"Ninety-minutes of pure heaven..."
by Pat Taylor, Tolucan Times
Play Strindberg - This is ninety-minutes of pure heaven, theatrically speaking! We loved every moment and aspect of this unique, zany marital farce in 12 rounds (as in boxing rounds). A fast-paced, tragic, laugh-a-minute look at a bourgeois marriage that survives on repetitive sniping and boredom; Fredrich Durrenmatt's reworking of Strindberg’s Dance of Death is an A-class winner! Placed on a gorgeous set, (Luke Moyer) in costumes by Esther Blodgett, and with original music by Max Kinberg, we are set up for the wildly funny relationship romp of the year. Multi-award winning director Hope Alexander inspires a trio of flawless performances from this exceptional cast. An innovative chance taker, Hope states, I am drawn to theatre that is theatrical. I figure we can stay home to watch reality.
On an unnamed military island, we meet the sparring Edgar and Alice, on their 25th anniversary, and her long lost cousin Kurt, here for dinner.
The skill and impeccable timing of this cast as the farce unravels, offers a delicious, delightful, and rewarding experience, from the first bell in round one! Holly Jeanne is fabulous as the meticulous, sarcastic, unfulfilled Alice. Her tirades when she thinks Edgar can’t hear her are a riot! Travis Michael Holder, (an exceptional and highly acclaimed actor) is as always, a lesson in perfection! As the cousin who becomes entangled in this couple’s volatile lifestyle, he is a pure joy to watch.
Now, lets talk about the incomparable Joe Garcia! Having been a devoted fan of Joe's since 1995, when he mesmerized audiences with his award-earning role in The Puppetmaster of Lodz, this chameleon-like actor can do no wrong. His portrayal as the offbeat Edgar is indescribably brilliant! Every word, nuance, gesture, and reaction from him is simply as good as it gets. His solo scene in round six, called “Dinner Alone” is a laugh-till-you-cry hilarious! Do see this manic, wonderful production!
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