Friends, February 2018 is rich in amazing theater. Once you've recovered from that big sports game that is allegedly here sometime soon, go support one of our fantastic theaters! YEAH! Um, skol?
Here are a few of the over 31 (!) shows that are opening around February for which we are the most excited. Here's why you should put them on your list as well.
Showing posts with label DalekoArts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DalekoArts. Show all posts
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Friday, December 8, 2017
Holiday Shows 2017 - No Carols, Extra Quirk
Are your Christmas movie tastes more on The Ref side than It's a Wonderful Life? Us too.
Sure, we love our Grinches, our Carols (and Caroles), Hershels and Nativities, but sometimes you just need to try something new, quirky, funny and/or dark.
Check out these shows that have more than a little twist to them, and support our smaller theaters this holiday season!
(Sorted by closing date, FYI.)
Khephra: A Hip Hop Holiday Story - Open Eye Figure Theatre (11/30 - 12/9)
In Short: A story of a young girl's journey from Africa to America and how she finds her true voice through poetry and hip hop.
Why Go? Look at this creative team!!! Created and performed by Shá Cage with collaborators:
E.G. Bailey (director), Rico Mendez (composer/musician), Ta-Coumba Aiken (scenic designer), Michael Sommers (puppet & prop design), Janaki Ranpura (design consultant), Edna Stevens (movement), Jamela Pettiford (vocalist), Destiny Anderson (performer), and Alissa Paris (performer). I mean, how can you not want to see this? Also, 50 minutes. Sweet.
A Doll's House - Presented by The Orchard Theater Collective at the James J. Hill House (12/1-4, 12/8-10)
In Short: "Set in a Norwegian town towards the end of the 19th century, this theatrical phenomenon by Henrik Ibsen follows the fate of Nora Helmer, a married woman with limited opportunities for self fulfillment in a male dominated society. It explores the relevant themes of identity, femininity, marriage, parenthood, and selfishness."
The World Crime League's F**ked-Up Xmas Special - Phoenix Theatre (12/7 - 12/10)
In Short: "This holiday play festival will consist of nine plays, all of which are making their Twin Cities premiere, and all of which explore the more twisted avenues of the holiday season."
Oncoming Productions Ruins Christmas - Strike Theater (12/15 and 12/16)
North Pole 1973 - Strike Theater (12/8 - 12/17)
In Short: "'Join Strike Theater for a play about the greatest Christmas story ever told...'
Why Go? The CAST: Debra Berger, Allison Witham, Andy Rocco Kraft and Mike Fotis
Also This: "Directed by: The delicate hand of God. J/K Mike Fotis"
Blackout presents: Bah Hum-Black - Blackout Improv at Mixed Blood Theatre (12/18)
In Short: "Tis the reason for the season, so lets start cheesin'! Come watch our team take on the most offensive of holiday seasons in MN, winter. This show will have lots of laughs, some church, and definitely seasonal swag!"
Why Go? Because you should take every opportunity you can to see this amazing improv show featuring some of the wittiest, sharpest and woke (are we still saying that?) actors/theater artists in the Twin Cities. Role call! John Gebretatose, Ashawnti Ford, Duck Washington, Alyssa DiVirgillio, Joy Dolo, Theo Langason, and Khary Jackson on the Keys.
Christmas Storiessz V: Silent Night - Sheep Theater at the Southern (12/22, 12/23)
In (Not) Short: "When the world last saw Detective Dick Mahoney he had just used Frosty the Snowman as a nuclear warhead to blow up a meteor heading right for planet Earth saving humanity and in the process, killing Santa Claus. Now it’s a year later and Christmas is no more, Santa has not been heard from nor has Dick Mahoney. The FBI goes looking for Dick Mahoney when a mysterious present shows up underneath a tree. Presented by Catholic St. Solomon’s Catholic Middle Catholic Private School as part of their annual Christmas Pageant. Christmas Storiessz V: Silent Night will teach you to love again and find out that there is a little Santa inside of all us, which should trouble us deeply."
Why Go? See above. Also, our Twin Cities Theater Blogger friends speak highly of Sheep Theater's past shows and they are v. smart.
A Chris Smith Christmas Carol - Daleko Arts (12/1 - 12/31)
Also for your December consideration:
Feast of Fools - Interact at the Lab Theater (11-15 - 12/9) - Support Interact and their important work.
Hatchet Lady - Walking Shadow at Red Eye Theatre (12/1 - 12/16) - Cause it's SO not holidays.
