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Re: “Out Front on Main's staging of Bug, Tracy Letts' tale of paranoia and dissolution, is uneven but worthwhile”
After seeing 'Team Tracy' last week, I felt compelled to see 'Team Letts', since I've never had the opportunity to see the same play with a different cast in the same month, in the same theater. Quite a unique concept.
The differences were evident from the start. In this performance Agnes was played with a touch more fire and attitude by Jessica Theiss. A very talented and beautiful actress who oozes sensuality and vulnerability in this play, she comes off as being down and hopeless about her grim life, but there is a spark of confidence left. She gives Agnes a more defensive and tough veneer. Although it is just a facade, we later see.
As I sat there watching this for the second time, subconsciously comparing the two casts, I realize how much of acting is in the interpretation and ownership of the character. I let go of the comparisons and allowed myself to let these talented and beautiful people on this stage to carry me into the chaos that is Bug.
Peter, played by the gorgeous and unassuming David Bennett, takes more of a matter of fact approach to the character. He is very convincing. His portrayal of Peter is more serious and dark. He gives a sense of having suffered for so long that he is oblivious to anyone who he doesn't find important to him at the moment. Just so happens, Agnes and her shabby hole in the wall is the only thing he is focusing on in the here and now, except for the bugs, of course.
As I am drinking this all in, enter RC, Agnes' lesbian friend, played by Quiche Fletcher. She is the one responsible for the meeting of Agnes and Peter. Fletcher gives RC a nice feminine touch. She is breathtakingly beautiful and very protective of her friend. She quickly shows that pretty don't mean weak. Her portrayal of RC gives you a sense of a lioness, exotic and graceful, you just don't get too close, because she can take your head off if she so chooses.
As expected, in walks, completely unannounced or invited, Goss, played expertly by Buddy Jones. His adaption of Goss is so disturbing. Instantly you sense the intimidation and brutality of his personality. More mind game, less physical game, although he does throw his physical weight around some on Agnes. Jones immerses himself in Goss so thoroughly it is impossible for me to describe in words. His performance alone is reason enough to see this show. I have watched Buddy Jones evolve over the past year or so at Out Front and he never ceases to amaze me. His range and versatility is second to none.
As expected the paranoia takes over. Peter and Agnes holed up in isolation, in fear of being found fighting the infestation alone. That is until Dr. Sweet, played with a disturbing, slightly evil twist, by Hudson Wilkins, shows up looking for Peter. Wilkins gives this character a dark sinister flair. When he helps himself to the crack pipe that is ever present on the table, you get a feeling that he is perhaps just as disturbed as Peter. Just maybe there is some truth to Peter's paranoia? Right when you think it is all in their heads, Dr. Sweet makes you wonder...could it be true? Unfortunately we never find out.
The climactic ending to this play leaves you feeling a little uneasy. Aside from feeling a little itchy, you want more. One wonders if the paranoia is because of the drugs or the bugs, or the drugs and the bugs are because of the paranoia? Just go see it and draw your own conclusion. Well worth the effort. If you haven't experienced Out Front on Main yet, you are missing out. I promise you will be welcomed with a smile and swept away into the disturbing reality of Tracy Letts Bug. There is no comparison, both casts are phenomenal in there own right. Either way you go, you will be glad you went.
Re: “Out Front on Main's staging of Bug, Tracy Letts' tale of paranoia and dissolution, is uneven but worthwhile”
I have been anxiously awaiting this play for quite some time now. Having been a fan of it I figured I would treat myself twice. I saw both casts. I was not expecting much difference, well I was wrong! No big surprise for those who know me. Although I'm no expert, I found both casts compelling and very believable. Last weeks performance featuring 'Team Tracy' was a great way for the paranoia to begin.
The setting is rather depressing. Agnes, played with realistic perfection by Molly Breen, is a lonely, broken woman trying to live in obscurity from her ex husband, soon to be released from prison. She lives in a hole in the wall, messy motel room in Oklahoma. This poor woman has had some serious losses in her life that would be impossible to overcome. Breen's performance is extremely moving. The pain and hopelessness is evident from the very beginning. Her portrayal of Agnes is reminiscent of a woman who has already died inside, going through the motions, not expecting any happiness.
