Latest news with #WHAT
Boston Globe
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
There's no defense for ‘Sacco & Vanzetti's Divine Comedy'
And then the play begins. When you stagger out of the theater two-and-a-half excruciating hours later, it is with the bleak realization that what you've just seen — and heard, alas — is indeed special. But in all the wrong ways. Advertisement Let's stipulate that no one ever sets out to write a bad play or give a bad performance. (And there is one very, very bad performance in a crucial role). So you're left wondering how director Tim Habeger and WHAT's producing artistic director Christopher Ostrom — who skillfully handled the scenic, lighting, and projection design — could have lavished so much attention on design elements while not fixing the thing at the heart of the entire enterprise: the script. With immigration currently a hot topic in America, playwright Rice does get points for timeliness. His protagonists are Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, both Italian immigrants who became committed anarchists. In 1921, they were convicted of robbery and murder in the killings of shoe factory paymaster Fred Parmenter and security guard Alessandro Berardelli, in what was then South Braintree. Their trial took place in Dedham Superior Court, with Judge Webster Thayer presiding. Advertisement Anti-radical and anti-immigrant fever were both running high in the 1920s. Sacco and Vanzetti's case became, and remained, a cause célèbre. Many supporters believed they were innocent, that they were being punished for their political views and immigrant status. (Three decades after their deaths, in his great poem, 'America,' Allen Ginsberg wrote: 'America Sacco & Vanzetti must not die.') In 1927, they were executed. Maybe their convictions amounted to a miscarriage of justice, and maybe they didn't. Rice doesn't really try to make a persuasive case, or propound new ideas about the case. Christopher Eastland, as Sacco, and Jon Vellante, as Vanzetti, deliver reasonably competent performances, even though Rice's script requires them to speak with Italian accents so stereotypical they would have embarrassed Chico Marx. The same goes for Kathy McCafferty as Rosina Sacco, Nicola's wife, who seems to have escaped from Tennessee Williams's 'The Rose Tattoo.' Yes, the exaggerated accents, hand-waving, and constant cacophony are meant to satirize the anti-Italian prejudices of the era. But that doesn't make it any less grating to sit through. Rice and Co. might also see all of this as wholly consistent with the anything-goes ethos of farce. If so, the minimum obligation is to be funny. 'Sacco & Vanzetti's Divine Comedy' is not. It registers like an episode of ' As the courtroom bailiff, who ultimately goes over to the side of the defendants, Robin Bloodworth manages to eke out a few chuckles. It is Judge Thayer who's meant to be the villain of the piece. He tosses around anti-Italian slurs, calls Sacco and Vanzetti 'anarchist scum,' and isn't burdened by any of that innocent-until-proven-guilty stuff. But it's impossible to take the judge seriously as a figure of evil because Stephen L. Russell's performance is so off-kilter, whether measured by comic timing, line readings, or overall characterization. Advertisement Maybe Russell was having a bad night on Friday. It happens. The structure of the play, which soon grows wearisome, is: The judge is set up like a bowling pin, and then knocked down by the others. He says something, and they ridicule him. Rinse and repeat, over and over. To call the judge one-dimensional is to understate the case. And he's stuck within some of the show's most inane dialogue. A couple of examples: Judge: 'Take that back! That is an order.' Bailiff: 'No, that is a gun.' Judge: 'There are no good anarchists. The only good anarchist is a dead anarchist.' Judge: 'Over my dead body.' Vanzetti: 'We have some 'friends' who can arrange that.' Judge: 'De Maximus!' Bailiff: 'The Minibus.' Those lines are not outliers. So many scenes have the beginnings of an idea, only for them to go nowhere. While enduring the endless onstage japery, one's eyes are occasionally drawn to WHAT's proscenium arch, on which are inscribed the words: 'Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.' Well, Dante old pal, it can't be said that you didn't warn us. SACCO AND VANZETTI'S DIVINE COMEDY Play by Kevin Rice. Directed by Tim Habeger. Original music and lyrics, Michael Sottile. Scenic design, Christopher Ostrom. Presented by Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, Wellfleet. Through July 26. Tickets $15-$55. At and 508-349-9428 Advertisement Don Aucoin can be reached at
Associated Press
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
WHAT by Anthony Prebor Expands the Acclaimed ?: QUESTION Mystery Series
Book 2 of the emotionally charged QUESTION series explores trauma, truth, and the weight of asking 'What happened?' PHILADELPHIA, PA, UNITED STATES, June 14, 2025 / / -- Anthony Prebor Releases WHAT, the Gripping Second Installment in the Acclaimed ?: QUESTION Mystery Series A Dark, Emotional Thriller That Explores the Complexities of Trauma, Disappearance, and Truth Following the success of WHO, the powerful debut in the ?: QUESTION mystery anthology, author Anthony Prebor returns with WHAT—a haunting and thought-provoking new novel that deepens the emotional impact of the series while delivering gripping suspense and psychological complexity. Part of an innovative anthology structured around the six classic interrogatives—Who, What, When, Where, Why—each book in the ?: QUESTION Series stands on its own while subtly interweaving characters and themes. In WHAT, readers are drawn into a chilling case of disappearance and hidden trauma as the story asks not just what happened, but what truth are we willing to face? 'I wanted this series to do more than just entertain,' says Prebor. 