The Terror Fantastic - 20% Theatre Company at the Crane (12/1 - 12/16) - Support 20% and their important work. Also, the show art led me to the amazingness of Toby Allen's Real Monsters project which explores mental illness through character design.
A Klingon Christmas Carol - at the Historic Mounds Theatre (12/1 - 12/23) - If Star Trek is your jam.
Coco's Diary - History Theatre (11/25 - 12/23) - Okay, this might be heartwarming. Sorry!
Nutcracker (not so) Suite - James Sewell Ballet at the Cowles Center (12/15 - 12/30) - Now featuring Bradley Greenwald!
A Stocking Full of Awesome: The Wreath of Khan - The Danger Committee at Brave New Workshop ETC (11/24 – 1/6/18) - If you like a little danger with your holidays.
Happy Holiday Theatergoing!
Sure, we love our Grinches, our Carols (and Caroles), Hershels and Nativities, but sometimes you just need to try something new, quirky, funny and/or dark.
Check out these shows that have more than a little twist to them, and support our smaller theaters this holiday season!
(Sorted by closing date, FYI.)
Khephra: A Hip Hop Holiday Story - Open Eye Figure Theatre (11/30 - 12/9)
 |
| Sha Cage (photo by Mark Vancleave) |
Why Go? Look at this creative team!!! Created and performed by Shá Cage with collaborators:
E.G. Bailey (director), Rico Mendez (composer/musician), Ta-Coumba Aiken (scenic designer), Michael Sommers (puppet & prop design), Janaki Ranpura (design consultant), Edna Stevens (movement), Jamela Pettiford (vocalist), Destiny Anderson (performer), and Alissa Paris (performer). I mean, how can you not want to see this? Also, 50 minutes. Sweet.
In Short: "Set in a Norwegian town towards the end of the 19th century, this theatrical phenomenon by Henrik Ibsen follows the fate of Nora Helmer, a married woman with limited opportunities for self fulfillment in a male dominated society. It explores the relevant themes of identity, femininity, marriage, parenthood, and selfishness."
Why Go? This classic Ibsen play is performed at the gorgeous James J. Hill House (which apparently has amazing acoustics given there was a bagpipe contest there the same night we saw the show). Directed by Craig Johnson and featuring a strong (and young!) cast that make this 1879 play feel fresh, relevant and contemporary. A wonderful version of a classic play performed in a lovely holiday setting.
The World Crime League's F**ked-Up Xmas Special - Phoenix Theatre (12/7 - 12/10)In Short: "This holiday play festival will consist of nine plays, all of which are making their Twin Cities premiere, and all of which explore the more twisted avenues of the holiday season."
Why Go? With Christmas shows that feature evil little girls, zombies, attempted assassinations, vampires and all sorts of wicked propositions, how can you go wrong?
Oncoming Productions Ruins Christmas - Strike Theater (12/15 and 12/16)
In Short: "Sure… the winter holidays are a time for friends and family, for home and hearth and happiness. But it is no coincidence they fall at the coldest, darkest part of the year, when mystery and mortality live right outside the front door. Come join Oncoming Productions as we explore the myth, fiction, and reality behind the REAL spookiest time of the year."
Why Go? Because Oncoming Productions does really interesting work. The Last Bombardment (Fringe 2017) and Deep Dark (TCHF IV) were both spooky, fascinating shows. And sometimes, you just have to go dark.
Why Go? Because Oncoming Productions does really interesting work. The Last Bombardment (Fringe 2017) and Deep Dark (TCHF IV) were both spooky, fascinating shows. And sometimes, you just have to go dark.
North Pole 1973 - Strike Theater (12/8 - 12/17)Why Go? The CAST: Debra Berger, Allison Witham, Andy Rocco Kraft and Mike Fotis
Also This: "Directed by: The delicate hand of God. J/K Mike Fotis"
Blackout presents: Bah Hum-Black - Blackout Improv at Mixed Blood Theatre (12/18)In Short: "Tis the reason for the season, so lets start cheesin'! Come watch our team take on the most offensive of holiday seasons in MN, winter. This show will have lots of laughs, some church, and definitely seasonal swag!"
Why Go? Because you should take every opportunity you can to see this amazing improv show featuring some of the wittiest, sharpest and woke (are we still saying that?) actors/theater artists in the Twin Cities. Role call! John Gebretatose, Ashawnti Ford, Duck Washington, Alyssa DiVirgillio, Joy Dolo, Theo Langason, and Khary Jackson on the Keys.
