[NEohioPAL] Chapatti - Actors' Summit: A Gentle and Charming Evening

[Stephen via NEohioPAL]

Romance is a distant memory for two lonely animal-lovers living in Dublin. When forlorn Dan (Neil Thackaberry) and his dog Chapatti cross paths with amiable Betty (Anne McEvoy) and her nineteen cats, an unexpected spark begins a warm and gentle story about two people re-discovering the importance of human companionship.These two actors are a delight to watch, and their stories are told in an unusual way, with Dan and Betty, working-class, uncomplicated Irish folk, speaking in alternating monologues directly addressing the audience, Most importantly, Christian O'Reilly's script raises a very important issue that many need to be made continually aware of: the loneliness and seclusion many older people experience. Talk-backs about this subject are scheduled after selected performances.

However, in addition to the excellent performances, the unexpected treat of the evening is director Brian Zoldessy's directorial approach to the play. Not only has he drawn fine work from these accomplished actors, but his revisionist approach is a poet's conception. In place of unit set and props, this Chapatti uses minimal sets and no props. Think "Our Town". The actors wonderfully pantomime actions such as preparing breakfast, walking dogs, and playing with kittens. It's beautifully creative, and artfully simple. Coupled with very moving music, which gently underscores each scene, and Kevin Rutan's lighting design, which sets the appropriate mood, Chapatti is unforgettably warm and effective.

 Chapatti is being presented by Actors' Summit and runs through March 13.  For information and reservations, call 330-374-7568.

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