"Popcorn Falls": A Laugh-Out-Loud One-Act Delight

We’re going to put on a play.

“Popcorn Falls” is a 90-minute one-act play written by James Hindman and first produced off-Broadway in 2018. Mayor Trundle only has one week to produce a play to save the struggling “Popcorn Falls” from becoming a sewage treatment plant.

“Popcorn Falls” is a show that’s part of the Beverly Fringe fest directed by Michael Gravante. I caught a dress rehearsal, and be prepared to laugh because this is one funny show. This play evokes a positive message about theater and how it makes a difference to small communities.

Michael Gravante, from Lynnfield, graduated from Merrimack College in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts. Theater has been Gravante’s whole world since he was eight years old. He started directing in college and has since directed a variety of play festivals and was an assistant director for other community fringe festivals.

He wanted to direct “Popcorn Falls” in the Beverly Fringe Festival because the show has a unique structure and memorable story.

“‘Popcorn Falls’ marks my first solo full-length directing debut in the eastern MA/Greater Boston area,” Gravante said.

The magnificent Kellie Tropeano and Ally Lewis star in the play. Although it’s two actors, they test their Jekyll and Hyde abilities playing at least 20 characters throughout the play.

When casting, Gravante said he was looking for two actors who could handle playing multiple roles.

“It was very important to us that the citizens of Popcorn Falls were realistic and based on real-life people,” Gravante said. He explained that he took inspiration from media like “Gilmore Girls” and “Schitt’s Creek.”

Kellie Tropeano plays Mayor Trundle for the majority of the show. As a theater teacher in real life, Tropeano adds a genuine appeal to her character’s passion for theater. Mayor Trundle is insistent that bringing theater to a small town will make a difference.

You may know Ally Lewis as a hard-working stage manager for most community theaters, like Theatre Company of Saugus and Colonial Chorus Players. This performance marks Ally Lewis' first time back on the stage in over a decade. Lewis effortlessly switches between multiple characters throughout the play. It’s impressive to witness.

Tropeano and Lewis are excellent together, creating a compelling dynamic between their (many) characters.

In rehearsals, Tropeano said they worked on characterization and building chemistry. “It’s only the two of us! We need to fully rely on each other and trust that we have each other’s backs,” Tropeano said.

Gravante’s direction proves his talent in comedic delivery and smooth scene transitions. He finds the heart of the story. He also created unique ways to use the Montserrat College of Arts basement as a makeshift theater. It is creative in its minimal set use, familiar nostalgic soundtrack, and actors using their own vocal sound effects.

“If you have an amazing team by your side and a compelling story, that’s all that matters,” Gravante said.

Take my world, you will be laughing throughout this entire play. There’s clever wordplay and physical comedy. It felt like such a breath of fresh air to laugh.

“I hope audiences can sit back, relax, and laugh for a bit,” Gravante said.

This is what theater is all about. As the play embellishes, theater makes a difference. No matter what limited supplies we have, we can make it happen. As one character mentions, theater can only happen once, and through that short-lived experience, it brings relatable themes, characters, and situations to audiences.

“Popcorn Falls” performs June 12-14 at the Bowers at Montserrat at 248 Cabot Street in Beverly, MA. It’s quirky and heartwarming. Check out the rest of the Beverly Fringe Festival happening from June 11 through June 19. More information and ticket info are on the website.