FLEETWOOD MAC's MIRAGE - REMASTERED, REISSUED, AND REVISITED!

Fleetwood Mac's 1982 release MIRAGE is an interesting return from the band's ambitious if not overwrought TUSK from 1979.

At first listen it sounds like they are licking their wounds after the commercial backlash of TUSK, and at times they almost play it too safe.

The lead single is Christine McVie's "Hold Me," a smart choice as her contributions are usually anchored in solid songwriting and production values. It's unusually quirky for McVie, but Lindsey Buckingham's crisp tenor complements her trademark honey-coated alto. Her piano licks are catchy and light, and this was the perfect release for that summer. Spending an impressive yet agonizing seven weeks at #4, this is one of the band's most successful tracks.

McVie's "Love In Store," the album's third single, is as light and breezy as a summer afternoon and reached #22. It probably could have benefited from  another go-around in the recording studio to provide with a bit more structure and backbone.

"Only Over You" showcases her signature voice well. Her dreamlike, ethereal approach is a unique approach for her, but the song never quite finds its grounding musically.

She fares better on "Wish You Were Here," which closes the album. It is a genuine Christine McVie ballad that highlights her superior work on the keys, complemented by Mick Fleetwood's solid drumming.

The second single is "Gypsy," a lyrical and musical masterpiece written by Stevie Nicks. Originally intended for her first solo release, producers Richard Dashut, Ken Caillat, and the band find the magic here. The musicology brilliantly brings to life her superior words. Although it stalled at #12, "Gypsy" has become a justified classic.

"Straight Back," demonstrates very well how Nicks can begin a song in one direction but veer off in another and somehow manage to get away with it. At times, however, it sounds less like a group effort and more of a solo one; McVie's backing vocals in the second verse almost sound like an afterthought.

Stevie's other contribution "That's Alright" is an upbeat tune complete with sing-along chorus reminding one of camping in the woods at night. Another run in the studio could have offered the song's country flavor with a bit more spice.

The five songs from Lindsey Buckingham are as pleasantly quirky as he is but seem to lack the angle and experimentation of his previous days, as if he is taking a step back to safer grounds.

The 1950s-inspired, "Oh Diane" was a cute #9 hit in the UK but failed to chart in the US.

His "Book of Love" and "Can't Go Back" are stronger musically than lyrically but don't quite reach the depths they could have.

"Empire State" and "Eyes of the World" provide more of edge with the latter's razor-sharp guitar solo reminding one of "Go Your Own Way."

There is much to celebrate in this album's reissue.

It might not be their strongest effort, but MIRAGE provides a nice balance to Fleetwood Mac's catalog.

SIGNIFICANT OTHER @ SPEAKEASY

Director Paul Daigneault has always been successful at finding the moments within the moments, and his latest production of SIGNIFICANT OTHER by Joshua Harmon is another great addition to his resume.

As audience members we immediately believe that Kiki, Laura, Vanessa, and Jordan are close-knit friends, probably getting closest while in their twenties. Kiki is played with incredible exuberance by Sarah Elizabeth Bedard, and she is the first of the three women to reach a certain age and decide - as if overnight - it is time to get married.

She is followed by Vanessa, portrayed with sharp wit and somber undertones by Kris Sidberry. Then there is Laura played by Jordan Clark who discovers the many layers in this complex person.

Harmon's script is hilarious right out of the gate, but as with most comedies, its humor is anchored in reality. The reality here is the harsh reminder that even the most non-traditional personalities find themselves yearning for a more conventional life. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is a dilemma for male pal Jordan Berman who appears he would have been happier if they had all remained single and/or married each other. This is not out of immaturity; quite the opposite. He even defends himself in several conversations that are both painfully realistic and realistically painful.

Which brings us to Greg Maraio who plays our lead. Greg made an impressive debut @ SpeakEasy in Necessary Monsters followed by an even more impressive performance in Casa Valentina, but it was his performance in a recent staged reading when this pundit literally sat up and took notice. It was at that moment when it was obvious that something extraordinary was happening; Greg's natural talent is nothing shy of a marvel. He is very comfortable playing characters like Jordan who are uncomfortable with themselves, but he has the ability to display every emotion and character arc effortlessly while being mature and professional enough not to take over the stage, even though Jordan can. He doesn't act like Jordan; he becomes enveloped by Jordan. With good looks reminding one of Jonathan Graff, it is baffling to know that this is just the beginning for Greg. His talent is borderline ridiculous.

He shares the stage with Kathy St. George who is both lovely and lovable as his grandmother, and her comic timing has always been impeccable.

Eddie Shields and Jared Troilo have the difficult task of floating in and out of multiple characters, but they do so with such credibility and ease.

Tyler Kinney's incredible costume design is one of the most subtle yet deliberant that one has seen in years.

There are reasons why the set by Christopher and Justin Swader is monochromatic when focusing on Jordan and his friends, but slightly colorful and filled - if not slightly cramped - when addressing the grandmother. The choices are very sophisticated.

A shout out also has to be presented to the lighting and sound design who fill out this first-rate production.

Even though SIGNIFICANT OTHER is a comedy, it does force one to think about life and choices, specifically when it comes to friends and lovers. Sometimes we don't find the answer, but you need to find yourself purchasing tickets and share this experience.

http://www.speakeasystage.com

Random Thought 105

If you are seeing too many red lights, SWITCH LANES!!