[NEohioPAL] LandOfCleve.net review of "The Aliens" at Dobama Theatre

[backstagewriter at aol.com]

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LAND OF CLEVE Stage Review: 
Dobama's 'Aliens' Makes Mesmerizing Contact 
With Compelling Cast of Characters

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WHO: Dobama Theatre
WHAT: "The Aliens" by Annie Baker, directed by Nathan Motta
WHEN: Now through Feb. 23 -- playing Thurs. 7:30pm, Fri.-Sat., 8pm, Sun. 2:30pm
WHERE: 2340 Lee Rd. in Gordon Square, Cleveland Hts.
HOW MUCH: $10-$26 ($5 rush tix for patrons 21 & under)      
BOX OFFICE: Visit Dobama.org or call (216) 932-3396



Reviewed by Vivian Luther for LandOfCleve.net



The title of the Dobama Theatre's current production "The Aliens," written by Annie Baker, would lead one to believe that somewhere on stage during the performance we would see little green men or creatures with one giant eye. But instead, as the lights come up, the audience is introduced to two rather average twentysomething hipsters, K.J (Alexander V. Thompson) and his friend, Jasper (Matt O'Shea). KJ and Jasper are hanging around the backside of a coffee shop named the "Green Sheep" -- perhaps a play on the concepts of "green" aliens and people being mostly "sheep." 



The two men sit, and stare, and sit some more. Jasper lights a cigarette and KJ slurps his tea. They are together but alone -- hanging out, talking about their lives and their philosophies -- basically just loitering through life. Obvious misfits from society, they are in effect "aliens" to the people on the front side of the coffee shop. One could almost say they exist on the "dark side of the moon." 


Eventually, though, first contact is made in the form of a young man, Evan (Joseph Dunn), who works at the coffee shop. At first, the meek-mannered employee peers out of the back door window, as if looking out from a spaceship, staring at the strange creatures lurking out back. Then, while taking out the trash, Evan attempts to get KJ and Jasper to conform -- to move inside the shop, or at least to the tables out front. But the two men know that is impossible for them. They have tried to live in that space but did not fit in, so no, they must remain in the back. 


As Evan moves between the "front" and "back" of the coffee shop, he questions his own life, examines his feelings, and wonders where he belongs -- in the world of the regular folks, or that of his new best friends.


Playwright Baker develops an intriguing, indelible bond between these three awkwardly introspective characters, and the premise pays off in poignant dividends by play's end. Director Nathan Motta guides his actors through the drama's most daunting challenge -- plenty of pauses and silence on stage. In this age of instant messaging and tweets, Motta's expert direction utilizes the intimate space perfectly, and he brilliantly coaxes heart-tugging hints of emotion out of each of his performers, sometimes without having them move or speak at all. 




Alexander V. Thompson is wonderfully complex as the verbally incoherent and rather spaced out KJ. His facial expressions and body movements are performed with exact precision, and his internal intensity. Matt O'Shea as Jasper brings out the passionate undercurrent of the "Aliens" plight. Rejected by his last girlfriend, and rejected by life, he paces and pontificates, smokes incessantly, and finally sits and stares into space. O'Shea finds the heart and soul of the play, and his endearing portrayal breaks viewers' hearts. Joseph Dunn played the part of the angst-driven young Evan with skill. Dunn sensitively takes us back to our youth, and makes us remember why growing old is not so bad. 


The contributions of the technical staff come together to provide a picture-perfect back-alley environment, including Aaron Benson's scenic design, Marcus Dana's lighting, Tesia Benson's costumes and Richard Ingraham's sound. 



Sometimes theatre can reflect life exactly -- like looking in a mirror. But sometimes the reflection is not so clear. Just as the actors look up to the sky to question the point of fireworks on the Fourth of July, some audience members who come to see "The Aliens" may question what it was exactly they saw. The answer is a thought-provoking performance piece that's ideal for anyone looking for something out of the ordinary, or perhaps a little out of "this" world.




LandOfCleve.net is an entertainment blog and production company dedicated to promoting and producing theatre, films, TV shows, and special events in the Northeast Ohio area. If you would like us to come review your next project, write a preview article, or interview one of your cast or crew, send all requests to inthelandofcleve at gmail.com. 
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