Contributed by Tom Welch, special to the Sounder.
Doug Bechtel and The Actors Theater of Orcas Island, continuing their strong tradition of producing plays by local authors, have produced an evening of theater art that is simply superb. Their new offering, “By Request,” contains a stunning array of individual works in two Acts that is sure to appeal to something in each of us. The nine unique pieces, written by local authors and read or acted by some of our finest community actors, range from monologues to character sketches. “By Request” is an evening of theater that is much, much more than the sum of its parts – and each part is exquisite.
Doug Bechtel, as Master of Ceremonies, introduces each work and actor with an explanatory note that piques our curiosity just enough to create interest and expectations.
Elsie McFarland opens with a dazzling reading of her own work, ‘Zalina’, channeling a character and voice that are a wonder in both range and dimension. I was entranced as I watched Elsie but heard Zalina, struggling all the while to grasp what I saw. Wow – what a remarkable performance!
Proving that she has more than one arrow in her quiver, Mcfarland also wrote “Whatever Happened to the Twinkies?”, an intriguing study of the generation gap offered by an older woman on vacation with her family. DD Glaze continues to delight with her warm, sympathetic voice and manner, reading McFarland’s work with her usual grace and style.
Bev Leyman reads Bechtel’s “Growing Up Catholic,” a cute, amusing monologue that strikes more than one chord in each of us, catholic or not. Leyman’s reading is spot on, and leaves us curious to learn the ‘other story’.
Michele Griskey’s “What I Want” is about the current political scene and one intriguing member of that interesting and often amusing confusion, while “Figuring It Out” is Bill Westlake’s treatment of a young boy’s experience with a Montana hanging. The latter is read by Norm Stamper the first week and John Mazzarella the final week, with each giving a strong, emotional reading in a unique style, and each superb in his own way. The material shines through in both readings.
Lin McNulty impresses as both playwright and actor, wielding an artful voice on perfect dramatic pitch in prose and speech. Her “Crossing Over Damnation Creek” becomes increasingly spooky as Dove Dingman reveals a disturbing story, and “Highest Honor,” strongly acted by Zack Knight, will quickly put a lump in your throat. By the time she gets done reading Doug Bechtel’s “Car Keys” you’ll find it impossible to stifle the outbursts of laughter, but that’s okay – the rest of us will be helpless, too.
“Character Sketch” is really three character sketches, part of a complete play being written by Bill Westlake. The first, “Cynthia,” read by Katie Zwilling, is an entrancing exposition of emotion building to what no one doubts will soon be a screaming meltdown. “Frank,” read in his inimitable style by Freddie Hinkle, is the second character of the three. We quickly come to understand “Frank” and his intimate involvement with the coming meltdown. Nick Hershenow is “Henry,” the third character of the sketch, in a terrific performance that perfectly completed the story of the impending meltdown. Westlake brings his characters to life with an art and talent that are stunning in their complexity and dynamic range.
This is an evening of theater on a level that will surprise and delight everyone, brought to us by a group of brilliant, talented neighbors and friends. We should count our blessings as we head to the Grange to see “By Request.”
The play is being performed on September 9, 10, and 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Grange. Tickets are $10 at the door or at Darvill’s.
