[NEohioPAL] Berko review: VALPARAISO @ convergence-continuum

[Roy Berko]

VAPARAISO…quite a trip at convergence continuum

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)


--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

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

--coolcleveland.org

VALPARAISO, convergence continuum's newest production, asks, “What happens in 
this age of instant and continual news when a minor incident goes viral?”  

Due to the sudden illness of a fellow employee, Michael Majeski, a corporate 
manager, embarks on a business trip to Valparaiso, Indiana.   But, due to a 
series of serendipity events, he finds himself flying to Valparaiso, Florida, 
then on to Valparaiso, Chile.   That's the entire plot!  And, for many that 
would be the end of things.  However, due to the need for news agencies to find 
“THE” story, Majeski's journey becomes big news.  He appears on international 
radio and television explaining his plight over and over and over.  

The convergence-continuum production intertwines live performance, video and 
vocal sounds, to create an on-going look at how modern media operates.  The show 
climaxes in a bizarre conclusion, which if revealed here would spoil the 
experience for theatre-goers.  So, it is enough to conclude with a play on 
Shakespeare--“alls not well that ends not well.”

Don DeLilillo's script is a series of short snippets of media interviews 
interspersed with dialogue.   Questions, often answered with questions, 
repetitions of key phrases, and word play, highlight the writing format.  The 
absurdity of the media and each person's fifteen minutes of fame, are all 
highlighted.

This is a typical con-con play, a  challenge to the imagination and 
sensibilities of their niche audience.

Though there are many highlights, including wonderful performances by Lucy 
Bredeson-Smith as a talk show host, and Curt Arnold as her sidekick and several 
very, very funny commercial interludes, the production fails to fully 
ignite. Stumbling over lines and failing develop a clear character, Clint Elston 
(Majeski) gives the production a flawed underbelly.  In addition, the playing 
time is too long.   This would have made a good one-act, but two full acts, with 
an intermission, is just too long to develop the fragile concept.

Capsule Judgement:  VALPARAISO is an interesting script which will evoke 
reactions in those tired of the protracted coverage of “the royal wedding,” “the 
death of Michael Jackson” and all the events that get media overkill.  In spite 
of some excellent performances, the show needed cutting and a stronger leading 
male.

VALPARAISO runs through April 16 at 8 pm Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 
convergence-continuum's artistic home, The Liminis, at 2438 Scranton Rd. in 
Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood. For information and reservations call 
216-687-0074.
 
Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 
2011, 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 www.NeOHIOpal