A PRODUCTION such as Studio Theatre of Bath’s “Sex, Lies and the Devil Inside” brings out comraderie in the cast. From left are castmates Ellie Hawks, Christina Boyington, Tamara Lilly, Lynne Otto and Kirstin Hayward. At right, Colin Kelley and Harley Marshall in a scene from “The Angel Intrudes,” one of six one-acts that make up the production.
Also like their TV counterpart, the cast of the entire show forms a company with actors playing new characters in new settings within the various one acts. This creates some lively comparisons for the audience and some interesting challenges for the actors themselves.
The production is meant to be a “Director’s Showcase, giving four new directors (Christina Boyington, Wanda McNeil, Vince Shatto and Belita Velizco) the opportunity to see what life is like from the director’s chair,” writes Artistic Director April Purinton in the playbill notes.
With that framework, I found myself pondering how I might have directed the same scripts. What might I have edited in action, props or language? How would different blocking, pace or lighting choices affect the play?
But within minutes I shut off that part of my brain and focused on the heart of the company and the spontaneity of their live performances: the essence of community theater.
Some scripts were just better written than others, which is true of Burnett’s show as well. However, since the show is a one act play festival of sorts, I decided to get into that spirit and honor the best performance for each actor/actress for the evening.
Here are my picks — alphabetically, of course:
Christina Boyington performs in three plays and directs one. Her Diana in “He Said and She Said” pivots and resolves the action; this play relies on her inspiring final monologue, which she fashions artfully.
Newton M. Dubs seems blessed with a natural leaning toward camp, so his Villain’s dance with the hot cash in “A Dollar” was a highlight. And Ellie Hawks created a perfect cry-baby ingénue in that one act, as well. I didn’t want her to ease up whining as the action evolved, and I’m a daycare provider for a 2- year-old.
At first I thought I’d select Kirstin Hayward’s wifely role in “A Matter of Husbands” until she nailed Slut in “Two Slatterns and A King.” She allowed Slut just enough snap, without (what’s the opposite of sugar-coating?) tart-coating. Impressive. Laurie Holland pursed her lines perfectly as Tidy, squeezing my sympathies. And Colin Kelley’s creation of Chance balanced the characterization in this play as well, weaving an effective weft within all three characters’ warp.
The night of our performance, Tamara Lilly’s Mrs. Packard was wickedly engaging, yet I’m guessing another night may find her Actress tops in “A Matter of Husbands.”
By the way, she performs them back-to-back.
Lee Leiner created a King in “Two Slatterns…” who became more than the crown of his part and won my vote. And Harley Marshall’s great voice was showcased in “A Dollar” so his Old Man triumphed.
These directors uncovered one acts with good women’s roles, and though Lynn Otto brought two of them to life, my sympathies were with her Enid in “He Said and She Said.” And Mike Rowe, though he only played Comedian in “A Dollar,” was the perfect hub in that production.
As I watched the company of “Sex, Lies and the Devil Inside,” I envisioned the delightful camaraderie shared in rehearsals. I could hear suggestions creating moments like the Charlie’s Angels pose that zips by in “A Dollar.”
Unfortunately, there were precious few folks in the audience the night I saw the show. It’s difficult to play to a small house — the loudest applause seems hollow. Community theater deserves community to join in this family of live performance. In this age of media on demand, I encourage participation in our community theaters, and if you’re inspired, let me know what you think of my choices. The discussion of theater makes an alive community, too.
“Sex, Lies and the Devil Inside” will be presented in the Curtis Room at the Chocolate Church Arts Center, 808 Washington St., today and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and are available at the CCAC box office (442-8455) and at the door only. No online sales.
ticket@timesrecord.com
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