Her only bright spot is her good friend RC, played with just the right amount of humor and loving concern by Tara Mc Bay. If you are going to have a small circle of friends, you need somebody like her on your side. She is a loyal and take no crap kind of gal.
Enter Peter, played by the talented and versatile Andy Woloszyn. At first you don't realize how complex this guy is. His slight build adds to his performance in my opinion. It makes it more believable that he would be chosen as a human lab rat. He seems harmless. Woloszyn gives this character a touching, sympathy inducing quality. He makes you want to comfort and assure him that everything is going to be okay. Obviously Agnes felt the same way. Woloszyn really taps in to the psychopathic side of Peter. Fate brought him to Agnes it seems. He fills the void in her life. She grabs hold and don't let go.
Her ex husband, Goss, played with a cocky mean streak and a knack for emotional and physical abuse, by Mic Rex, finds her and shows up every now and then to create more tension to the mix. He is intimidating, but in that uncertain mind game playing sort of way.
As the show evolves, the unseen bugs multiply and so do the tokes on the crack pipe. As I set watching the paranoia grow, I start to get caught up in it. Peter has convinced Agnes that the bugs are in him, planted in his body as an experiment by the military. Although it seems impossible, you find yourself wondering if he is right. This is when I started to itch a little. I guess the paranoia is contagious after all.
Everything comes to a disturbing climax not long after Dr. Sweet, played with a touch of subtle madness, by Anderson Dodd, shows up looking for Peter. This play has all the elements of a good psychological mind game, with a little room for doubt about what is really happening. It is disturbing, gripping and leaves you with a jittery feeling.
I can’t imagine the emotional ride Manus had in preparation for this, considering the dual cast twist. The intimate setting of Out Front on Main allows you to feel as though you right there in that sleazy motel too, bugs and all. Highly entertaining, true to the mission statement of Out Front, very edgy, thought provoking, to say the least, and contemporary. This theater is evolving into it’s own in a very unique way. The talent and love of the craft is evident as soon as you walk in the door. If you haven’t experienced it yet, go get caught up in the chaos of Bug.
Re: “Rabbit Hole”
After seeing the movie version of Rabbit Hole I fully expected to cry my eyes out during this play. I went prepared with a purse stashed full of tissues. Surprisingly, I only needed a couple! Although I did shed a few tears, I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of humorous moments in this.
As in real life, grief is portrayed as a process. Taking place eight months after the loss of their young son, it is natural to expect at least a few lighter moments. The cast is fantastic. Each actor was equally superior. The play just flowed beautifully from start to finish. I cannot pick a certain scene that was more compelling than the next. It was all authentic and perfectly presented.
The reality of losing a child is honestly depicted on this expertly written play. It is a lifelong process that will be with you throughout the remainder of your life. That emotion does not get lost in this production, nor does it over shadow the day to day lives of this grieving family.
George Manus has really put himself on the line with this and I have more respect for his talent and insight than ever. If you haven't been to Out Front yet this is the time to change that. I can't say enough about this play or the level of talent delivered by this unique and dedicated cast. Out Front has reached a new level with this. I encourage everyone to go out and support their efforts to bring us quality theater. They deliver what they promise each and every time, especially this time!
Re: “Rabbit Hole”
After seeing the movie version of Rabbit Hole I fully expected to cry my eyes out during this play. I went prepared with a purse stashed full of tissues. Surprisingly, I only needed a couple! Although I did shed a few tears, I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of humorous moments in this.
As in real life, grief is portrayed as a process. Taking place eight months after the loss of their young son, it is natural to expect at least a few lighter moments. The cast is fantastic. Each actor was equally superior. The play just flowed beautifully from start to finish. I cannot pick a certain scene that was more compelling than the next. It was all authentic and perfectly presented.
The reality of losing a child is honestly depicted on this expertly written play. It is a lifelong process that will be with you throughout the remainder of your life. That emotion does not get lost in this production, nor does it over shadow the day to day lives of this grieving family.
George Manus has really put himself on the line with this and I have more respect for his talent and insight than ever. If you haven't been to Out Front yet this is the time to change that. I can't say enough about this play or the level of talent delivered by this unique and dedicated cast. Out Front has reached a new level with this. I encourage everyone to go out and support their efforts to bring us quality theater. They deliver what they promise each and every time, especially this time!
