Stage Takes

I have known Travyz since college and have observed his work on this project for over a decade, happy to see it come to fruition.

On September 24, 2024 at Loft Ensemble Travyz put up a collection of one acts written by him and a few of his peers; it was a great, fun night of artistic exhibition. Travyz opened the night with an introduction, stating that he instructed these writers to go inside his mind and these are the resulting pieces, and performed a few raps from his project. The Gatzbyverse, it seems, is a collection of plays, film, comic strips – maybe I will interview Travyz for more information.

The shows included I Love My Bitch by Molly Sharpe, Blather by Riley Smith, Subtext by by Liza Dealey-Thomason, and Travyz’s Roscoe’s Wetsuit. The show included performances that stretched the audience’s expectations and each actor/character did their job in evoking something out of us.

I thought the Jack Sharpe and Molly Sharpe were both excellent in her play, took big risks that landed with laughs and thought-provoking ideas. Mandy Rubeli commanded the stage with a ten-plus minute monologue, did a great job in making an annoying character enjoyable to watch. Liza’s writing had double meanings, and had the audience taking sides with characters. Roscoe’s Wetsuit got many laughs, a nice closing to the show; it had well-developed characters and funny moments.

I can’t wait to see what the next part of the Gatzbyverse will bring.

I have known Ryan for a number of years and I’m pleased to say that he has grown tremendously as an artist.

A show I have seen recently, and which is still running is Red Light Winter by Adam Rapp, starring Ryan Lisman, Trenton Lee Culkin, and Natalie Valentine — and let me just say I was mesmerized at the flow of the production and the chemistry between the actors. I will do my best to talk about the production in general without giving away plot, because as always, the less you know the better.

I commend Ryan for carrying the show with a range of emotion, staying fully present in the most intimate parts of the show. The director Billy Ray Brewton facilitated for a natural connection between the cast, and the minimal set does wonders to keep our eyes on the interactions. Trenton crafted a character that brings humor to the show and forms the dynamic between characters. Natalie is excellent as well, surprises at many moments.

Highly recommend this show! You don’t want to miss it. It will run for one more weekend at The Broadwater, Black Box (9/27 to 9/29, 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:30) and then play for two weekends at The Zephyr Theater, October 3-6 and 10-13, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 PM, and Sunday at 2:30 PM.

Content warning: sexual situations, nudity, suicide.

I met Maddie at fringe Central, recently, and liked how she promoted her show.

This is Fringe! Yes! Exactly the kind of shows I want to see: Personal, experimental. She had multiple forms: comedy, monologues, singing, movement, music. I had no idea what I was gonna see going in. It kind of felt like karaoke at first, but the storyline was strong. I still wonder if it was all a metaphor.

One thing I have to say is that, in the beginning, the music felt too loud. Yes, she has some pre-recorded vocals, but her voice is just as great live. There was a projection, a lot of imagery in her speech. She commanded the stage and connected with the audience. Made us laugh and cry subject matter was raw, personal, unhinged.