Stage Takes

Ryan Lisman put together scenes from different original shows written by Catharsis Company members and it came out very well. I commend that all of these artists had something to say and put in hard work to produce their pieces. The project as a whole was very smooth and had good pacing, had strong pieces throughout. There were minimal sets but small set pieces that were easy to transfer; I blinked my eyes and a new show was up. Without further ado, let me get into the shows.

Fight Like Hell by Christian Levatino is a compelling opener and I loved every minute of it! It follows the story of January 6 rioters who are coming to insight mid-riot, hiding in one of the Capitol’s historic rooms. I am reminded of the masterpiece show by Rogue Ensemble, about the Pulse night club in Florida, real events dramatized. The play combines historic fiction with thriller-esque moments, blending historical events with heightened theatrical storytelling. The actors are all intense and the plot is gripping, watching these characters fall from grace, losing their moral high ground. Could have used more sound effects, I thought, but still, would be an awesome full production.

Blame It On The Raisin by Heidi Appe was about a lady who domesticated a lady bug. Good laughs here, absurdity to the extreme. If there was some deeper meaning, I didn’t catch it. I thought the actors could have been louder.

I have seen many iterations of SubUrban Limbo by Travis Santos Gatz and this one got it just right! The play follows the lead Preston, post-rampage, trying to figure out his next steps. The writing by Travis Santos Gatz is really good, with philosophical themes that leave you thinking long after you have left the theater. I would say the direction by Olivia Greer Gulden is very focused and puts a different perspective on the story, ultimately blending different storylines together. Audience members were heard gasping, laughing, commenting “So good” right after the performance. I put a star next to Tharun Dulla’s name for an outstanding performance as Gino. He walked on stage and pulled in laughs for his stoic humor and endless banter. Other performers, including Sam Zukin, Isabella Costa, Jennifer Donovan did great too, adding different flavors to the production.

Infidel by David Neipris explores the tension between artistic integrity and the business reality of the arts Some really good writing by David Neipris with rich characters and backstories. It really does feel like a good chunk of a bigger idea, I’m excited to see where this one goes.

Angst is a clever production that follows one writer’s inner battle of his own imposter syndrome. Spencer Weitzel plays Anyone and Theo Fay plays Angst, both dressed very similar that makes it easy to know they are the same person. This iteration can be done with plenty of universal emotions, and stay easy to follow. Their energetic performances keep the audience entertained as they smoothly break the fourth wall at times.

Schizm by Ryan Lisman was the final production. A family drama, set during a dinner where chaos erupts. Individual secrets come out, changes that cannot go unnoticed. Excited for the full production in March.