Christmas Storiessz V: Silent Night - Sheep Theater at the Southern (12/22, 12/23)
In (Not) Short: "When the world last saw Detective Dick Mahoney he had just used Frosty the Snowman as a nuclear warhead to blow up a meteor heading right for planet Earth saving humanity and in the process, killing Santa Claus. Now it’s a year later and Christmas is no more, Santa has not been heard from nor has Dick Mahoney. The FBI goes looking for Dick Mahoney when a mysterious present shows up underneath a tree. Presented by Catholic St. Solomon’s Catholic Middle Catholic Private School as part of their annual Christmas Pageant. Christmas Storiessz V: Silent Night will teach you to love again and find out that there is a little Santa inside of all us, which should trouble us deeply."Why Go? See above. Also, our Twin Cities Theater Blogger friends speak highly of Sheep Theater's past shows and they are v. smart.
Miss Richfield 1981 in 2020 VISION: A Holiday Survival Guide - Illusion Theater (12/1 - 12/23)
In Short: "Miss Richfield 1981 is back for the Holidays! 2020 Vision has new music, new videos, new chatter as well as all the important holiday traditions! We need Miss Richfield 1981 now more than ever!"
Why Go: Sure, Miss Richfield 1981 is a super fun holiday tradition for a lot of people, and I've seldom seen the concessions stand so swamped at the Illusion, but don't take Miss Richfield 1981 for granted. (We interviewed her last year.) She is amazingly skilled at working the crowd, a mistress of subversive humor, and smarter than she gets credit for. Also, so so so funny. Oh, how we laughed.
Do you know what it's like to laugh like that?
Why Go: Sure, Miss Richfield 1981 is a super fun holiday tradition for a lot of people, and I've seldom seen the concessions stand so swamped at the Illusion, but don't take Miss Richfield 1981 for granted. (We interviewed her last year.) She is amazingly skilled at working the crowd, a mistress of subversive humor, and smarter than she gets credit for. Also, so so so funny. Oh, how we laughed.
Do you know what it's like to laugh like that?
A Chris Smith Christmas Carol - Daleko Arts (12/1 - 12/31)
In Short: "Will Gary stumble in on yet another mess? Will Dino get lost in a roundabout? Will there be bongos?! The Main Street Holiday crew is back for another zany holiday adventure. Grab your tickets now to see what some of "New Pragoo's" most lovable and misguided fictional residents are up to this Chris Smith season."
Why Go? Daleko is doing really great work in slightly southern Minnesota. Also, day trip! Also, original holiday show with music! Yay!
The Polarizing Express - Brave New Workshop (11/10 - 1/27)
In Short: Brave New Workshop's Holiday Show
Why Go? "There will be laughter, there will be adult beverages of your choice, and of course, there will be 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'." (Two of those things are selling points for me.)
The Polarizing Express - Brave New Workshop (11/10 - 1/27)
In Short: Brave New Workshop's Holiday Show
Why Go? "There will be laughter, there will be adult beverages of your choice, and of course, there will be 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'." (Two of those things are selling points for me.)
Feast of Fools - Interact at the Lab Theater (11-15 - 12/9) - Support Interact and their important work.
Hatchet Lady - Walking Shadow at Red Eye Theatre (12/1 - 12/16) - Cause it's SO not holidays.
The Terror Fantastic - 20% Theatre Company at the Crane (12/1 - 12/16) - Support 20% and their important work. Also, the show art led me to the amazingness of Toby Allen's Real Monsters project which explores mental illness through character design.
A Klingon Christmas Carol - at the Historic Mounds Theatre (12/1 - 12/23) - If Star Trek is your jam.
Coco's Diary - History Theatre (11/25 - 12/23) - Okay, this might be heartwarming. Sorry!
Nutcracker (not so) Suite - James Sewell Ballet at the Cowles Center (12/15 - 12/30) - Now featuring Bradley Greenwald!
A Stocking Full of Awesome: The Wreath of Khan - The Danger Committee at Brave New Workshop ETC (11/24 – 1/6/18) - If you like a little danger with your holidays.
Happy Holiday Theatergoing!
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Twelve Shows of Christmas!
In order to help you sort through the massively rich choices, here is our list of the shows we are most looking forward to and enjoying this holiday season!
A Very Asian Xmas 2016: The Holiday Party
Where: A-Mill Artist Lofts
When: Dec 12, 2016
Why We're In: Because last year's show left my cheeks hurting from smiling, and it made me want to go home and sing. I love that in a show. Read last year's review here!
