Thomas Wolfe titled his final novel, “You Can’t Go Home Again,” but was he right? Maine playwright Brent Askari tackles this age-old question in his witty new play, “Digby’s Home,” reminding audiences that the answer hinges on perception and expectation.
Many theatergoers will recognize Askari as an actor at Mad Horse Theatre Company and numerous other companies throughout Maine. Along with being a member of Mad Horse and the Stone Pinhead Ensemble, he is also the creator and co-producer of Mad Horse’s homegrown play series, BY LOCAL. “Digby’s Home” was born out of the series, and marks the first time that Mad Horse has staged one of Askari’s plays as part of its main season.
THEATER REVIEW
WHAT: “Digby’s Home” at Mad Horse Theatre Company
WHERE: 24 Mosher St., South Portland
DATE REVIEWED: April 2; continues through Sunday
TICKETS: $20 adult, $17 student/senior
CONTACT: 730-2389; madhorse.com
Set in a small town in Maine, the play strikes a chord close to home. The characters have a familiar ring to them, invoking thoughts of similar people and situations.
In the “Playwright’s Note” section of the program, Askari writes, “That gap between fantasy and reality seems to be what we call ‘Life.'” Askari has a knack for finding the humor in this gap and exploiting it with smart dialogue and colorful characterization.
Mad Horse Theatre chose wisely when casting the play’s six characters. Christopher Holt stars as the title character, Digby Preston, an aspiring props comedian who takes a break from his first national tour to visit his family in Maine.
Holt brings a wonderful nervous energy to the role, speaking to the character’s insecurity and desperate need for adoration and approval. And, his dry wit delivery is punctuated nicely by revealing facial expressions.
Laughter filled the theater Saturday night as looks of disbelief, horror and disdain flashed across Holt’s face as his character read out loud an atrocious script by former town jock, Hal Richards (Nick Schroeder). Schroeder completed the hilarious scene by acting out Digby’s perceived interpretation of the script.
Christopher Price and Marie Stewart Harmon bring to life Digby’s father, Milton, and sister, Sally. Price is a scene-stealer, dishing out deadpan digs with caustic glee. His character’s perpetually stoned demeanor serves as a comic springboard for Harmon’s facial comedy and chuckle-worthy ability to utilize props to their fullest comic intent.
David Butler and Lisa Boucher Hartman round out the talented cast as Don Warner — Sally’s adulterous lover — and Jen Cummings, the girl that broke Digby’s heart in high school.
Askari has harnessed his artistic creativity in “Digby’s Home,” delivering a play that is entertaining and astute. Maybe we can’t ever really go home but, as Digby learns, it’s the life lessons garnered from the journey that are invaluable.
April Boyle is a freelance writer from Casco. Contact her at:
aprilhboyle@yahoo.com
Twitter: @ahboyle
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