Vera Beren Archives - TheaterScene.net

Vera Beren

Packrat: The Quest por la Abundancia

January 13, 2026

Do we want to be led to a utopia full of shiny objects or can we find abundance at home, in friendship and family? Symbolically, and at times explicitly, Concrete Temple Theatre explores this ever-timely question in "Packrat: The Quest por la Abundancia," an inventive parable written and directed by Renee Philippi with puppetry, projections, and sets designed by Carlo Adinolfi. By offering well-paced visual and auditory surprises, it keeps viewers' attention for over an hour, which is no small feat. [more]

PackRat

February 3, 2020

Writer and director Renee Philippi’s appealing scenario is simple, heartfelt and dramatic. It’s realized by Ms. Philippi’s supreme command of stagecraft that revels in theatricality. Designer Carlo Adinolfi’s awesome cutouts, handheld and shadow puppet creations individualize the animals with striking expressive details. Mr. Adinolfi’s stylized set pieces thoroughly convey the look of a rustic environment and his arresting projections visualize varying locales and the animals’ dreams. The production is enhanced by the perfection of Eric Nightengale’s atmospheric lighting and sound design. Composer Lewis Flinn’s energizing original music veers from jaunty to appropriately moody as it complements the piece’s actions and emotions. [more]