Where: Illusion Theater
When: Dec 2 - 17, 2016
Why We're In: Because this year, more than any other year, I need to remember that there is utter hilarity in the world. Read our review here!
The Unscripted Minnesota Holiday
Where: Danger Boat Productions at Bryant Lake Bowl
When: Dec 1, 3, 8, 10, 17, 2016
Why We're In: Improv plus holiday plus musical theater. PLUS, this cast/creative: Lorna Landvik, Dane Stauffer, Max Beyer, Heather Meyer, and Lizzie Gardner. Music by Dennis Curley. Directed by Tane Danger.
Snowed Inn
Where: DalekoArts
When: Nov 25 - Dec 18, 2016
Why We're In: Even though the show is probably sold out completely by now, I want to give it a little love because of the fabulous premise: "After failed screenwriter Archie Ježek leaves the glitz and glamour of 1930s Hollywood to return to the small, Minnesota town where he grew up to run the family hotel, his dreams of a quiet, steady Midwestern life quickly devolve to madcap holiday hijinks and mayhem." Yes, please.
Where: Danger Boat Productions at Bryant Lake Bowl
When: Dec 1, 3, 8, 10, 17, 2016
Why We're In: Improv plus holiday plus musical theater. PLUS, this cast/creative: Lorna Landvik, Dane Stauffer, Max Beyer, Heather Meyer, and Lizzie Gardner. Music by Dennis Curley. Directed by Tane Danger.
Snowed Inn
Where: DalekoArts
When: Nov 25 - Dec 18, 2016
Why We're In: Even though the show is probably sold out completely by now, I want to give it a little love because of the fabulous premise: "After failed screenwriter Archie Ježek leaves the glitz and glamour of 1930s Hollywood to return to the small, Minnesota town where he grew up to run the family hotel, his dreams of a quiet, steady Midwestern life quickly devolve to madcap holiday hijinks and mayhem." Yes, please.
Where: James Sewell Ballet at The Cowles Center
When: Dec 2 – 18, 2016
Why We're In: Because how fun does this sound? "Johnson’s highly inventive and irreverent production is set in the 60’s, beginning on the Upper-East-Side and careening into a beatnik downtown vibe with a life-size Barbie doll. The production is full of colorful characters all accompanied by a musical mash-up of hip-hop, R&B, contemporary tracks, and Christmas carols."
Black Nativity
Where: Penumbra Theatre
When: Dec 1 - 23, 2016
Why We're In: This IS our holiday tradition. We've been with Black Nativity from the many happy years at the Fitzgerald Theater to the current run at Penumbra, and no matter what else changed, this is always a show of love and gorgeous music. Read last year's review here!
Where: Theater Latte Da at the Ritz Theater
When: Nov 30 – Dec 23, 2016
Why We're In: Because this sweet, affectionate show about Tod Petersen's real life Christmas memories is hilarious and poignant by turns. Also, sugar cookies! Read our review here!
Why We're In: Because this sweet, affectionate show about Tod Petersen's real life Christmas memories is hilarious and poignant by turns. Also, sugar cookies! Read our review here!
Where: Open Eye Figure Theater
When: Dec 8 - 23, 2016
Why We're In: From our good friend Cherry and Spoon: "Part science lesson (complete with visual aids), part history, part mystical spirituality, The Longest Night is the loveliest of celebrations of the season."
Where: Minneapolis Musical Theatre at Camp Bar
When: Dec 2 - 23
Why We're In: Because Minneapolis Musical Theatre is having an amazing run of amazing shows. Plus, Camp is a super fun place to see a show AND is in St. Paul. Read our review here!
When: Dec 2 - 23
Why We're In: Because Minneapolis Musical Theatre is having an amazing run of amazing shows. Plus, Camp is a super fun place to see a show AND is in St. Paul. Read our review here!
Where: Wurtele Thrust at Guthrie Theater
When: Nov 16 - Dec 30, 2016
Why We're In: It's never been a tradition for us, but with the fabulous racially diverse casting and all of the wonderful Guthrie resources on display AND only two hours with intermission, how can you go wrong? Read our review here!
The Norwegians
Where: Dark & Stormy Productions at Grain Belt Warehouse
When: Dec 8 - 30, 2016
Why We're In: Dark & Stormy always ends up on our holiday theater list. Sometimes, there's only so much sugar plums and 'bless us, every one' that you can take, and D & S always has the cure. Plus, a show about really nice hit men? Yes, please.
