Sarah Gavitt-Mendez and Zach Brewster-Geist. Photo by C. Stanley Photography.
Rumor has it that there are some awesome shows going on in the DC area. Rumor has it that some of the most talented people have come together to share new creative thought-provoking works. Well you know what they say about rumors? Rumors are simply that, rumors. One needs to go straight to the “Source” to get the real scoop about the latest and greatest in DC area theater.
Throughout the month of June, the “Source” theater in DC is celebrating the arts with a colorful mix of new plays based on various themes as part of their annual “Source Festival.” Part of “Love and Botany” theme line-up includes several short plays and a full-length play called (a love story).
…'(a love story)’ really is something to experience.
(a love story), directed by Jess Jug, engages audience members at several levels. First of all it is comical, provoking unexpected blurts of laughter from viewers. Second, it stimulates self-reflection. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that practically every person in the audience was thinking about the type’s relationships in which they were currently involved; and, analyzing those relationships of the past, relationships between lovers, friends, family, pets, and even intimate objects.
The play consists of nine performers. Their relationships are separate yet connected at varying degrees. Greg, played by Drew Paramore, is a timid lonely boy discovering love in the arms of David played by Ben Lauer. David not only has the stress of revealing his homosexuality to his best friend Emily, played by Christie Jackson, but also finds himself being the target of rage for Emily’s emotionally disturbed love interest Richard, played by Shane O’Loughlin. Meanwhile on the other side of town, Jack (Zack Brewster-Geist), a lonely single father with his own dark secrets cultivates a fantasy driven online romance with Anne, Sarah Gavitt-Mendez, an emotionally ill widow who becomes a victim of her own delusional sense of reality. Geisz is a perfect fit for portraying his role. He is stellar at presenting a middle-aged, lonely, desperate man. His facial expressions are priceless and possess a vulnerability that demands audience sympathy.
Narrators Jack Novak, David Mavricos, and Julia Klavans are essential storytellers in the show adding substance and atmosphere to a simplistic set and props consisting of pillows, blankets, desk, laptops, and plants. Simplistic but a very effective backdrop for telling a “love story.” Each actor and actress is very connected with his/her perspective role giving way to admiral interpretations of the characters. The costumes are simple everyday clothing which works well in this context. The lighting is exceptional and there are really no “bad” seats to be had in the house. The play is performed in the center of the theater with seating on both sides.
As the saying goes, “at first there was nothing and nothing became something,” (a love story) really is something to experience.
Advisory: Adult situations.
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours with one 10-minute intermission.
(a love story) runs June 18 and June 27, 2015 at 8:00 PM, and June 27 at 1:00 PM at Source Theatre – 1835 14th Street NW, in Washington DC. For tickets, purchase them online.
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