“Life is not a dress rehearsal.” Rose Tremain
It’s about games, both literal and figurative, 1970s country rock, reliving the past and moving forward into the here and now.
It all takes place in a motel room in New Mexico where the group is preparing for a performance. There are robots and ducks and clowns, death masks, ghosts, Indian folklore and New Age philosophy. And it’s a love story.
The characters are so well developed in both writing and performance that the audience becomes a part of what is happening on stage…even the debauchery of a Halloween costume party out of control.
Jo, though with a wide range of emotions, is perhaps the most introspective of the group. It’s a challenging role with a multitude of facets and Stephanie Wright Thompson meets the challenge. It is a remarkable performance.
Graham appears to be a contradiction of himself–sometimes gentle and caring, sometimes angry and resentful, and always appearing self-contained. He is perceptively portrayed by Joe Curnutte.
Michael Dalto as Paul is a fine musician and actor whose character initially appears to acquiesce to everything and play second fiddle to all, but later reveals more of himself. He is lovable and puzzling.
Debbie is the dingbat, the comic relief who, as it turns out, is a lot more than that. Marc Bovino succeeds in walking the fine line between reality and caricature. One of the highlights of the portrayal is the telling of a scary story from Indian folklore about Apache Jim, which not only captivates all at the party, but totally draws in the audience.
The additional cast members, as part of the Halloween party, all convincingly make the most of their roles.
It is a complex and absorbing work. Director Lila Neugebauer has done an exemplary job and succeeded in turning the implausible into the plausible. Mike Inwood as lighting designer has created innovative and effective lighting. Music Director and Composer Michael Dalto, in addition to playing Paul, has greatly enhanced the production with music and songs.
The requirement of a simple and functional set is aptly accomplished by Set Designer Laura Jellinek and costumes by Designer Asta Hostetter serve well without excess (especially in the Halloween party scene).
Created by The Mad Ones, a group which functions as a collaboration of the entire ensemble – performers, writers, designers and director – The Essential Straight and Narrow was developed as part of The Archive Residency, The New Ohio Theatre and IRT Theatre’s development and presenting initiative.
The show closes a limited run this Saturday, June 14, with an 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. special performance at The New Ohio Theatre, 154 Christopher Street.
If you have other plans, cancel them if you can and go see The Essential Straight and Narrow. If you can’t do that, look for the play’s next run. It’s too good not to happen!
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