Los Angeles. Todayish. “The moon was full the night my mother said, ‘Come sit by me. Tonight you have your first lesson.’” Olivia (Maya Lagerstam) is the embarrassed daughter of Dominique (Lianne Marie Dobbs), a Psychic Card Reader. Fortune telling is illegal. It’s also her gift and vocation. Mother and daughter are Romani (called the racial slur, gypsies). Olivia hides heritage from her schoolmates for fear of disparagement.
Several clients come and go. To Dominique, the last smells like a cop, yet she reads when he gives her a sob story. Death is in the cards. Hernandez (David Baida) is a cop and arrests her. After a bachelor party we really don’t need to see, replete with tuneless song, incipient groom Michael (Ben Jones) is
appointed Dominique’s defense. He arrives with confetti in his sleeves. There’s chemistry, of course.
Lianne Marie Dobbs and Ben Jones
This is a romance with intriguing side stories. 1. To this day, Romani are dismissed as thieves and liars. 2. The First Amendment defense case is cleverly and strategically planned by Michael in a way that makes one reconsider issues.
Inspired by a news article about a Romani fortune teller arrested in Los Angeles, the plot theatrically veers, though we don’t know by how much. Dominique’s case never makes it to court. Did the practitioner in California go to trial? When is foretelling the future illegal? When is it considered a con and when entertainment? Does the amount of money changing hands affect a law? Like much in these once United States, regulation varies from state to state. In New York, Fortune telling is a class B misdemeanor.
That Dominique actually HAS the gift affects Michael less than her intelligence and strength of character – not to mention that she’s an attractive woman. The former is a bit curious as circumstances lean towards confirming her skill. There might be a bit of dialogue or song in which he asks himself whether it’s “real.” Still, the book otherwise handles dialogue and relationships well. Beyond implication of the inexplicable, people are grounded and adult. Even the ending refreshingly refrains from tying up with a shiny bow.
Maya Lagerstam and Eric Phelps (Olivia’s boyfriend)
Despite evocative music (just eerie enough) the opening number is weak, dissipated by breaking up line by line what should be one narrative voice. The show’s title song could be much improved. “Nothing can happen/Then something just happens” is awkward. Several others, predominantly involving the company, run on and on and on. Vocal arrangements are captivating (throughout), lyrics often very good, but fatigue threshold is challenged. I don’t mean to damn music and lyrics, much of which are excellent, just to suggest edits. Twist of Fate has strong potential.
Director/Choreographer Bill Castellino paces well and has a well honed sense of visual aesthetic. Characters emerge sufficiently to carry.
Projection design by Peter Brucker adds effectively without distracting.
Lianne Marie Dobbs is terrific as Dominique. She sings with both emotion and specific intention, clear and controlled, just short of belting. As the central axis, the actress is credible and sympathetic.
Ben Jones (Michael) is also spot on with fine vocals and a grounded approach to the role showing evident attraction and confusion. Maya Lagerstam’s Olivia is a bit pouty making her seem younger than she’s likely supposed to be. Vocals are solid. David Baida is reliably low key and sterling.
Photos Carol Rosegg
Opening: L to R: Lianne Marie Dobbs, Eric Phelps, David Baida, Ben Jones, Joanna Carpenter, Cal Mitchell, Allyson Kaye Daniel, Maya Lagerstam
The York Theatre Company presents
Twist of Fate – A Musical with Foresight
Book & Lyrics – Lissa Levin; Music/MD- Ron Abel
Directed and Choreographed by Bill Castellino
For those interested, Travalanche’s essay on Fortune Telling is entertaining and illuminating:
The York Theatre
Theatre at St. Jeans
150 East 76th Street
Through September 15, 2024
Coming up in the series:
Monte Cristo: September 21-29
Inundated October 4-13
