Grade: B

 

There are choices we make every day that affect not only our lives, but the lives of those around us. That premise serves as the tie that binds together five one act plays by four different authors, presented under the collective title, “Choices - an Evening of Theatre,” by Harlequin Productions at Cayuga Community College under the direction of Robert Frame. 

Three of the five are inventive, intelligent plays that show considerable accomplishment and promise for the authors. It is hardly surprising that these also contain the better performances of the night.

The best of the three is by Fair Haven native Tara Meddaugh.  “Seventeen Stitches” is a sharp, incisive play about rebellion and compliance and why neither should go unquestioned. It is an ingenious and provocative piece and features sharp performances from Brie O'Connell and Matthew Crawford, and precision direction by Frame. This production marks the World Premiere of the play.

“The Ledge” is Ken Tesoriere's tale of a would be jumper and the flawed man sent to talk him down. Crawford is again very good as the jumper and Frame gets in front of the lights in this piece as a former race car driver with his own set of problems. Tesoriere has a good ear for dialogue and both actors profit from it.  There is an almost staccato quality to the play, bursts of energy punctuated by sullen lulls.  Assistant Director Robin Fragoman deserves credit for the staging and pace.

Finally Mary Steelsmith's “The Miraculous Day Quartet” delivers the reflections of four people, all late on the same day, and all missing the same event. O'Connell and Crawford are joined by Courtney Johnston, Jacqueline Kocur and Greg T. Miraglia.  All deliver solid performances in another interesting and intelligent play.

The other two plays, “Face to Face With the Enemy” by Judy Klass and Steelsmith's “Duty Call,” are far inferior plays.  In the former, Johnston and Kocur are women wrangling over the same man and - surprise - deciding neither wants him.  The dialogue is stilted, humorless and at times insipid.  The inclusion of Miraglia as an addled waiter serves no purpose unless it is to highlight the uselessness of men in general.

“Duty Call” is slightly better written, but that's all that recommends it.  Kocur, Johnston and O'Connell are sisters sharing a sob story of sacrifice and survival as the middle sister prepares to deploy to Iraq. 

The actors in both plays have little to build on, neither script gives guidance to constructing a character and neither provides a hint of depth.  All four performers show promise in other roles.  Here it is the plays that fail, not the cast.

Due to adult themes and language this production may not be suitable for younger audiences.

If you go

What: “Choices - An Evening of Theatre”

When: Through Saturday

Where: Black Box Theatre, Cayuga Community College, Auburn

For tickets and information: Call 255-1743 ext. 2340