(Photo credit: Bob Johnson) (Artwork credit: Bob
Johnson)
A farmhouse murder and a wacky blind date are the
subjects of these one-act plays presented by a theater
company devoted to artists over the age of 50.
“If you don’t like olives, why order them?”
“I like onions even less.” So, converse a
middle-aged heterosexual couple during a blind date over martinis
at a cafe in this world premiere of playwright Robert Karmon’s
uproarious, Pinteresque one-act play, “The Greenhouse.”
Surrealistic flourishes and stylized violence abound during
its 20-giddy minutes. Mr. Karmon’s juicy dialogue
includes references to dating apps, “I felt naked when I
filled one out.”
There is a hilarious tangent over an itemon the
menu; ortolan, a banned French dish. It is an
elaborately prepared tiny game bird, the woodcock,
where diners ritualistically place a linen napkin over their
heads while consuming it. With grand Carrie Nye-style
Southern charm, Tish Brandt is vivacious as the woman.
Magnetic everyman Steve Quimby is in blustery Master of
the Universe mode as the cryptic man. Youthful Cameron
Bowen zestfully appears as the whimsical, silent waiter.
The charismatic Kim Yancey antically makes the most of
her cameo as a second blind date.
“The Greenhouse” is part of a double bill of one-act plays
entitled Birds of a Feather. It is presented by the New
York City-based Out of the Box Theatre Company, which
was founded in 2006. Its primary mission is, “To feature
working professionals at their peak and in their prime:
seasoned actors, directors & designers primarily past 50
years of age.” That is achieved by this invigorating
production, showcasing the considerable talents of its
mostly mature cast.
Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist Susan Glaspell’s (1876-
1948) 30-minute “Trifles” which premiered in 1916, is the
jolting 30-minute opener. The county attorney, the
sheriff, his wife, and a neighbor couple, converge at a
Nebraska farmhouse, where a man was discovered
hanged to death the day before; his wife has been
arrested. This eerie Americana is based on a true crime
that Glaspell covered as a reporter, turned it into a
short story and then this play. An empty birdcage and a
strangled canary prove crucial in this subtle feminist
treatise. Ms. Brandt, Mr. Quimby, Mr. Bowen, Ms. Yancey
and Jeff Burchfield, all offer rich, homespun
characterizations in their Main Street roles.
Artistic director David Edwards conceived this stimulating
program. Mr. Edwards’ physical staging of “The
Greenhouse” is marked by swiftness, momentum and
comedic focus. For “Trifles,” Edwards employs measured
pacing, emphasizing the piece’s mystery and its subtext
of societal themes. Harlan D. Penn’s sterling scenic
design ranges from artfully contemporary for “The
Greenhouse,” to evocatively rustic for “Trifles.”
Lighting designer Stephen Cornelius steadily provides a
variety of appropriate, crisp hues. Zack Dornfeld’s sound design
realizes music and effects with flair. Costume designer
Katherine Roberson visualizes each character with
sartorial distinction. At the performance under review,
stage manager Stefania Diana Schramm oversaw the
production with efficiency.
Out of the Box Theatre Company usually presents spirited
revivals of long unproduced gems, Birds of a Feather is a
worthy and novel addition to that roster.
Birds of a Feather (through November 10, 2024)
Out of the Box Theatre Company
Bernie Wohl Center at Goddard Riverside Goddard
Riverside Community Center, 647 Columbus Avenue, in
Manhattan
For tickets, visit www.outoftheboxtheatre.com
Running time: 75 minutes without an intermission,
followed by a talkback
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