A Folk Music Celebration at 59E59 Theaters

A Folk Music Celebration at 59E59 Theaters
Two of the folk singers in "Lonesome Traveler"
Barry Bassis
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If you know what a hootenanny is, then you will find “Lonesome Traveler” nostalgic. If you are too young to know the expression, then you will find the show educational. The revue, written and directed by James O'Neil, is light on the history but showcases more than 30 folk songs, well performed. Musical direction is by Trevor Wheetman and orchestrations are by George Grove.

The cast members portray famous folk singers and folk groups. The women change their hairstyles, so Sylvie Davidson puts on a blond wig to become Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary (“Puff, the Magic Dragon”), and the men put on preppy shirts to play the Kingston Trio (“Tom Dooley”).

(L–R) Sylvie Davidson, Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper, Justin Flagg, and Matty Charles take listeners back through folk music history. (Carol Rosegg)
(L–R) Sylvie Davidson, Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper, Justin Flagg, and Matty Charles take listeners back through folk music history. Carol Rosegg
Barry Bassis
Barry Bassis
Author
Barry has been a music, theater, and travel writer for over a decade for various publications, including Epoch Times. He is a voting member of the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle, two organizations of theater critics that give awards at the end of each season. He has also been a member of NATJA (North American Travel Journalists Association)