'Each story is about how we confront the hardest questions—personally, socially, even morally.' Prebor's unique blend of character-driven suspense and social relevance continues in WHAT, challenging readers to engage with complex emotions and real-world issues. Notable Elements: Builds on the acclaimed foundation of WHO, with fresh characters and a standalone storyline Tackles themes of memory, loss, and the ripple effects of trauma Part of proceeds donated to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Sandy Hook Promise Strong appeal to fans of suspense, psychological thrillers, and social commentary About the Author Anthony Prebor is the author of the ?: QUESTION mystery anthology series, blending edge-of-your-seat mystery with deeply emotional themes. His work explores disappearance, trauma, and the enduring impact of unresolved questions. A portion of all book proceeds goes to causes close to his heart, including NCMEC and Sandy Hook Promise. Based in Philadelphia, Anthony continues to build a powerful series that resonates beyond the page. Book Details • Title: WHAT (The ?: QUESTION Series Book 2) • Author: Anthony Prebor • Series: The ?: QUESTION Series • Genre: Mystery / Psychological Thriller / Suspense • Formats: Paperback, eBook • Available in: USA & Canada • Available on CraveBooks Anthony Prebor Crave Books email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Other Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Autonomous vehicles enter the protest; UNFI cyberattack; tracking freight theft
On Episode 847 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking about a cyberattack that currently has truckers stuck at United Natural Foods (UNFI), one of America's largest food distributors. How much will it hurt the food supply chain? Autonomous Waymos are being exploited in Los Angeles by protesters who summon them then set them on fire. We'll look at whether autonomous trucks will be exploitable in the future. According to CargoNet, freight thefts were up 27% from 2023 to 2024. Tive's Richie Daigle stops by the studio to talk about how the company's trackers are recovering stolen loads. Train travel has really fallen off this century, but a new company has eyes on making it great again. Dreamliner's Joshua Dominic tells us about a luxury overnight train from Los Angeles to San Francisco that the company plans to launch prior to the 2028 FMCSA ends DEI rules for CDLs; project44's ambitious new plan; and more. Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM's Road Dog Trucking Channel 146. Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch storeVisit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts The post Autonomous vehicles enter the protest; UNFI cyberattack; tracking freight theft | WHAT THE TRUCK?!? appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Secure Roads & Safe Trucking Act; escaping Yellowknife; theft victim speaks
On Episode 842 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is looking at a scorching hot freight market in Savannah, Georgia. The port is seeing record container volumes, and the market is very tight with outbound tender rejects over 23%. The Secure Roads & Safe Trucking Act just passed in Oklahoma. American Truckers United's Shannon Everett and Harvey Beech talk about how the bill will take unsafe drivers off the roads. We'll also learn what else needs to be done, and we'll get his reaction to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signing the English Language Proficiency executive order. An $83 million freight fraud ring was busted early this week in Southern California. DK Consulting's Dwight Young drops by the studio to talk about the time he was a victim of a cargo theft ring and the long-lasting impacts it has on operators in this space. In 2023 over 20,000 residents of Yellowknife in Canada had to evacuate due to a devastating fire. Today, we'll meet a trucker, Darko Vidakovic, who had to drive over 3 miles in reverse to escape the blaze. Plus, a container ship in Norway almost hits a house, North Korea gives new meaning to drop shipping and more. Time Stamps 3:15 My freight theft story | Dwight Young15:10 Container ship almost hits house 15:50 Escaping the Yellowknife fire in a semi | Darko Vidakovic 27:00 North Korea's drop shipping 27:30 Duffy signs the EO | American Truckers United 35:17 The Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act | American Truckers United Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM's Road Dog Trucking Channel 146. Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch storeVisit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts The post Secure Roads & Safe Trucking Act; escaping Yellowknife; theft victim speaks | WHAT THE TRUCK?!? appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Driver charged in fatal Mother's Day crash; from trucker to AI dispatch founder
On Episode 838 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner has an update on the Mother's Day crash that claimed two lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Amazon driver, Joseph Antoinier, has been charged and the victims have been identified. Now the victims are trying to pick up the pieces after losing a beloved father. Visit the crash victims' GoFundMe. Bradley Little went from CDL driver to AI dispatch founder. We'll find out how the freight recession almost knocked him down for the count and how he plans to come back harder than ever with his new company, Trucker Buddy. John DeCillo is a Landstar BCO and expert at rating the strap work. We'll get his POV on how the market is looking, how to secure a load, regulations and English language proficiency enforcement. Plus; 'Final Destination' log scene lives rent-free in our minds; Roadcheck check; FMCSA removes eight ELDs; and more. Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM's Road Dog Trucking Channel 146. Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store Visit our sponsorSubscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts The post Driver charged in fatal Mother's Day crash; from trucker to AI dispatch founder | WHAT THE TRUCK?!? appeared first on FreightWaves.
