstanding performance by Battani in the lead role. I marveled at Battani the way one does at a magician, wondering: "How does she do it?" Indeed, Battani delivers a finely etched performance ... Hers is arguably among the finest acting I've ever seen on the L.A. boards, and is by itself worth the price of admission." - ED RAMPBELL, People's World
"This sturdy production is anchored by excellent performances, with standout work from Tara Battani as Alma who is a revelation. It is with great care and skill that this cast and crew make it a memorable must-see." - ERIN FAIR, Discover Hollywood Magazine
"It's as if Julia Roberts is playing the role. Battani proved herself quite the stunning actress, as Miss Alma's transformation was touching and graceful, truly gallante." - DON GRIGWARE, Broadway World CRITIC'S CHOICE
"Director Thom Babbes helms this intelligent and emotionally stirring rendition, evoking a timeless relevance. The key relationship is between strongly repressed spinster Alma (Tara Battani, superb) and John (Gregory James, excellent), a womanizing local physician with an unusual bedside manner. These actors deliver richly nuanced portrayals, evoking a fine chemistry." - LES SPINDLE, Frontiers LA
"The two leads, Tara Battani as the soft spoken Alma, and Gregory James as the aloof John Jr. stand out with their depictions of their two opposites consisting of a tarnish southern belle and a southern gentleman who isn’t necessarily the gentle man. This pair perform upon excellence likewise with their supporting players that add to the relish and fascination this stage work showcases." - Accessibility Live Off-Line
"This is a terrific ensemble cast playing these rich characters, seamlessly. In a complex performance, Ms Battani has found Alma’s aching vulnerability of the second act which helps to offset her external “nervous” mannerisms when we first meet her. Directed with style by Thomas Babbes, the Scenic Design by Rich Rose and the Costume Design by Vicki Conrad complete this rich theatrical experience." - PATRICIA FOSTER RYE, PatriciaRye.com