Monthly Archives: November 2011
‘Seascape’ at Promethean Too Smart or Too Dull?
By Devlyn Camp
Promethean Theatre Ensemble is nuzzled back in its spot at Live Bait Theater (previously The Artistic Home) for two-person play Seascape with Sharks and Dancer. The incomplex but smart piece follows a lonely writer, Ben (Nick Lake), as he tends to the rough and tough woman he rescued from drowning in the nearby tide, Tracy (Anne Korajczyk). The first act dives right in without exposition as the two play a game if wits, trying to impress one another while refusing to like each other. We probably know where this is going, right? They fall in love, problems ensue. The play itself – the writing – is a little odd in that it tries so hard to be clever. Playwright Don Nigro’s language feels contrived and awkward. But this could be the fault of weak acting. The performers, although qualified, seem uninspired. They run around in the simple living room set trying to be unique and quirky and don’t often succeed.
It seems that the piece the play is lacking is comedy. The production is not without its redeemable material. Conversations are aggressive and interesting and hold attention through the 90 minutes. But there’s a void. In brief moments we see Korajczyk smile at her own puns, which she deserves. In a play that’s so, let’s just say it, tepid, why not buff up the comedy side? Rarely does any frequent theatergoer say no way to laughter. Too many productions take a dark, harsh tone with their story in order to appear distinguished or intelligent, and those productions miss out on the point of performance: entertainment. Not to say those dramatic works aren’t, well, distinguished, intelligent or entertaining (e.g. most anything Sondheim), but more often than not they’re missing the mark.
Stepping off the soapbox, it still should be clear that this production of Seascape is still quite good. While it is enjoyable, it unintentionally hit a nerve – for me, anyway. Broadening our minds in a somewhat flat play could reveal a comedic tone that not only deepens the dramatic moments, but better entertains the audiences.
SEASCAPE WITH SHARKS AND DANCER
Promethean Theatre Ensemble
Through December 10, 2011
Tickets $20, available at prometheantheatre.org
Anne Korajczyk and Nick Lake. Photo courtesy Tom McGrath.
Contact critic at devlynmc@yahoo.com
‘Million Dollar Quartet’ Extended Again!
By Devlyn Camp
You didn’t forget about Million Dollar Quartet, did you? They’ve been here for three years, but the wild and crazy 1956 night at Sun Records will rock on until at least May 2012.
Quartet is based on the famous impromptu gathering of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis in the ’50s, which was recorded and set into history as one of the most famous nights of rock and roll. The jukebox show had a limited run at the Goodman Theatre in 2008 and transferred to the Apollo shortly after, where it still relives the night five times a week. Quartet opened on Broadway in 2010 and played a little over a year before transferring off-Broadway, where it remains playing. But why go out to New York City when the extraordinary talent is hammering away at pianos and guitars in our own backyard?
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
Apollo Theater
Running through May 2012
Tickets $72-77
Contact critic at devlynmc@yahoo.com
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