One of the joys of the Source Theatre Festival’s 10 Minute Plays is the variety of themes and genres. Whether achieved through selection, serendipity, or a combination, these collections make an enjoyable evening of theatre. In this particular set of plays, however, the comic works are generally more satisfying than the serious ones.
MATH: A SHORT PLAY ABOUT HEIDEGGER
By T. Adamson
Directed by Nick Martin
A bear (Devon Ross) is attracted to a pretty girl (Farah Lawal Harris) who studies math. The bear decides to impress her by learning math as well, which necessitates trips to a math teacher and also a wizard (both played by Seth Rosenke) when complications arise.
The play has a charming comedic tone reminiscent of the “Fractured Fairy Tales” from the classic Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoon television shows. Devon Ross makes an appealing protagonist facing funny frustration from people who don’t take him seriously, romantic complications, and the discovery that there are different types of math.
Math is a delightful opener to this collection. Playwright Philip Kaplan has a fine touch for handling the story, making even the narration pleasingly amusing. It is a play with a short fable that is just right for a 10 minute play.
By Rich Espey
Directed by Bridget Grace Sheaff with Kimberlee Ann McDaniel Wolfson and Tori Boutin. (Photo: Daniel Corey)
BALL DROP
By Rich Epsey
Directed by Bridget Grace Sheaff
Imagine how couples might react to the realization that the sun is fading away and life on earth will soon become a cold and endless night. That‘s the intriguing setup for Ball Drop.
The twist comes when young astronomer Analemma (Tori Boutin) believes she has evidence that the trend is reversing based upon shadows on a mountaintop “Time Stick” (personified by Kimberlee Wolfson). Her lover Zenith (Frank Cervarich) is skeptical of the opinion and just wants to get his pretty but unusual girlfriend back to the end-of-the-world partying.
The premise is interesting and the statements by the Time Stick have a weighty metaphysical heft. Yet Ball Drop’s story and central relationship seem underdeveloped in a story that could be more successful in a longer format.
DISSECTION
By Stephen Spotswood
Directed by Jenna Duncan
Dissection is the first and most successful of the serious pieces. Maggie (Jennifer Osborn) examines her relationship with her lover and later estranged wife Jennifer (Aaren Keith).
The clever device of this play is that it literally begins with Jennifer on a dissection table. As physician Maggie tries to analyze milestones in her relationship gone sour, she uses a scalpel that yields pieces of paper and small relationship mementos from Jennifer’s clothing, leading to flashback scenes between the two lovers.
Playwright Stephen Spotswood has found a novel and appropriately disturbing metaphor for the often painful way we scrutinize troubled romances. Dissection also benefits from a powerful and convincing bond between Jennifer Osborn and Aaren Keith.
Directed by Jenna Duncan — with Jennifer Osborn and Frank Raymond Cervarich III. (Photio: Daniel Corey)
BOTH SIDES, NOW
By Elizabeth Archer
Directed by Jenna Duncan
Have you ever been so in love that you wanted to be permanently connected to your soulmate? The story of a conjoined couple (Jennifer Osborn and Frank Cervarich) may make you more careful of what you wish for.
The couple visits a medical team to explore the physical and emotional consequences of separation. While the angry and amusing bickering between them is entertaining enough, it is supplemented by the comedy between the Doctor (Aaren Keith), Surgeon (Devon Ross), and Therapist (Hilary Kelly).
The innovative invention underlying Elizabeth Archer’s story is too delicious to spoil. Let’s just say that this is different kind of love story that fully realizes its hilarious potential and is one of the highlights of the evening.
Shorts: Love & Botany
Recommended
June 5 – 28
Source
1835 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC
1 hour, 15 minutes
Tickets: $10 – $32
Details and Tickets or call 866.811.4111
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LIMIT: A FUNCTION OF WORD AND THOUGHT
By Alison Donnelly
Directed by Nick Martin
A couple is involved in a car crash. In the split microseconds of the event the couples revisits their history together.
Vi (Farah Lawal Harris) and Ef (Seth Rosenke) have a thorny relationship. Complications include different feelings about love and each other, as well as a difficult relationship with Ef’s mother.
Playwright Alison Donnelly has obvious gifts of perception and writing ability. Limit may have the most quotable lines of the six works (one comparing love to bedbugs is particularly memorable). Yet the story feels a little rushed, leaving audience members a little unfulfilled yet looking forward to how she will utilize her gifts in a fuller drama.
THE PHYSICS OF NOW
By Alex Dremann
Directed by Bridget Grace Sheaff
Jake and Dagney are working on a formula that will unlock the key to time travel. Dagney (Tori Boutin) is more devoted to working out the complicating mathematical formula, while Jake (Frank Cervarich) is interested in romantic work break.
Suddenly they are interrupted by visits from their future selves, first by Future Jake (Michael Sigler) warning of dangers in their relationship and trying to change the future. He is closely followed by an enraged Future Dagney (Kimberlee Wolfson). It seems that their future together on time travel leads to serious relationship discord (think ray gun-wielding conflict).
Judging by gales of laughter most audience members found The Physics of Now the most entertaining play in the collection. Tori Boutin and Frank Cervarich have a natural rapport together and make a likeable and funny couple. The arrival of the visitors from the future amps up the comic energy considerably and director Bridget Grace Sheaff scores with both the characters and action.
Playwright Alex Dremann has an entertaining comedic success with The Physics of Now. It provides a pleasing conclusion to a fine collection of new short plays.
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The 2015 Source Festival is produced by CulturalDC. Artistic Direction by Jenny McConnell Frederick. Reviewed by Steven McKnight.
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