11th Annual 10-minute Playfest review
Published 11:55 pm Friday, April 29, 2016
by Colleen Smith Armstrong
Editor/Publisher
It was an evening of deep emotion at the opening night of the 10-minute playfest.
There was laughter and plenty of tears as talented actors gave breath to brief but impactful pieces of theatre. The 11th annual event at the Grange pairs locally written plays with Orcas actors and directors. For many, it’s the first time penning a play or working on the stage.
“The playfest is a priority for us,” said Orcas Actors Theatre Director Doug Bechtel. “It’s an incubator.”
The night opened with “Boede Family: History in One Act” written by Janet Brownell, directed by Gillian Smith and starring Jason Dean, Annika Truebenbach, Jeremy Reinertson and Matt Howe. Set 110 years ago in a small log cabin on Orcas Island, it gives a glimpse into one of the island’s first pioneer families. Dean is a calm, confident presence on stage as he explores meaningful questions with his children about life and legacy. It’s a well-crafted play that was a pleasure from start to finish.
“Salutation, Valediction” was written by Indy Zoeller, directed by George Zimbelman and stars Lin McNulty, Tony Lee and Aaimee Johnson. Francis and Oliver are living out their final days in a nursing home, grappling with their changing minds and unknown tomorrows. The gallows humor is strong between McNulty and Lee as they comfortably pass barbs back and forth and wonder what it’s really all meant.
“This Play Was Written in Sand,” written by M.L. Thomas, directed by Aaimee Johnson and starring Audrey Nedderman, Mandi Johnson and Margot Van Gelder, was a gut punch. With gorgeous, full-bodied dialogue, Nedderman plays a woman struggling to remember a forgotten life as the physical world shrivels around her. Nedderman is commanding yet understated as she converses with her mirror self, played delicately by Johnson. Both Johnson and Van Gelder are given a chance to demonstrate their beautiful singing voices in this profound piece.
“The Sounds of Silence” written by Kathi Ciskowski, directed by Bev Leyman and starring Alyssa Flaherty, Chris Dalla Santa, Regina Zwilling, Adia Dolan, Rebecca Sutton and Indy Zoeller gave the audience some much-needed humor. After moving to the mainland to revitalize their marriage, Rose and Roger return for an eventful hike on Orcas inspired by the new book, “100 Secret Silent Places to Visit in Washington Before You Die.” Flaherty and Dalla Santa have lovely chemistry and their supporting cast was wonderfully funny.
“Saint Lora” written by Adia Dolan, directed by Lynda Sanders and starring Liz Doane, Melinda Milligan and Pat Ayers was a loving portrait of a mother and daughter whose connection lives past the physical self. After coming home from her mother’s funeral, Amy, played by Doane, visits with her mom, portrayed by Milligan, one more time. Their interaction is moving as both actors embody tenderness and strength.
In “Never Coming Back” written by Cali Bagby, directed by Lin McNulty and starring Andy Martin, Maura O’Neill, Rebecca Cuzens-Sutton and Indy Zoeller, audiences were given a look inside the mind of a former soldier undergoing psychiatric counseling for PTSD. It was intense from the moment Martin opened his mouth. His brooding, charismatic anger is a great balance to O’Neill’s steady hand. While a suspenseful plot line carries the play along, Bagby cleverly uses it a metaphor for a larger question about the aftermath of war.
“The Road to Tranquility” written by Jackie Bates, directed by Tom Fiscus and starring Cali Bagby and Kevin Doyle is a goofy ode to a “bad” day on Orcas Island. The path to a tranquil place in life can have many twists and turns. Bagby is given a chance to show off her impeccable comedic timing and Doyle is happy to be along for the ride.
The plays will be shown again on April 30 and May 6-8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Grange. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door, at Darvill’s Bookstore or online at http://www.orcasactors.com/.
