In Mixed Company's Someone's Knocking at PlayWright's Theatre
(out
of 
)Mark S.P. Turvin
(home office) (602) 912-0117
I can be reached for comment via e-mail at: mspt@goldfishpublishers.com
Reviewed 11/7/98
(out
of )In Mixed Company is well known for its productions of odd, rarely seen and highly conceptual plays. Audience members can always count on IMCo to present shows that would ordinarily NEVER be seen in our fair, slightly uptight city. For their opening show of the season, Artistic and Production Director Kevin Kerrigan and IMCo offer the absurdist take on modern life Someone's Knocking by Rich Orloff, and do an extremely professional, polished and impressive job.
This play is richly absurdist, in the vein of Ionesco's The
Bald Soprano, but also very socially and morally relevant
for a '90s American audience. Even more incredibly, though it
is at turns rude, dour, sardonic and unrelentingly satirical,
it still has a message of hope unexpected for this type and style
of theatre. At the center is Gladys, an agoraphobic who hasn't
left her house in many years. Surrounding her are her manipulative
husband, Jack, her successful sister and inarticulate brother-in-law,
Phyllis and Bill, and a world of unanswerable trick questions,
mind-numbing appliances, and insurmountable fears. That is, until
the day that Opportunity comes a-knocking, affecting her life
choices from his first literal and persistent pounding.
Mr. Kerrigan has done a commendable job of establishing the breakneck
pacing required for a show of this sort, and giving the actors
a chance to exist in a two dimensional world while still remaining
more than cardboard cutouts. The production is so taut and measured,
little escapes the audience's notice.
Mr. Kerrigan's cast surely has a hand in this tightly constructed
piece. Cathy Dresbach's portrayal of Gladys is impeccable.
Her blossoming from brainwashed stereotype to tormented woman
to human being is steady and utterly believable. This is a transformation
that can easily be derailed by even the best of actresses, but
Ms. Dresbach never strays from what is necessary to bring home
character and message. Mel Reid's menacing and manipulative
Jack is both hilarious and thought-provoking. John Haubner's
campy presentation of Opportunity-as-superhero is perfectly modulated
and never too-over-the-top, an impressive feat.
The ensemble of Ginny Harmon, Robert L. Harper,
and Terry Gadaire each sparkle. Ms. Harmon's portrayal
of sister Phyllis is a treat, as is Mr. Gadaire's hilarious hesitations
when playing the stuttering Bill. Mr. Gadaire gives a hilarious
monologue charting life from birth to death, a keeper in a highlight-filled
show. Mr. Harper does a wonderful job portraying the television
as a pet, giving a high-octane presentation necessary for this
interesting characterization.
Michael Brooks' scenic design and Dave Vaught's
lighting are the best yet for an IMCo production. The unit set becomes an integral
part of the show, and rises to the level of a character with its
visual statements. Also impressive are Celia Erickson's
costumes and Bill Osborn's sound design, working well to
enhance the evening.
There will be some who may avoid this piece upon hearing the word
"absurdist," but these potential audience members should
know that as absurdist plays go, this is one of the most accessible
around. The ending may seem a bit contrived to some, and some
images, statements and themes may be a bit too strong for others,
but the social commentary, mixed with the impressive performances
and presentation, make this a must-see play this theatre season.
Production Details:
Someone's Knocking by Rich Orloff
In
Mixed Company at PlayWright's Theatre,
Phoenix
252-8497
November 5th - November 29th, 1998 (NOTE: Last weekend
of production to be performed in Herberger Theatre's Stage West)