Experience Punctuate4 Productions 'Simon Says' at Larcom Theatre

A pretty amazing thing is happening at the Larcom Theatre in Beverly, MA. Punctuate4 Productions is performing Mat Schaffer’s original play, Simon Says. Everyone involved with this supernatural show is excited for audiences to attend.

Simon Says is a 90-minute play by Mat Schaffer. The paranormal story is about Annie, a high school teacher who has lost her soulmate. Though not a believer in the afterlife, Annie finds herself at a seance, hoping to reconnect with her late husband.

Simon Says was written by Boston resident, Mat Schaffer, in the 1990s. Schaffer has always had an interest in reincarnation, spirituality, and the paranormal. He enjoys reading supernatural authors such as Edgar Cayce (foremost American Psychic of the 20th Century), Brian Weiss ('Many Lives, Many Masters'), and Stephen King (whom he interviewed in the 80s!)

Inspiration arose when Schaffer went to see a psychic. It was hard making an appointment, but Schaffer was insistent. In this emotional experience, James (the psychic) read from a deck of Tarot cards, told him about specific people in his life and predicted Schaffer would receive a blanket. Two weeks later, Schaffer received a blanket for his birthday!

This extraordinary experience increased his interest in spirituality. Schaffer also took it as a sign to create Simon Says and name one of his characters after the psychic.

Simon Says has quite the production history. The first production was staged in the 2000s with more performances in the 2010s and 2020s. Since its evolution on multiple stages, the story has evolved into the current compelling production. Some people have seen it 7-8 times, noticing something new each viewing.

“Putting on a play is pretty complicated,” Schaffer describes the show process. “It’s a lot of moving pieces and individuals.” It wasn’t until interviewing the show’s now director, Myriam Cyr for her book, ‘Letters of a Portuguese Nun,’ that they built a connection.

During that interview, Schaffer gave Cyr a copy of his play, Simon Says. “Let’s work together!” they both agreed. The journey of this show has led Cyr and Schaffer to become best friends. Together, they have made all creative decisions in the latest version of the production.

Myriam Cyr, a Beverly resident, has been directing since her kids were little. Cyr’s main rule of thumb is to tell stories that matter. Some directing credits include Mary Poppins and My Fair Lady performed at Stage 284, where she is also the founder. Cyr also gives a shoutout to artistic director Katie Clarke-Robertson for all her hard work.

Cyr conducted extensive research on the show’s supernatural elements, even visiting a medium. The experience was incredible as she discovered there were people in heaven who wanted to communicate with her. It serves as a reminder that you never know what’s happening on the other side.

Auditions first started for Simon Says in August. Cyr looked all over for her cast members. The glue pieced together with Kayode Akinyemi, Molly Chiffer, and Malcolm Stuart Ingram. They have bonded, unpacked pieces, and tried different techniques in jam-packed rehearsals.

Each actor has a rich background in acting. You may have seen Kayode Akinyemi (James/Simon) in the British TV series, Vikings: Valhalla. Chiffer and Ingram have past theater connections with Cyr. This is the third production Cyr and Ingram (Williston) have done together, recently winning an Elliot Norton Award for a play at Gloucester Stage Company.

The whole process has been interesting. Schaffer has only been able to attend a couple of rehearsals, though he is thoroughly impressed with the actor's thorough study. “(The actors) think about the characters in much more detail than I do,” Schaffer commented during a rehearsal.

Molly Chiffer (Annie) has commended the fast and furious rehearsal process. Chiffer is based in New York and has been performing onstage and in front of the camera since an early age. Past credits include working with Meryl Streep and Amy Adams in John Patrick Shanley’s Doubt. She has also performed in Next to Normal (U/S Natalie & Diane), The Glass Menagerie (Laura Wingfield), and Party, a New York premiere directed by Myriam Cyr.

“I was immediately drawn to how much heart this play has,” Chiffer explains after Cyr sent her the script for Simon Says. Her role as Annie, a widowed school teacher, is complex. Chiffer explored grief and imagination, uncovering layers to flesh out her character’s experiences.

No theater production ever goes on without the help of a skilled tech crew. According to Cyr, the show’s technical work is outstanding, boasting an excellent tech team responsible for designing special effects, sound, and costumes. All elements are essential to creating the show’s supernatural experience. The lighting crafted by light designer Len Schnabel plays a key role in enhancing this aspect.

Simon Says has changed extensively, but the main idea has always stayed the same. It’s a relatable story about second chances and choosing love over fear. There’s always hope for something else no matter what happens.

“No spoilers!” everyone involved has specified. Audiences are in for a whirlwind rollercoaster of emotions. For fans of the supernatural genre or any theater lover, get tickets to see Simon Says at the Larcom Theatre in Beverly, MA from October 16 - October 27.