Armada at Utica University most definitely delivered on its promise of a swashbuckling, high energy spectacle this past weekend. Having the opportunity to see it come to life during Saturday’s matinee performance was quite special. From start to finish, Armada was not only engaging, but quite impressive in both its technical execution and ensemble performance.
The play, written by advanced acting professor Jim Drake, tells the story of the Spanish Armada’s attempted invasion of England in 1588. While rooted in historical events, the production kept the story accessible and entertaining, balancing moments of tension with humor that keeps the audience invested. That balance was portrayed throughout the performance, as serious scenes of conflict were often highlighted with well-timed comedic relief which had the audience in laughter.
One of the elements of the production that really stood out was its set design. Laura Salvaggio, theatre professor and set designer, had a vision that allowed the stage to transform between different locations quite flawlessly, which allowed the story to flow without interruption. The costumes were equally impressive, helping establish the time period while giving each character a distinct presence of their own.
One of the most mentioned aspects leading up to the show was its stage combat and they most definitely delivered. The sword fighting was phenomenal and definitely the result of detailed choreography and dedicated rehearsal. Not only were there swords and daggers, but there were also cannons. These cannons shot smoke rings out toward the audience and it was a moment that quite literally blew me away. It was an unexpected technical touch that added to the production.
Beyond the technical aspect, the cast’s chemistry was something that stuck out to me. You could see that everyone on stage had put in a tremendous amount of hard work and enjoyed performing together. That collaboration translated into such an engaging performance that kept the audience thoroughly entertained.
If there was one small area that could use refinement, it would be the staging in certain scenes. There were a few moments where my view of the action was blocked by other actors on stage, making it difficult to fully follow what was happening. In one instance, the audience reacted with laughter to a moment I couldn’t quite see, which took me slightly out of the experience. While this didn’t take away from the overall quality of the production, adjusting positioning in those moments could help ensure every audience member has a clear view.
Armada turned out to be a strong production that lived up to its preview. With its storytelling, impressive technical elements, and clearly dedicated cast, it provided an afternoon of entertaining theatre that showcased the talent and hard work of everyone involved.