The Norwegians
Where: Dark & Stormy Productions at Grain Belt Warehouse
When: Dec 8 - 30, 2016
Why We're In: Dark & Stormy always ends up on our holiday theater list. Sometimes, there's only so much sugar plums and 'bless us, every one' that you can take, and D & S always has the cure. Plus, a show about really nice hit men? Yes, please.
Where: Ordway Center
When: Dec 8 - Dec 31, 2016
Why We're In: Look at the adorable Dieter Bierbrauer and Brian Sostek. How could we possibly not be in?
Okay, so that's twelve and I still have SO MANY SHOWS to tell you about! I'm turning things over to a few of our Twin Cities Theater Bloggers friends for a lightning round of recommendations.
The Room Where It Happens on A Very Die Hard Christmas
"If you need a pick-me-up this holiday season and want to see a wildly funny take on a classic 80s film, this show’s for you."
(at Bryant Lake Bowl through Dec 17)
Cherry and Spoon on A Gone Fishin' Christmas
"There's a reason that Yellow Tree's original Christmas plays are so popular and sell out virtually every performance - they are a perfect mix of heart and humor wrapped up in local jokes that we love so well, with a talented cast that makes these characters and the sweet and silly story sing (literally and figuratively)."(Yellow Tree Theater through Dec 11)
One Girl, Two Cities on The Averagers - Christmas War
"I’ll be the first to admit that it doesn’t take much to make me laugh. But it’s not often that I cry from laughing so hard..."(Comedy Suitcase at Bryant Lake Bowl through Dec 11)
Compendium on What the Elf?
"I mean come on, we all love The Christmas Carol and A Christmas Story, but every single year? Sometimes you need to mix it up a little."(Brave New Workshop through January 28)
"If you need a pick-me-up this holiday season and want to see a wildly funny take on a classic 80s film, this show’s for you."
(at Bryant Lake Bowl through Dec 17)
Cherry and Spoon on A Gone Fishin' Christmas
"There's a reason that Yellow Tree's original Christmas plays are so popular and sell out virtually every performance - they are a perfect mix of heart and humor wrapped up in local jokes that we love so well, with a talented cast that makes these characters and the sweet and silly story sing (literally and figuratively)."(Yellow Tree Theater through Dec 11)
One Girl, Two Cities on The Averagers - Christmas War
"I’ll be the first to admit that it doesn’t take much to make me laugh. But it’s not often that I cry from laughing so hard..."(Comedy Suitcase at Bryant Lake Bowl through Dec 11)
Compendium on What the Elf?
"I mean come on, we all love The Christmas Carol and A Christmas Story, but every single year? Sometimes you need to mix it up a little."(Brave New Workshop through January 28)
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Urinetown - DalekoArts: A Visual Review
Hi there! When I heard that DalekoArts--a lovely little theater in New Prague--was presenting Urinetown as the last show of their fourth season (running through June 12), I was intrigued.
Urinetown (improbably) premiered on Broadway in 2001. With music by Mark Hollmann, lyrics by Hollmann and Greg Kotis, and book by Kotis, Urinetown is a marvelously clever musical with gorgeous songs and hilarious lines. Here's the story from the Director's Note:
Anyhoo, we got to New Prague and DalekoArts safely and without incident. We quickly got over the hilarious irony of DalekoArts having just one bathroom.
We sat in the front row of this intimate theater. I mean, we were CLOSE.
I realize that, clearly, I'm going to need to subscribe to DalekoArts new season.
March yourself down to New Prague and see this amazing show.
In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides he's had enough, and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom!So naturally, we filled the car with theaterlovers and headed down to New Prague.
Maybe it was more like this:
We sat in the front row of this intimate theater. I mean, we were CLOSE.
Sometimes being too close at a musical can be a bit unnerving. And sometimes, as in this case ... it's amazing.
The show started, and I was like:
Why did I love it so?
From the first notes of the orchestra (beautifully led by musical director Anthony J. Sofie) and the tumbleweed that 'rolled' across the stage in a visual joke that set the tone immediately for the evening. That tone? Uproariously hilarious.
This production is practically perfect in every way. And the most important way is the tone.
If you're going to do Urinetown, you have to do it right, and dang, they do it right. You have to be sincere to sell this nutty show completely. You need to honor the hilarious lines and the fantastic and rousing melodies of the musical numbers at the same time that you are telling a story that is more than a little on the distasteful side.
