And the Band Played On

33 to Nothing – A Red Orchid Theatre

 

Grant James Varjas’, whose “Accidentally, Like a Martyr” was produced by A Red Orchid Theater three years ago, has penned an unusual kind of one-act. Taking place in real time during the actual 90-minutes in which the event occurs, a small rock band begins setting up and rehearsing for their upcoming gig. But things have changed considerably over time. The original reasons for these young people coming together as a musical group have long passed. Relationships have altered and most of the five band members, who compose and play their own songs, feel that this chapter’s over and it’s time to move on with their lives.

Tyrone Phillips, the talented director of such noted productions as “Byhalia, Mississippi,” remounted at Steppenwolf, and Writers Theatre’s “The MLK Project,” guides this production and peppers it with his sensitivity and care. Staged upon Eleanor Kahn’s authentic, basement stage set, lit with concert flash and panache by Slick Jorgensen and with incredible sound design, courtesy of Joe Court, theatergoers are suddenly thrust into the private lives of five diverse individuals and the nonprofessional rock music scene. Costumed by Kristy Leigh Hall, the talented quintet look as fantastic as they sound. Each of the actors is an accomplished singer/instrumentalist, and under John Cicora’s musical direction they sound fabulous.

Gray is the band’s lead singer and the composer of their most current music. He is played with unmitigated ego and overblown confidence by Aaron Holland, recently seen in “Spamilton.” It’s Gray’s musical skill at the keyboard, along with his ability to compose songs from his soul, that provide the impetus for his determination. Gray’s persistence of purpose has kept his four bandmates going strong for years. But now the other singers/instrumentalists are realizing that their goals have changed and time is swiftly passing by. It’s the moment to leave for higher ground and new opportunities. But Gray is bound and determined to maintain the status quo and keep the band together.

Steve Haggard, a regular at A Red Orchid, and greatly enjoyed in such productions as “The Mutilated,” “3C” and “Accidentally Like a Martyr,” is terrific as Bri. He’s Gray’s former lover, but when Bri discovered that Gray was cheating on him he found love with a very different kind of man. Mr. Haggard proves to be a fine vocalist and an even finer guitarist. The actor brings his trademark sensitivity to this role as he endeavors to quietly make his former lover understand that it’s time for him to move on.

Barry, the band’s trans drummer, is played with sweetness, honesty and dry humor by Jeff Kurysz. While this is Kurysz’s debut with this company, Jeff has been seen in the Goodman’s “Support Group for Men” and CST’s “Shakespeare in Love.” This talented actor brings a realistic earnestness for his friends and his music that makes Barry the character that audiences finds most likable.

As lesbian couple Tyler and Alex, Amanda Raquel Martinez and Annie Pritchard make a dynamic duo, indeed. Tyler was considered the band’s prominent composer at one time, but Gray has pretty much taken over. Her songs are still a favorite with the other band members and, when played during the rehearsal session, they bring back a certain amount of nostalgia. Ms. Martinez is gifted singer and guitarist, a talent anyone who saw her in the Hypocrites’ adaptation of “Pirates of Penzance” will certainly recall. Annie Pritchard, who has been seen at Remy Bumppo, Red Twist and Stage Left theatres, is making her auspicious debut with A Red Orchid. She’s stellar on bass and strongly contributes to the vocals, lending harmony, heart and depth to each song. We hope to see more of this talented performer in future productions.

Learning to let go, to accept that people change and move on to other things, is a part of life. This play, with original music performed with style and flair by a talented cast, is Grant James Varjas’ metaphor, an ode to how friends deal with the passage of time. It’s directed with passion and sensitivity by Tyrone Phillips and performed by a gifted cast of triple threats. As adulthood calls each of these young people, audiences will find themselves empathizing and recalling the pang of how the calendar ticks off the days in everyone’s march toward mortality. If only time could stand still!

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas  

   

Presented April 6-May 27 by A Red Orchid Theatre 1531 N. Wells St., Chicago.

Tickets are available by calling 312-943-8722 or by going to www.aredorchidtheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.