Theatre Review 'Capriccio Radio' At BACCA Center

By Cindi Sansone-Braff

A Stellar Production of “Capriccio Radio” at the BACCA Center

Modern Classics Theatre Company of Long Island is the official theater company for the BACCA Arts Center in Lindenhurst. This non-profit organization’s mission is to bring innovative theatrical productions to local audiences. Their latest production was “Capriccio Radio,” a two-act drama by the gifted Bay Shore playwright Larry Rinkel.

The word “capriccio” has numerous meanings. For one, it can mean whimsy or fancy. It can also mean a prank or caper. In musical terms, it means a free-form instrumental piece with a lively tempo. “Capriccio” is also the name of the final opera written by the esteemed German composer Richard Strauss. The original idea for this 1942 opera,  subtitled “A Conversation Piece for Music,” came from one of my favorite writers,  Stefan Zweig. In Rinkel’s play, Capriccio is the name of a fictional classical radio station somewhere in an American city. 

This well-crafted and thought-provoking play revolves around a prestigious classical radio station. This station enjoyed creative and financial freedom for twelve years, although it never found a sizable following and rarely broke even. When a new manager takes over, the staff must find a way to turn a profit or perish. In the process, jobs are threatened, and long-term friendships are tested. 

Rinkel has created intelligent, interesting, and intriguing characters. His spot-on dialogue is witty and thoroughly entertaining. This engaging drama explores many complex themes, such as the future of classical music, corporate America’s callous attitude toward loyal, long-term employees, age-old generational conflicts and struggles, and how difficult it can be for an artist to create art for art’s sake without worrying about the outcome. Long after I left the theatre, I found myself thinking about the compelling themes “Capriccio Radio” brought to light.

This show features an intergenerational cast where the seven character’s ages run the gamut from a rebellious 17-year-old up to a spry septuagenarian. Under the astute direction of Tony Tambasco, the tight-knit ensemble brought their A-game to the show.  

Jill Linden delivered a moving performance as Roberta Siegel, the founder of the Capriccio Radio station. Linden’s body language and facial expressions spoke volumes about the stress and angst this character experienced when the new management took over. Royce Johnson gave a standout performance as James Godfrey, the cocky new manager who has no regard for classical music and little respect for his employees or anyone else.

Robert Budnick aced the role of the pompous, opinionated curmudgeon Claude Feierstein and had some of the funniest lines in the show. Budnick showcased his comedic genius every time he stepped on stage and spouted out his true feelings about the dismal state of modern music.  Gloria Jung was charismatic and convincing as the sharp-tongued, edgy Lydia Morolla​, a passionate woman of a certain age battling ageism in a vain effort to stay relevant in a world eager to put her out to pasture. 

Alkis Sarantinos gave a riveting performance as the frustrated, overly intellectual Sylvan Phillips, a radio announcer specializing in music theory. Kieran Padraig Cullen delivered an award-worthy performance as Noah Brock, a disgruntled high-school student and wannabe composer. The onstage banter between Sylvan and Noah was one of the show’s highlights. 

Alexander Chilton gave a nuanced performance as Ed Ramsey, the sales manager of the radio station, a mild-mannered man, given the Herculean task of keeping the radio station afloat and the remaining employees happy.

“Capriccio Radio” was an entertaining, electrifying, and engaging night of theatre showcasing a talented cast, great direction, and a powerful script.  

Modern Classics Theatre Company of Long Island has an exciting 2023 season ahead, which features “The Laramie Project,” “Gimme A Minute One Minute Play Festival,” “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime,” “The Crucible,” and “The Gingerbread Lady.” For ticket information and schedule, call: 516-236-5838 or visit their website: Mctli.com

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” was produced in 2017 at the BACCA Center and is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.