play

‘A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD’ IS ACTUALLY A CASE FOR FRIENDSHIP AT PTC (REVIEW)

| Rachel's Reviews

As someone who struggles with titles to draw people to my reviews and other content I recognize the temptation of a catchy title. However, one has to be careful not to set audiences up for something one can’t deliver on. Such is the problem facing playwright Samuel D Hunter and his bombastically titled play A Case for the Existence of God that just opened in the Meldrum theatre from Pioneer Theatre Company. That’s not to say this play is bad, it’s actually quite good but the title is frustrating.

A better title for this play would be ‘Toxic Masculinity’ or ‘Two Dudes in America’ or even ‘Mortgage Lending.’ I am sure Hunter has all kinds of reasons why he brings God into the title but it sets up audience for a religious themed show- something that is on the constant minds of Utah residents and then doesn’t deliver hardly at all. I suppose this subversion could be effective in surprising audiences but I just found it frustrating because I was disappointed for no reason.

Anyway, what we do get is a nice friendship story that is quite effective (hence my frustration.) The play is about 2 men Ryan played by Lee Osorio and Keith played by Jon Hudson Odom. Ryan is an alpha redneck male looking to buy a plot of land and Keith is a gay single foster dad who is a mortgage broker trying to help Ryan. We then see their relationship evolve as the lending process proves to be quite lengthy.

Osorio and Odom are excellent in their roles commanding the stage and having a believable chemistry together. The dialogue by Hunter feels authentic and genuine and I was engaged by their discussion. I am glad Hunter kept things as a friendship story as particularly with men I don’t think that relationship is explored enough especially 2 men supporting their roles as fathers.

The production itself is simple and it may have been more at home in a black box (I’m not sure why the Meldrum has only been used for 2-person small productions so far. It’s a great space. Let’s see it used to its potential! Also the chairs in the Meldrum are so comfortable.) Director Timothy Douglas keeps things simple and lets the 2 men do their jobs. The set is an office cubicle which for this remote worker can be nightmare fuel but it is highly relatable and a good choice. There are a few surprises with projections and lighting I won’t spoil towards the end but this is all about our two men (not God) and their friendship. Sometimes simple is best and that’s the case with this play.

In the end in spite of its convoluted title A Case for the Existence of God is a play any theatre lover will enjoy. The acting is excellent and it will make you want to call the Ryans and Keiths in your life to check in and make sure they are doing alright. We all need to take better care of our friends and this is a call to do so. I’d say definitely worth a ticket. A Case for the Existence of God plays through April 12th and tickets can be purchased here.

Today I give my thoughts on the poorly titled but excellent new play at Pioneer Theatre Company- A Case for the Existence of God

If you enjoy my writing and would like me to review your production I’d love to. I also have a patreon which is a great way to support my shorter logs for shows I don’t get to review. I have some really fun perks. Please take a look here.

TEENS GREAT. PLAY NOT SO MUCH… THOUGHTS ON HARRY POTTER AT EAST HIGH (REVIEW)

| Rachel's Reviews

It’s always an interesting experience when I’m asked to review high school or youth productions. How do you offer constructive critique when learning and making mistakes is literally part of the purpose of the experience? High school productions should be inclusive and exciting with as large ensembles that give kids the chance to try something new for the first time. In this sense Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: High School Edition at East High School was a resounding success. The chemistry amongst all the teens was obvious and they clearly stretched themselves in many ways including the many strong performances.

That said, I was not a big fan of this play. I know on Broadway it has a lot of awe and spectacle but I can’t imagine sitting through an even longer version of this story. I’m told the West End production was a two day event. Kill me now. But I am also not a die-hard Harry Potter fan. I have enjoyed some of the movies and books but really disliked the parody play Puffs and the Fantastic Beasts movies were painful to sit through. So if you are on board for all of that maybe you will find more joy in this journey than I did.

As far as the cast I love how big it is and the polyjuice transitions are very well done as are the costumes, Some standouts are Maxium LaPlante as the Sorting Hat and Oliver Oviedo as Professor Snape. Chaudron Brock Beesley and Wesley Magda have terrific chemistry as the 2 leads Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy respectively and I really enjoyed Liam Riedelbach-Armer as Draco Malfoy. They all did everything they could to elevate the story and create believable characters.

While I do think the direction by Kevin McClellan and Lucy Law was stong in getting the most from their young performers they could have been a little more creative with the production details. Most of the sets and atmosphere are created through video projections. While I know this is all the rage at all levels of theatre it denies the opportunity for the students to learn how to build sets and props and makes the experience feel more generic when it could be a chance to express their unique creative voices. I have very fond memories of painting set panels for my high school productions and while I’m sure they didn’t look as polished as a projection they were ours, homemade by us. Maybe that’s nostalgia talking but it just seems like a missed opportunity.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: High School Edition is a play by Jack Thorne, based on an original story by JK Rowling, Thorne and John Tiffany. It’s not for me but I’m sure big time Harry Potter fans will enjoy it more. It has finished its run at East High School but you can find out more about their drama department here.

If you enjoy my writing and would like me to review your production I’d love to. I also have a patreon which is a great way to support my shorter logs for shows I don’t get to review. I have some really fun perks. Please take a look here.