If you are seeking an interesting evening of theatre, the Quests series of 10-minute plays is a fine selection. Of the three collections of short plays, it features the most diversity in theatrical genres and styles. There’s not a weak piece in the collection. – Steven McKnight
LOCAL PILGRIMAGE
By Philip Kaplan
Directed by Maryam Foye
Paul (Chris Aldrich) dreams of visiting Abraham Lincoln’s childhood home. For reasons best explained in the play, he winds up in the Brooklyn home of Mary (Beth Amann).
The play is a tribute to the power of imagination. Paul entices Mary with his ability to be thrilled by Lincoln’s history. While a normal person might call the police, Mary starts to join Paul in his enthusiasm for picturing the past.
Local Pilgrimage is a little charmer. Playwright Philip Kaplan has a touch for handling a couple from the “meet cute” to the clever dialogue. Local Pilgrimage is the type of short play that makes you want to see more of the playwright’s work.
OLD GRAY DEVIL
By Elizabeth Archer
Directed by Mark Kamie
Musical Direction: Elizabeth Dutton
Old Gray Devil is set in a travelling circus. When things go wrong in their act, a vengeful local community demands retribution against one of the troop’s biggest stars.
Old Gray Devil is one of the most interesting 10-minutes plays in this year’s Source Theatre Festival. It’s setting is about a century ago and the story is introduced and concluded with a female barbershop quartet (Beth Amann, Amie Cazel, Teresa Catherine, and Elizabeth Dutton, with Dutton providing the musical direction).
The story itself involves a funeral for a circus colleague. Characters include the ringmaster (Mark Ludwick), his wife (Stacey Whittle), the circus strongman (Rasik Ohal), and a young female performer (Sara Dabney Tisdale), as well as a local townie (Henry Lague).
The grief and recriminations of the funeral may not rise to their full potential. Nonetheless, kudos go to playwright Elizabeth Archer for tackling complex emotions in an interesting setting.
AFTER UNLOCKING THE UNIVERSE
By Susan Goodell
Directed by Orion Jones
Featuring Teresa Catherine, Amie Cazel, Jack Novak
Judith (Teresa Catherine) seeks guidance from a self-help guru (Amie Cazel) who promises the “keys to the universe.” She attempts to use this advice in a quest to improve her life.
As a result, Judith dumps her boyfriend (Jack Novak) and seeks a new job. While these changes initially seem an upgrade, Judith has some life lessons to experience.
After Unlocking the Universe is the evening broadest and most entertaining comedy. Playwright Susan Goodell’s work gets an entertaining production that features an enthusiastic performance by Catherine and fine direction from Orion Jones.
THE RELUCTANT GENIE OF NIAMEY
By Marine Gassier
Directed by Orion Jones
Featuring Jack Novak and Rasik Ohal
Have you ever considered what you would wish for if you ever met the proverbial Genie? Simon (Jack Novak) makes his three wishes, only to find that the outcome is far from ideal.
As a result, Simon makes a long quest to find the Genie (Rasik Ohal). The result is a complex exploration of the Simon’s motives in making the wishes and the emotions that may have colored their outcome and led to his regrets. Both actors give an intriguing depth to their portrayals.
If a classroom full of aspiring playwrights were assigned this scenario, few would produce such an interesting and thoughtful piece. Marine Gassier’s The Reluctant Genie of Niamey illustrates the special ability of theatre to combine intellect and emotion in telling a story.
THE WILD ONES
By Molly Hagan
Directed by Mark Kamie
A couple makes a drastic change in their lives in the ironically titled The Wild Ones. The couple hopes that that this transformation will lead to greater closeness in their relationship and overall happiness.
The story is told by the couple. Meg (Elizabeth Dutton) and Joe (Mark Ludwick) simply take turns describing who led to their choice and how it is changing this lives. The nature of the transformation is an interesting surprise.
Playwright Molly Hagan has an interesting if fantastical relationship story to tell. Director Mark Kamie helps the two talented actors nail the gentle tone of this heart-warming piece.
CORN BREAD WITH RAISINS AND ALMONDS
By Benjamin Marshall
Directed by Maryam Foye
After the a personal loss it is natural to seek to hold onto mementos of the relationship. Normally such a mementos might include pictures or letter, but after Lauren (Beth Amann) loses Jake (Chris Aldrich), she pursues a favorite corn bread recipe.
Her quest initially takes her to Jake’s wealthy mother (Emily Morrison), a less than sympathetic figure. Ultimately it leads to Aimes (Keith Irby) who has good cause to resent Jake’s family and to treasure the recipe for his own reasons.
Playwright Benjamin Marshall’s piece takes on a mouthful in terms of personal history and feelings that require a decent amount of exposition. Yet in Corn Bread With Raisins and Almonds he demonstrates an adept ability to handle emotional complexity, and both Amann and Irby give memorable performances.
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