When the real live dog got loose and ran around the stage during Theatre 98’s full dress rehearsal of Absurd Person Singular, I thought, “How in the world am I going to write about this?” Things were already different enough with the ever-changing stage, detailed props and farce of a story-line.
And then, I realized the play, written by Alan Ayckbourn and directed by Marcus Willis, wasn’t like a mint being popped into your mouth for a quick BANG! But instead was more like Willy Wonka’s Everlasting Gobstopper, lasting all day and giving you flavor after flavor of interesting, unheard of combinations.
In the director’s opening remarks, he admitted he wasn’t a fan of the ending and the writer was offered one million dollars to change it, when it first appeared on Broadway, but refused. That’s okay, because I didn’t like the ending of Gone With The Wind either and that turned out to be fairly successful, don’t you think?
My husband and I talked about the play all the way home. And the next morning too. Then I thought about it while I cleaned the kitchen, went to the grocery store and post office. Like a fine wine, Absurd Person Singular has an intriguing aftertaste.
People don’t take time to think about things anymore, but this play and the actors caused me to ignore all the bad news on TV and forget about the crazy world in general.
Instead of being stuck with everyday boring and tragic news stories, I was thinking about things like, “Is social class really a big deal between friends? How’d they make a woman trying to stick her head in an oven funny? I didn’t really laugh at first, but other people were cracking up and then I finally got the joke. Why am I like that? Am I too sensitive? How quickly would my husband die if he called me, “Old Sausage?” Why do playwrights have the urge to use so many slamming and banging doors? Why do British accents make you sound so classy?”
On and on and on. I thought about the play so much I think I may need to go back and see it again.
And what would be so wrong with that?
This play may not be Broadway’s Hamilton or Beauty and the Beast, but it’s the essence of what local theatre should be. It brought a great group of talented people together and is giving the community something to celebrate. Uniqueness, happiness and creative expression. It’s just plain F-U-N.
Absurd Person Singular (which by the way, the name has nothing to do with the play — what a surprise, right?) is a great distraction from our plain-jane lives and gives us a chuckle while providing good conversation.
The next time you talk with a friend, would you rather hear them drone on about more zucchini recipes or have them say, “I saw the most interesting play the other night.” Don’t wait for your friend — be interesting yourself! If you’re in our area, get your tickets now and support the arts. If you live elsewhere, find your own local theatre group and either join the show or buy a ticket. It’s a move you won’t regret.
Absurd Person Singular — July 15-17, 22-24, 29-31. go to theatre98.org or call 251-928-4366 for ticket information.
Cast: Cindy Cazalas, Mark Swalley, Reb Bodet, Anne Bodet, Taryn Rounsaville, Scotty O. White, Bob McDonald and Emily Harrison, Directed by Marcus Willis.
I love local theater. And while I’m drawn to Broadway type shows for their catchy tunes, they don’t really provide the food for thought that plays like Absurd Person Singular do. I loved the Everlasting Gobstopper analogy. Brilliant!
Thanks Mo. You are fortunate to live in a big city where you get to see the big-time shows, but I’m sure you know there’s something about a small group of amateurs who give a play a certain charm.
Anything that takes occupies your mind and takes it off the country/world events for several days, has to be a success! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂 ~Rhonda
Isn’t that the truth! More so every day. Thanks Rhonda.
I would love to see this, and it if it were not so dad-blamed hot I would drive down there to do just that. Don’t laugh, but I used to have a tablecloth like that one with the teacups. I noticed that she has her curtains matching in that amethyst kitchen, too. I actually could still have it in the attic somewhere…
I think Community Theatre is a wonderful thing to have in a town, for many, many reasons. It’s always good to see people put themselves out there, stretching their level of artistic striving, and in the process, make everyone think. Win win.
The car and the theatre are totally air conditioned, and we could rush you down the sidewalk if that helps any!
Glad you noticed the details in the set. The backstage crew really outdid themselves with their work on this play. Go get your tablecloth out and enjoy its star-status!
Golly-gee, just when I was going to send you my most recent zucchini noodle recipe…I guess I’ll go see the play instead!
Good move.
Leslie Anne, the play sounds fabulous! Happy Wednesday!
And to you as well Pam.
I would love to see this Leslie Anne, thanks for the info and interesting review, it’s sounds absurdly great!
That’s a great way to put it Jenna!