Where ten writers write ten plays actualized by ten directors
Point of Contention Theatre presents |
The Sixth Annual Chaos Festival |
at Lincoln Square Theatre, 4754 N. Leavitt (map) through April 6 | tickets: $15 | more info |
Reviewed by Katy Walsh
Lovers, killers, single-cell organisms, survival is dependent on embracing the chaos. Point of Contention Theatre Company presents The Sixth Annual Chaos Festival. Ten writers wrote ten plays actualized by ten directors. The cluster of ten minute shows is a showcase sampling of new work. It’s something for everyone on the all-you-can-eat-buffet. The morsel nibbling allows for tasting a variety of a la carte offerings without getting stuck with a dissatisfying main entree. For the curious palate, it’s a series of one bite wonders. If it’s sweet, there is the next daily special by the actors, writer, or director to crave. If the recipe is bland, a future spicier version could bring out the flavor.
Second Helping, Please
Three of the shows were unique, lip-smacking, gourmet surprises. Minutiae written by Barry Eitel, is an evolutionary exploration of scientific wit. Under the direction of Rachel Staelens, Nicci Schumacher and Rafael Torres spar in a lively, rambunctious survival of relevance. The Four Senses of Love written by Arthur M. Jolly is a hilarious coupling of two members of a sensory-deprived support group. Under the direction of Brandon Boler, individually and collectively, Jonathan Helvey and Lisa Cordileone sarcastically work through their affliction with no senses. Wet Work written by Jenny Seidelman is an intriguing, comedic encounter between two very opposite men. Under the direction of Brandon Baisden, Ray Ready plays it perky, irritant to an established, smoldering Joshua Volkers. The odd duo captivates to an unexpected conclusion.
Can’t Make Out the Taste, But I Like it
Two of the shows aroused with a lingering aftertaste. Jib and The Big Still written by Elizabeth Birkenmeir is a guy zoning out to avoid the chaos around him. Under the direction of Michael Wagman, David Holcombe, Jaclyn Keough, and Warren Feagins effectively use extremes in physicality to contrast angst. Quiet Killers, written by Kristen Palmer, is teenagers musing over death and human instinct. Under the direction of Brea Hayes, Drew Anderson, Natalie Nassar, and Eric Ryan Swanson are over-the-top morose. It’s how the goth-set does funerals.
Had It Before, It’s Enjoyable
Three of the shows have the familiar homestyle goodness of leftovers. The Narcoleptic Pillow Fight written by Alex Dremann is a couple fighting through bouts of hysterical, empathetic or selective narcoleptic episodes. Under the direction of Allyson B. Baisden, Megan E. Brown and Andy Cameron heighten the amusing buffoonery of ‘narking out’. The Rollercoaster of Love written by Joe Musso and A Play or Something Like That written by McCarry Reynolds are two delicious potato salads at the same picnic! It’s actors playing actors working a relationship scene. Both are interesting mini ‘Circle Mirror Transformation’ but not everybody eats potato salad.
Pass the Salt
The final two shows are a little too bland to make it to the big meal. A Portrait of The Artist as a Middle Age Woman written by Jerry Lieblich is a mid-life crisis without the crisis. It needs a dash of Charlie Sheen antics to make it more potent. A fictional Latin lover (Ben Johnson or Jeff Taylor, no headshot, identify unknown) overpowers with his humorous take. He’s hilarious but it’s like putting ketchup on eggs… all you taste is ketchup! White Cotton written by Craig Jessen flirts with infidelity as an engaged man visits his ex-girlfriend. The love triangle doesn’t have quite enough foreplay to make the audience care about who has the long-lasting orgasm.
The Sixth Annual Chaos Festival is a savory smorgasbord offering. With ten opportunities to curb your theatrical craving, your hunger will be satisfied. Bon Appetite!
Rating: ★★★ |
The Sixth Annual Chaos Festival plays through April 6th at the Lincoln Square Theatre (address), with all April performances at 8pm. Tickets are $15, and can be purchased online or by calling 773-326-3631. Running time: Two hours, which includes a ten minute intermission.
Filed under: 2011 Reviews, Katy Walsh, Lincoln Square Arts Center, Point of Contention Theatre, Theatre Festival | Tagged: 6th Annual Chaos Festival, Alex Dremann, Allyson Baisden, Andy Cameron, Arthur M. Jolly, Barry Eitel, Ben Johnson, Brandon Baisden, Brandon Boler, Brea Hayes, Craig Jessen, David Holcombe, Drew Anderson, Elizabeth Birkenmeir, Eric Ryan Swanson, Jaclyn Keough, Jeff Taylor, Jenny Seidelman, Jerry Lieblich, Joe Musso, Jonathan Helvey, Joshua Volkers, Katy Walsh, Kristen Palmer, Lincoln Square Arts Center, Lincoln Square Theatre, Lisa Cordileone, McCarry Reynolds, Megan E. Brown, Michael Wagman, Minutiae Barry Eitel, Natalie Nassar, Nicci Schumacher, Point of Contention Theatre, Rachel Staelens, Rafael Torres, Ray Ready, Warren Feagins | Leave a comment »