Now playing at The Black Box Theatre in Moline is Barely There Theatre’s offering of local playwright Alexander Richardson’s thought provoking script “word play” and, in his own words, “This play is about four adults stuck in that phase of life between where their parents have relinquished stewardship but before the realities of family, duty, and obligation have set in.” You know, that period where we stumble our way through relationships. In my humble opinion, it is a study in how we do – or don’t – communicate with others, especially with those closest to us. In other words, our words matter.
Way back in 1989, Stephen Covey soared to popularity with a series of self-improvement books starting with “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Covey observed that, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” I think Richardson’s work encapsulates that concept superbly.
The non-linear action involves four young adults navigating the ups and downs of dating and breaking up. Throughout most of the play, they are unaware that they are all interconnected with one another, and when that does come to light, a tsunami hits.
Speaking of coming to light – Richardson’s lighting design of about 25 bare light bulbs draped above the stage area is unique in the stark set of white fabric panels and almost becomes a character itself. As the action progresses, what appear to be common light bulbs change colors from white to green, to pink, to blue, to gold, to yellow, and they appear to almost stalk the characters, reflecting what’s going on below.
The ensemble cast of unnamed characters includes Quad Cities theatre veterans Sera Calhoun, Shyan DeVoss, Evan Gagliardo, and Keenen Wilson. All of them possess impressive acting backgrounds, and they all bring their A-game to this engaging script.
However, there is one scene where two characters are briefly lying on the floor, and, even in the front row, I could not hear any of the dialogue. They are not the only performers who have fallen prey to thinking this intimate venue means they don’t need to project. I beg to differ, especially lying on the floor with their dialogue going up to the ceiling, but I promise I will be going for a hearing evaluation soon.
Regardless, this well-performed, provocative work really deserves to be seen, and it is a welcome diversion as we transition from winter to spring.
word play continues at The Black Box Theatre, 1623 5th Avenue in Moline, February 26, 27, and 28 at 7:30 pm and February 28 at 2:00 pm. Barely There Theatre’s philosophy of making theatre accessible to all employs the “pay what it’s worth” principle, which means you decide what to contribute as you leave the venue. Reservations can be made at The Black Box Theatre’s website. When you go, I’m confident you will be generous.
I’m Chris Hicks…break a leg.