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Intermittance Explains Nothing, But Fun!
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Mary Deberry
October 21st 2007 |
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Intermittance is a funny, original play now in performance at The Artists Exchange in Cranston, RI. Performances are held in the Black Box Theater through October 28th.
Local playwright and actor, Mark Carter, penned the lively, original work. He also wrote the lyrics for the original score created by Tom Chace, Music Director and Rich Morra, Artistic Director of the Black Box Theater.
It is truly wonderful to have a venue like the Artists Exchange available to local artists. This allows creative artists of every description and level to perform without commercial interference in their work. It also serves as a training ground and outlet for the developmentally challenged who bring their unique talents to the community.
Intermittance is fun, lively, and surprising. Intermittance, the players inform us, is a play in which the characters can do and say anything they want without having to explain themselves. As a fellow artist, I can deeply empathize with the roots of that "invention".
Sometimes art is just there to entertain and to provoke thought. It doesn't have to mean anything. It can be quite frustrating when one continually encounters, "but what did that mean?"
For example, celery plays a key part in this musical play. Why? No reason really. It just does! And just when Intermittance appears to be Children's Theater, it pitches a "change-up".
There is a handsome prince (played with hilarious egomaniacal self-confidence by Matt Fraza), a threatening monster and a fair maiden. But then sharp, adult language springs out at you. Even the Narrator of Intermittance , played quite well by young Emily Carter (daughter of the playwright), lapses into adult language now and then. But Emily, as narrator, presents herself as a poised and polished professional.
While startling at first, the language fits appropriately into the staged piece. And I decided that if I was willing to accept the celery, anything else was clearly acceptable too.
 While the first act serves to introduce the characters and their situation, the second act relies on the musical numbers sung by the various characters to advance the story. It was very pleasant to hear quality in all of the singers' voices.
Another surprise comes when the characters "break the fourth wall" by commenting on the play itself, and react as a Greek Chorus to one particular character's ravings. And then there's the windup doll…you will have to attend a performance to find out her secret!
Fine, focused acting performances were given by all. The leads Harold and Margaret (Alex Rotella and Ailey Wilder) were most enjoyable. My only criticism would be for Harold and Margaret to speak a little more slowly. When only the two of them are conversing on stage, it is hard to follow their speech because it is delivered so quickly.
I have seen many of these players in other Black Box productions and always enjoy their antics and enthusiasm. They include Bob Macaux (Tom), Ken Benoit (Charlie), David Smith and Greg Smith (Soldiers), Chris White (Drunge), and Catherine Fay (Mindy).
Rounding out the cast is the beautiful Milkmaid (Bethany Bobola), the Drill Sergeant (John Los), the Owl (John Pannozzi), Sheila (Kayla Quirk), the Wind-Up Toy (Serena Bobola) and Lambeen (Mark Carter).
The show is recommended for audiences over 12 years of age. Tickets are $15. Reservations, which are strongly recommended, can be made by calling (401) 490-9475. Music from Intermittance is available on CD.
The Artists Exchange, at 50 Rolfe Square, Cranton, RI is owned and operated by Gateways to Change, Inc. |
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