And this production is TIGHT. Small space, smallish cast, and they don't miss a beat. Joshua Campbell and the cast add so much humor to an already hilarious show--they don't miss any opportunities to turn it up to, say, eleven.
Can we talk about this cast?
Ben Thietje as Bobby Strong is sincere, sweet and a little dim. Kendall Anne Thompson possesses one hell of a voice but still manages to portray Hope Cladwell with the right amount of (lack of?) depth. Paul Reyburn as Caldwell B. Cladwell, Kate Beahen as Penelope Pennywise, and Tom Karki as Officer Lockstock all portray their characters perfectly. Kim Kivens, as Little Sally? I didn't think that role could get any funnier, and yet, Kivens makes it even more bananas.
And let's not forget the ensemble.They are all so good, you literally don't know where to look.
I mean, this ensemble. COME ON. Five actors (Christine Karki, Mary Palazzolo-Rudquist, Beth Leona King, Zakary Morton, and Keith Hovis) who play sixteen characters. Without a hitch. The costume changes are amazing. No sooner does one of the actors head offstage that they come back as a completely different character.
Their voices are fantastic together. I don't think a cast three times their size could sound as amazing as they did. (Again, props to musical director Anthony J. Sofie.) I have to give a super special shoutout to Zakary Morton for his completely gonzo acting and amazing dance skills. And another to Keith Hovis for his amazingly quick changes--he is nearly unrecognizable when changing characters. I would go back to New Prague in a heartbeat just to see him as "Robby" in the "Snuff That Girl" scene. You'll know why if you see it.
And the dancing, choreographed by Erin Sheppard? Astonishing, especially given that the stage is rather petite.
In short, this show is amazing. You should see it. It will make you happy.
The musical theater references are all beautifully done, and it will make you love musical theater EVEN MORE than you do (which I assume you do, if you've actually read this far and recognize all of the gifs here.)
Congrats on an amazing production, DalekoArts.
March yourself down to New Prague and see this amazing show.
If you can't make it, that's fine.
In all seriousness, this show is bonkers and amazing and you should go see it. If I'd written a straight-up review of this show, it would have consisted of even more uses of the words "perfect","hilarious" and "beautiful" and eventually faded off into me insisting, "Just go see it! Dang it!"
I'll come with you! Let's run like this!
(Thanks to Playbill on Tumblr for the fab gifs.)
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
The Shape of Things - Daleko Arts
I can't think of a better place to start this spring resolution than DalekoArts in New Prague. I love this explanation of the name and a bit of the mission from their program:
"'Daleko' - a Czech word meaning 'far away' - reflects New Prague's strong bohemian roots, its spatial relationship to the cultural hub that is the Twin Cities, and the ensemble's desire to step back and examine the world from a new point of view.'"When we heard that DalekoArts was doing The Shape of Things by Neil LaBute, we were so in. Way to swing for the fences! And we were not disappointed.
Playing now through March 20, The Shape of Things is, for a Neil LaBute play, extremely accessible. The "nastiest parts of ourselves" as director Jamil Jude puts it in his Director's Note, are a bit less nasty than, for example, Fat Pig or In the Company of Men.
 |
| Mike Swan and Cristina Florencia Castro (photo provided by DalekoArts) |
That's the story, and to tell more would be giving away too much. I'll say this though: The production is well worth traveling to New Prague to see. (Less than an hour from the Cities!)
 |
| Mike Swan and Cristina Florencia Castro in perspective. (photo provided by DalekoArts) |
The music that plays in between scenes deserves its own ovation. Fun and contemporary, it's a perfect accompaniment to the efficient set changes and scene transitions. (Excellent use of the Klik Klak sofa bed, I have to say.). Also, I need the mixtape based on this show.
This play runs a brisk 90 minutes with no intermission. The dialogue, especially as delivered by Castro and Swan as Evelyn and Adam, flows naturally with excellent pacing. Swan in particular lends an endearing humor to his scenes, and undergoes a believable transformation. Castro, despite an unnerving resemblance to The Good Wife's Sarah Steele, gives a multi-dimensional and sympathetic performance of a character who could be quite unpleasant.
One more tip: Don't rush too quickly out of the theater when you've seen the show. Take a quick left when you reach the lobby. (Not a right, that's the bathroom.) Trust me.
Fun fact: Elvis Costello did the music for the 2003 film of The Shape of Things starring Paul Rudd and Rachel Weisz. Could that film BE any whiter? So pleased that DalekoArts did not follow that lead.
(co-written by Carly and Jules)
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