[NEohioPAL] HE VIEWED, SHE VIEWED REVIEWS: "Air Waves" at Cleveland Public Theatre

[backstagewriter at aol.com]

HE VIEWED, SHE VIEWED: This is one in a series of exclusive reviews on LandOfCleve.net that feature the dual and (sometimes dueling) perspectives of entertainment critics Rich Stimac and Vivian Luther from HeViewedSheViewed.com. If you would like to invite this prolific pair to cover your next stage production, movie screening, art show or public event, email them at inthelandofcleve at gmail.com.
Cleveland Public Theatre's 'Air Waves' Never Lets Viewers Breathe Easy 

WHO: Cleveland Public Theatre

WHAT: "Air Waves"?

WHEN: Now through Feb. 15

WHERE: CPT's Gordon Square Theatre

HOW: Call (216) 631-2727 x501 

??????? or visit http://www.cptonline.org/theater-show.php?id=218




SHE VIEWED by Vivian Luther 

What comes to mind when you hear the word "air"? Is it something you can describe, or is it just a feeling? Those are the types of questions explored in Cleveland Public Theatre's outstanding production of "Air Waves (Part Three of the Elements Cycle)."

"Air Waves" loosely follows the story of Kim, a local from a fictional suburb who has moved to the big city to become a representative of a powerful Energy Company. She is sent back home to purchase air credits (a means of offsetting the Energy Company's pollution output) from the community, and finds herself having to convince her childhood friend George, who is the last resident to hold out on selling his "air."?


George is in a state of depression after suffering from a tragic event in his life involving his sister, Jeanette. Kim will stop at nothing to get George to consent, even offering what seems to be the impossible. Kim gives George three wishes, anything he wants in the world in exchange for the credits, to which George reluctantly agrees. The audience then get taken on a journey with these characters both figuratively and physically until they meet the full terms of the agreement.

There are no walls in this most innovative theatrical experience. Upon entering the building, audience members are invited to sit at round tables next to and facing fellow guests creating an atmosphere of being at someone's dinner party rather than a "performance." Immediately interactive, there are questions written on the table coverings, and guests are encouraged to place stickers on the answers that appealed to them personally.?


A member of the cast casually sits at each table and offers introductions, again, bringing the audience into a very personal space. Darius Stubbs -- the cast member at our table -- was the perfect host, posing thoughtful questions while revealing details of the fateful central story like an intellectual educator. The three main characters emerge around the audience while our "Professor" continues his tale, and soon the journey begins.?



This uniformly solid ensemble of actors guides us through the venue as if we are lifted on the "air" passengers, blown from setting to setting while riding on a paper airplane -- the plays "through-line" image.  As Kim, Faye Hargate gives a dynamic performance as the Energy Company representative.  She is quirky, sweet, evil, conniving, and determined all in the same sentence, doing whatever it takes to get what "the company" wants.  Adam Seeholzer's George is spot on in his portrayal of a sincere and genuine "everyman."  Our hearts go out to Cassie Neumann's Jeanette, who plays her innocence deftly and causes us to pause and think of "unintended circumstances" in life.?


The entire cast deserves praise because the company was truly a finely woven quilt of talent.  I must, however, allow myself to reveal my favorite performance of the evening by Chris Seibert as the Queen Bee.  This particular scene is guaranteed to create "quite a buzz" (no pun intended -- well, maybe) among anyone who sees Ms. Seibert's intriguing portrayal of a frustrated flying insect.  Also, worthy of special mention are Renee Schilling and Lauren Joy Fraley, who excel as vaudeville versions of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, as well as the edgy performance by Nate Miller as an insidious Rumpelstiltskin. 

The production is directed by Raymond Bobgan, with contributing directors Caitlin Lewins, Melissa Crum, Molly Andrews-Hinder, and Dylan Winter Dwyer.  It is hard to believe this piece was directed by more than one person, because everything flows seamlessly together.  The use of space and movement is extremely creative and the action fits into the physical space, like Cinderella's foot in the slipper.?


The storyline is mainly conceived by Raymond Bobgan, with contributions from Chris Seibert, Faye Hargate, Adam Seeholzer, Darius Stubbs, Carly Garinger and the ensemble.  Again, I commend this group effort and their success.  Although avant garde and rather experimental, I am confident my 88-year-old mother will follow the story and I am bringing her to see it next week.   The costume designs by Ali Garrigan were very effective, especially a very creative scene involving "jellyfish-like" creatures superbly lit by Benjamin Gantose.   

"Air Waves" is an experience that must NOT be missed.  If you have never been to the Cleveland Public Theatre, this is the show to see.  Not only does it epitomize the company's heartfelt goal of providing our community with thought-provoking images and ideas, but it allows guests to see into every nook and cranny of this historic, landmark building. CPT is definitely a feather in the cap of Cleveland! 



HE VIEWED by Rich Stimac

Several times throughout the epically intimate production of "Air Waves," currently being presented by Cleveland Public Theatre, viewers may be reminded of a similarly titled play filled with mayhem and music and madness and messages... a play called "Hair." The latter show bravely and brazenly took a stance against war and violence. Likewise, this fresh "Air" warns of another danger to mankind, but one that hits much closer to home -- one that can leave us literally breathless -- and that is the danger of air pollution.

"Air Waves," like "Hair," is a collaboration between many contributing directors, creative writers, technical designers and performing artists. From an initial introduction seated around a table to a final tableau on a mammoth platform, the sights, sounds and scenes in "Air Waves" push and pull patrons in all directions amid a riptide of emotion, humor, tension, and release.?


Orchestrating the entire affair is writer-director Raymond Bobgan, who meticulously draws audience members out of their complacent comfort zones and transports them into a futuristic void filled with intrusive imagery and mesmerizing mind games. He takes a site-specific approach to the show's staging, keeping everyone on their toes as actors and audience alike are led through a series of escalating interludes that riff on the main theme through a spectrum of styles.

Kudos to the fearlessly phenomenal ensemble of actors-contributors, including Molly Andrews-Hinders, Dionne Atchison, Melissa Crum, Lauren Joy Fraley, Carly Garinger, Faye Hargate, Caitlin Lewins, Jeremy Lewis, Nate Miller, Cassie Neumann, Renee Schilling, Adam Seeholzer, Chris Seibert and Darius Stubbs. 

In addition to multi-talented Bobgan (who also provided scenic design), the behind-the-scenes superstars include costume designer Ali Garrigan, lighting designer Benjamin Gantose, composer Sean Hussey, and stage manager Sarah Moore. Additional directing chores were handled by Dylan Winter Dwyer.

This play is the third installment of CPT's Elements Cycle, and they can breathe a clean sigh of relief to know that their efforts paid off, and their message came through loud and clear.


Copyright 2014 -- HeViewedSheViewed.com 

 

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