The FPTC (Fort Point Theatre Channel) is a group of performing artists, loosely arrayed along the South Boston side of the Fort Point Channel. Its most recent production was “DREAMBOOK: A New Orleans Story”, by Dan Osterman (Book) and Nick Thorkelson (Songs). “Dreambook” was directed by Jaime Carillo and produced by Marc Miller. The venue for its six June performances was the Boston Playwrights’ Theatre on Commonwealth Avenue.
“Dreambook” is a drama with music – good music. It deals with issues of free people of color on New Orleans, free thinking and its consequences, and artists and poets like Walt Whitman, who fell in love with (and in) New Orleans on his first visit there in 1848 – 13 short years before the Civil War. The open, unconventional casting and the development of each of the various parts generated much to think about, as well as creating interest and passion. The instrumental music – keyboard, guitar, bass, drums – was excellent, with just the right touch of tenderloin.
The staging and the technical side of “Dreambook”, from the set itself to the costuming, was well done, except that the singers’ voices would have benefited from a better sound balance with the instrumental music. The running time was just over two-and-a half hours. As “Dreambook” is further developed, it would benefit from some judicious editing – 15 minutes or so.
But look for “Dreambook” again – it’s well worth seeing.
The nine-member cast of FPTC’s production of “Dreambook” at the Theater entrance.
The set of FPTC’s “Dreambook” – clever, striking, and functional.
Pastor Clapp’s revival church scene (by ensemble and Karen Dervin – lower r.).