Re: “Scarborough Fair”
This was hysterical! So creative and entertaining. These guys are so talented. I wish them nothing but success with this. Absolutely fantastic and worth seeing. Breathing a little modern humor and a fresh twist to a couple of timeless classics. I am so glad I went. Creativity is alive and well in the boro. Thank you Out Front for spotlighting it. Go see this, you will be glad you did.
Re: “The Zoo Story/Therac 25”
I had the opportunity to see these shows last weekend. I found both to be very entertaining. They are completely different however similar in the fact that both are stories of two strangers coming together and changing the course of their lives.
The first one, Therac 25, is a touching story of two young cancer patients meeting in a treatment facility and a budding relationship ensues. They want what every other young couple wants in a new relationship, an opportunity to grow closer and build a bond that will perhaps last a lifetime. Although unspoken, the reality of how long that will be is ever present. The story is sad but not sappy. Excellent performances by both actors. This story is about strength, understanding and respect. The basis of any great relationship. It is a startling reminder that we all need to live in the moment. A very thought provoking little play that will leave you feeling grateful for the people that care enough to really listen and love you, flaws and all. Isn't that what we all want?
The second one, Zoo Story, is a little harder to sum up due to the storyline. It is a chance meeting of two strangers in the park. One of the characters, Jerry, played flawlessly by Justin Hand, is a little disturbing, somewhat unstable and lonely. His encounter with Peter, played by none other than George Manus Jr, owner of Out Front, is like a roller coaster ride. Manus gives his all in this, as he does when he is in the director's seat, and gives an outstanding performance as a successful, mainstream family man who goes to the park to relax. As the afternoon unfolds so does the mind of Jerry which is quite unsettling and sad in a way. You want to hug him and run from him at the same time. This is most definitely one afternoon in the park that will make you think twice about relaxing for a spell with a good book. I recommend checking these shows out while you still can. I may just have to experience it again. This theater never fails to deliver on its promise of provocative entertainment. Do yourself a favor and check out this awesome little theater. You won't be sorry and you will return.
Re: “Burn This”
You won't find as much talent on one stage anywhere but at Out Front this weekend. I loved every minute of this play. It keeps your attention from the very beginning. The cast is superb and flawless. Mr. Manus and his crew have done it again. A thoroughly entertaining and touching play. The human spirit is a tricky thing. Proof of that is on display in the boro this weekend at Out Front. Accidental love is the most exciting and emotional high a person can experience. Speaking of emotional, Justin Hand delivers a must see performance as the deceased friends older brother who finds more than he bargained for when going to pick up his brother's things from his roommates, played by Megan Blevins and Buddy Jones, who also deliver superb performances. The wealthy friend played by Ryan T. Daniel is equally entertaining. The mix of these actors is magical. Buddy Jones never fails to entertain and give you chills and Megan Blevins is phenominal as an actress. An opportunity to see the two of them together again is what brought me out to see this production. They were fabulous in "Boom Boom" this past fall. As expected, they gave a flawless performance again.
A great tribute to the late Lanford Wilson. This is a beautiful story with a lot of raw emotion. It is a tribute to friendship, love, art, and a lesson that death, although sad and final, can sometimes open your eyes to a life that is void of happiness.
Everything comes together in perfect harmony. Do yourself a favor and go see it.
Re: “Dinner with Friends”
Very entertaining indeed. A unique viewpoint of how we interact with those we spend our lives with, and rely on for comfort and acceptance as we are. Close friends aren't always as they seem, and relationships with them aren't a neat little package that can be tweaked to suit our needs. This play is a reminder of that. Sometimes the people we love the most branch out into different directions and don't follow the path we feel is best suited for them. The emotions and reactions that follow said behavior forces us to take a look at our own lives and relationships. I encourage everyone to see this. It is expertly directed and produced. The play unfolds flawlessly, with excellent sound and set design, and a fantastic cast. The subtle little sound effects make you feel like you are right there on Martha's Vineyard having dinner with friends. I had no idea what to expect from this, and it is somewhat eye opening, pushing you to evaluate the relationships in your own life, and your expectations from the ones you surround yourself with. A good way to spend a couple of hours, perhaps with some of your friends. I gaurantee it will spark a discussion.