life with more cowbell

Good morning!

What do Auste-esque intruigue with puppets, magic realism in a life or death situation, an emotionally tortured biologist and a Brit romance novelist visiting Bali have in common? They’re the plays in Alumnae Theatre’s NIF Week Two program!

Orpha and Beatrice (Act I) – by Taylor Graham – is an Austen-esque tale of how the friendship between governess Orpha (played by Nicole Ratjen, who also manipulates puppet Beatrice) and student Beatrice becomes strained when they both fall for the same handsome Officer Leyland (Daniel Sadavoy, who works the puppet brother), whose brother was meant for Beatrice. Both actors play multiple roles in this charming, child-like presentation set in an estate and adjoining village peopled mostly by cut-out people and puppets. Nice work by the actors in their multi-tasking roles.

Less Than a Second – by Gerry McBride, dir. by Peter Bloch-Hansen – takes us on both the internal and magic realism external moments where Lily (Mary Joseph) must decide which way to turn her car to avoid a deadly collision with another car, a transport truck and a woman with a stroller (presented on a toy road down stage right with toy vehicles and people). Chance (Peter Bloch-Hansen) appears, somewhat of a ringleader, with two Minions (Barbara Salsberg & Chase Lo) to intervene, mostly through flashbacks of Lily’s life where she made important decisions. How far will Chance go to assist – beyond his mandate? Really fun concept, with a It’s A Wonderful Life kinda vibe to it.

Biologist husband and wife Hewie Russert (Cameron Johnson, who appeared in You Are Here last season at Alum) and Beverly Tammer (Delphine Roussel) have been studying a rare frog in Costa Rica, which they named after Hewie, when the frog disappears. Hewie’s emotional turmoil over losing his work puts their relationship in jeopardy. What will Hewie find to keep him – and his marriage – going? Lovely two-hander and nicely acted.

If the title The Jewel in the Crown – by Diane Forrest, dir. by Sukumar Nayar – sounds familiar, it’s because it’s referencing the series of the same name, which British romance novelist Judy (Carol McLennan) and Ubud, Bali host Uncle K (Akshay Sharma) are watching together, likely on pirated video. Young Ketut (Kunal Jaggi) sees a chance to get out and see the world when tourist Rachel (Laura Ellis) is separated from her friends and needs a place to stay. Concerned about Ketut’s welfare, Judy is suspicious of Rachel’s intentions. Nice work from this ensemble cast, balancing both comedy and drama. Perhaps this play is the seed of something larger?

A few more chances to see Week Two: at the 2:30 p.m. matinee today and tomorrow, as well as the 8 p.m. show tonight. Check the Alumnae website for details and reservations: http://www.alumnaetheatre.com/ideas2012-2.html

I’m heading out of town today for my nephew’s 13th birthday, so I’ll be missing the Week Two reading In Their Glory (noon today) – but I’ll be back at NIF next week for the Week Three reading and program next Saturday.

What have you liked at NIF this year so far?