Going Somewhere?

Let me first qualify this by saying I'm not a theatre critic, but I do enjoy a night out for good theatre. Friday, July 25, 2008 qualified as such an event.

The overall title of the evening was "Going Somewhere?" and featured three short plays by fellow Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre Playwrights Workshop member Julie Greene. I had the incredible opportunity to be involved in the original readings of these plays during our Monday night workshops. Even early on, I knew they would make great productions, and I knew I was not alone in that assessment.

The first half of the evening opened with the two shorter pieces, "Higher Learning" and "Subway." Jeff Webster brought a convincing presence to Professor K and April Maylene as the student, Alina. The subtle, yet important, set and costume changes between the scenes only added to the authenticity of the piece.

Subway, the second piece, was even more spare in its set design and costuming. A simple "Parkview" sign on the black wall, a bench, a newspaper and briefcase were the only props, yet the story unfolded and kept a grip on the audience throughout. Paul Hauck as Andy delivered a fine performance, and in her second role of the evening, April Maylene provided Tiffany with the not-quite-open demeanor called for by the script. Forgetting it was the same actress, her first two appearances couldn't have been more different.

After an intermission of delicious dessert (or decadent, as the Thistle Dew's publicity likes to call it) we were treated to the jewel of the evening, "Flying to Santa Barbara." The story opens with four strangers at an airport trying to fly from San Francisco to Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara's airport is fogged in and the previously night's flight had been returned. Schedules were at risk, and each character had their own reasons for getting to their destination.

Lynette Blaney played Linda, Gay Cooper played Trudy, Jeff Webster returned as Connor and Dougie Pieper played Bryan. Casting was impeccable, and each character was totally believable, reacting to the situation expertly. But for me, the standout of the play was again April Maylene, who played five minor roles, each one requiring a costume change, and a complete personality shift. Her non-verbal acting as the stewardess was especially hilarious.

First time director Gail Hensley, also a member of the Playwrights Workshop, is to be commended on such a fine production. While I don't know where the dividing line between the actors and the director was, it's evident that her direction made the plays all the more enjoyable, exceeding my own expectations immeasurably.

Thanks go the cast, crew, Tom and Ellie and especially Julie for this work. While it was my first time seeing a play at Thistle Dew, it won't be my last.

P.S. In the interest of full disclosure, I must reveal that I had a small recorded part in the final play, making it altogether more pleasurable to be part of this production.