American Stage's This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing

ST PETERSBURG — Prolific playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer’s This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing is a modern take on the fairytale genre, following triplets Albienne, Beatrix and Carmen as they set off on separate journeys after a wicked stepmother convinces their father to abandon them in a forest. It opened Friday night at American Stage in St. Petersburg.

This is a play that I liked so much better than I would have anticipated. Kruckemeyer’s creation is playful, poignant, and full of heart. It is a triumph of whimsy amid despair abetted by a rockin’ soundtrack and inspired performances. Albienne heads east to make her mark. Beatrix heads west in search of adventure while Carmen stands still, continuing to carry the world on her shoulders.

As the years go on, the sisters learn valuable lessons that fill in their respective blind spots in a heartwarming story of bravery, sisterhood, and the courage to discover their most authentic selves. The immense chemistry between the three equally-matched actresses is intrinsic to the play's success.

Noa Friedman is magnetic as Albienne, who channels her anger into a quest for justice that borders on bloodlust. Fahnlohnee Reeves gives a powerful performance as Beatrix, who is most forgiving of her father, yearning to reunite.

Kayland Jordan shrinks into a poignant performance as Carmen, the quiet sister who is too worried about others to be concerned with herself. Sarah Beth Saho is the glue that holds it all together, playing a rotation of roles that includes the father, a wisecracking pipe-smoking old lady, and even a feisty badger.

Directed by Helen R. Murray, This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing runs through Feb. 9 at the Raymond James Theatre in downtown St. Pete. Click here for schedule and ticket information.