[NEohioPAL] Berko review: HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE (NONE TO FRAGILE THEATRE); NOTRE DAME COLLEGE THEATRE

[Roy Berko]

None Too  Fragile theatre company premieres with compelling production

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times

COOLCLEVELAND.COM

For about four years, Bang and Clatter Theatre performed like the little engine that could.  Run by the two Seans (McConaha and Derry), possessing little money, but lots of chutzpa, the company performed before nice-sized and appreciative audiences in Akron.  True to its mission, the theatre presented innovative and challenging works.  The atmosphere was relaxed, free wine flowed, and the performances were generally of high quality.

Several years ago they added a Cleveland theatre, opening a new space in the former Cole’s Shoe Store on public square in downtown Cleveland.  That venue, due to poor parking availability, little publicity and the competition of the crowded Cleveland theatre market, never caught on.  Then the  economic crash finished off both theatres.

Now, growing out of the smoldering ashes, a new theatre company, None Too Fragile, has been formed by Sean Derry and former B&C actress, Alanna Romansky.  Housed in the CityArt Indie Box Center on Front Street in downtown Cuyahoga Falls, the company’s first play is Paula Vogel’s 1998 Pulitzer Prize chilling drama, ‘HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE.’

The story follows the strained, sexual relationship between Li'l Bit and her aunt's husband, Uncle Peck, from her adolescence through her teenage years and beyond. Using the metaphor of driving and the issues of pedophilia, incest, and misogyny, the play explores the ideas of control and manipulation.

The None Too Fragile production is exceptionally well done.  Alanna Romansky is mesmerizing in the role of Li’l Bit.  She presents a multi-textured character that displays maturity, while being a teen and then an adult.  It’s worth going just to see Romansky weave her magic. 

Jeffrey Grover shows a nice balance between predator and caring uncle.  Though his accent comes and goes, he makes Uncle Peck a real person, complete with complex feelings ,who clearly is a sick and conflicted being.

In an interesting directing twist, Derry does the show with only two actors on stage, while six people actually appear in the production.  Clever use of video and projections makes this possible.

CAPSULE JUDGEMENT:  ‘HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE’ is a complex play that is emotionally difficult to sit through, yet, it is so well directed and performed that it is fascinating theatre.  Let’s hope that the audiences who found Bang and Clatter such a rewarding experience show up at the company’s new home, and the word spreads quickly so that Derry and Romansky can make this new venture thrive.

‘HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE’ runs through April 3.  For tickets call 330-962-5547.  For Clevelanders, the driving time from Chagrin and 271 was only 25 minutes.  It’s a straight shot out 271 to Route 8.  The venue is only two blocks off 8.  There is lots of free parking nearby.  Finding the theatre itself is a little tricky so ask for specific directions from the parking garage when you call 330-962-5547 for tickets.  Shows generally run Friday and Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 2.

NONE TOO FRAGILE’s next production is David Mamet’s ‘ROMANCE’ which opens on June 11. 

NOTRE DAME COLLEGE THEATRE

Congratulations to Jacqi Lowey on her successful debut as Notre Dame College’s director of theatre.  Her production of THE LARAMIE PROJECT, which had a cast of over 40, was well conceived and was welcomed by several sold out houses.
 Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2010, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info

His reviews can also be found on www.coolcleveland.com and NeOHIOpal (to subscribe visit http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/neohiopal.)