A EULOGY FOR ROMAN
Written by Brendan George; Conceived by Peter Charney; Directed by Ron Lasko
Multiple Locations (see bottom of review)
February 22 - April 6
Please note, performers will vary by location.
We had a hard time finding our way into the church. The lights were on, so that was promising, yet the doors were locked. Then we saw someone, and a mild mannered young man invited us in. “Thank you for coming.” Ushered into a room empty but for some folding chairs and a small stage that doubles as an altar when needed. And there, on that altar is a table with candles and an urn. Milo, the young man from the door, welcomes roughly 30 of us to A Eulogy for Roman.
Milo is painfully awkward. He lost his friend two weeks ago, and decided to fulfill their dream of coming to New York City. He knows that none of us knew Roman. They’re just young men from Springfield Falls, PA. They’d created a life list – like a bucket list - but these tasks give them more life points “Plus! Plus! Plus!” like in a video game. Sadly, they had 5 tasks they never could complete. But maybe, with the help of all of us, he can close this chapter for his friend.
At Brooklyn’s Old First Reformed Church, Ryan Boloix, plays Milo, a delicate, heartbroken young man in need of community. As we are asked to join him in his tasks, he draws us together: Ira and Iris meet for the first time, Jimmy, a local celebrity, tells us about losing his sight and writing his poetry. Milo’s gentle encouragement draws everyone out. Though admittedly, we may have been a bit slow to follow his lead which slows the pacing of the performance.
This sweet story, like life, develops based on what you put into it. Participation matters. You play a vital role in the outcome. You may find yourself moved in spite of yourself.
A EULOGY FOR ROMAN runs February 21 - April 6 on the following schedule:
• Thursdays @ 8:30pm at The Center (208 W 13th Street, Room #310, New York NY 10011)
• Fridays @ 7:30pm at Old First Reformed Church (729 Carroll Street, Park Slope, Brooklyn NY 11215)
• Saturdays @ 7:30 at Studio Exhibit (62 Orchard Street, 2nd floor, New York NY 10002)
• Sundays @ 5:30pm at Westbeth Community Room (55 Bethune Street, New York NY 10014)
CLICK HERE for tickets.
Review by Nicole Jesson.
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on March 1st, 2025. All rights reserved.