Alina Collins Maldonado (Bess) and Rex Daugherty as Jessie. Photo by Photography by Katie Simmons-Barth.
REP Stage’s production of “Hunting and Gathering” by playwright Brooke Berman, delivers an intellectual trendy twist to the age old struggle of “finding one’s self.” It showcases a period in the “timeline of life” dedicated to uncertainty, instability, and an unappreciated time of freedom. It’s a time free of long-term commitments and responsibilities to anyone other than one’s self. A period of time, sometimes as ugly as a cocoon waiting to transform into a beautiful butterfly, and as tiring as the struggle of a fish swimming upstream. After all, isn’t hunting and gathering a dirty labor intense job?
…a must see theatrical experience.
New York City provides for an exciting backdrop in which these brilliant charismatic characters develop their identities and purpose in life. Under the direction of Kasi Campbell, a cast of four captivating individuals merge their lives together resulting in a dramatic soap opera storyline and a must see theatrical experience.
First I’ll introduce you to “Astor” played by Daniel Corey, who in my opinion, possesses an untouchable talent for acting, and “Jesse” portrayed by Rex Daugherty, an award-winning actor and artistic director. Astor and Jesse are two brothers who couldn’t be more different if they tried. One may wonder if in fact these guys come from the same gene pool. Jesse is a conservative recently divorced College professor of literature, while Astor, and let’s just say Astor doesn’t have a title in life yet, is a free-spirited young man still fumbling through life.
As destiny would have it, the brothers find themselves involved with two very different young women. Alina Collins Maldonado, shines in her role as “Bess” the cocky, outspoken college student who preys upon Jesse’s newly broken bleeding heart. Kathryn Tkel, playing the part of “Ruth” is a sweet, vulnerable, naive girl who is guilty of placing her heart and trust in the wrong hands. It is impossible not to fall in love with her “wearing her heart on her sleeve” personality and genuine sincerity that overflows as she delivers every line. Maldonado is as confident as her character Bess as seen in her subtle use of body language and strong decisive voice. This cast of four is dynamic, well-trained, educated, seasoned and professional. A true pleasure to observe in action.
Adding to the overall ambiance is an impressive uniquely designed set consisting of cardboard boxes. Yes that’s right, cardboard boxes. It is an amazing concept born from scenic designer Mollie Singer. Of course it takes a vivid imagination to envision what this set must look like. The reality is, it’s genius. You have to see it to truly appreciate the quality of craftsmanship put into the development of such a set. The technical crew consists of painter, Laura Genson, Electrician, Eric Moore, Lighting operator, Tyrell Stanley, Sound board operator, Matt Straka and several skilled carpenters.
Running Time: Approximately 1 ½ hours in length with no intermission.
“Hunting and Gathering” is being performed at the Beautiful Horowitz Center located at Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland from April 6 -24. No need to go “hunting” for tickets and more information. Simply call the Horowitz Center Box office at 443-518-1500 or click here. You won’t be disappointed!
