A Jukebox for the Algonquin - review
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Jane Zussman
Apr 19, 2026, 8:27:20 PMApr 19
to Jane Zussman
A Jukebox for the Algonquin is my kind of show: laughter AND tears. Act one is a comic introduction to a fascinating collection of characters at Placid Pines, a nursing-home-assisted-living facility. Act two turns poignant. The last chapters of life are complicated. Standing ovation - well deserved.
We were lucky enough to pick the performance with a playwright/cast talkback, and discovered that the script is rooted in Paul Stroli's youthful experience working in such a facility — with 40 years of perspective and life experience eventually enabling him to produce this entertainingly human story that balances witty banter and emotional complexity.
This script was written for the stage — a one-set lounge that features an invisible fish tank between the residents and the audience which is eventually replaced by an invisible jukebox, both bringing the actors to the fore. Playwright Stroli commented that “the fishtank is a mirror; the jukebox is a time-machine.”
Director and cast extolled the script and noted personal connections. Director Michael Windnagle wrote, “There were times when I felt like by parents were talking directly to me though Mr. Stroli’s words.” During the talkback, Michael shared that his own father had passed away durning the rehearsal time period for this show.
It seems the role of Dennis was written for Doak Bloss, witty and cryptic and erudite from his wheelchair, and sharing his human dreams and experience as a gay man. The script is set in 2003, relevant due to marijuana laws, the context of gay acceptance into society - and the proposed songs for the jukebox.
Anna Owens was genuine and relatable as “Peg,” an “INDIE” (independent living) resident. (Her bit part of a snooty residence-shopper at the beginning was unrecognizable from the warm, genuine “Peg.” Looking at the program, I just now realized it was the same actress.)
“Annie” (Sandra Turner) was an “ASS" (assisted living) elder and particularly funny spouting unexpected profanities and more. Artis White was a total charmer as “Johnny” and the primary advocate for acquiring the antique jukebox.
Employees of Placid Pines were also well rounded characters with their own special moments and stories to tell. Joe Gill was “Tyler” the young aide taking the author’s perspective from long ago. James Curtis was “Chuck” the “sweeper guy” with a consequential past. Jadera Perdue as “Josefina” delivered a powerful monologue humanizing the heart-wrenching duties of her job.
Definitely worth the drive to Owosso, A Jukebox for the Algonquin continues next weekend, Friday/Saturday 7:30 pm- 2 pm Sunday
We were lucky enough to pick the performance with a playwright/cast talkback, and discovered that the script is rooted in Paul Stroli's youthful experience working in such a facility — with 40 years of perspective and life experience eventually enabling him to produce this entertainingly human story that balances witty banter and emotional complexity.
This script was written for the stage — a one-set lounge that features an invisible fish tank between the residents and the audience which is eventually replaced by an invisible jukebox, both bringing the actors to the fore. Playwright Stroli commented that “the fishtank is a mirror; the jukebox is a time-machine.”
Director and cast extolled the script and noted personal connections. Director Michael Windnagle wrote, “There were times when I felt like by parents were talking directly to me though Mr. Stroli’s words.” During the talkback, Michael shared that his own father had passed away durning the rehearsal time period for this show.
It seems the role of Dennis was written for Doak Bloss, witty and cryptic and erudite from his wheelchair, and sharing his human dreams and experience as a gay man. The script is set in 2003, relevant due to marijuana laws, the context of gay acceptance into society - and the proposed songs for the jukebox.
Anna Owens was genuine and relatable as “Peg,” an “INDIE” (independent living) resident. (Her bit part of a snooty residence-shopper at the beginning was unrecognizable from the warm, genuine “Peg.” Looking at the program, I just now realized it was the same actress.)
“Annie” (Sandra Turner) was an “ASS" (assisted living) elder and particularly funny spouting unexpected profanities and more. Artis White was a total charmer as “Johnny” and the primary advocate for acquiring the antique jukebox.
Employees of Placid Pines were also well rounded characters with their own special moments and stories to tell. Joe Gill was “Tyler” the young aide taking the author’s perspective from long ago. James Curtis was “Chuck” the “sweeper guy” with a consequential past. Jadera Perdue as “Josefina” delivered a powerful monologue humanizing the heart-wrenching duties of her job.
Definitely worth the drive to Owosso, A Jukebox for the Algonquin continues next weekend, Friday/Saturday 7:30 pm- 2 pm Sunday
Jane Zussman
G.L.U.T. List
(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)
cell 517-930-0932
http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net To review past emails as they were sent, click “About the G.L.U.T.” and choose “email list” from the drop-down menu — also check out the all-theatres calendar.
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