A Lot Can Happen in 10 Minutes – 2011 PlayFest Review

By Mindy Kayl

This spring local artists put pen to paper and created a collection of entertaining and thought-provoking 10 minute plays. Last night was opening night of the Sixth Annual Playwrights’ Festival, and the house was packed.

Leslie Liddle, Aaimee Johnson and LuAnn Pamatian, standing, advise Katie Zwilling, seated, about "Round Trip Fare"

The night started with a chance for islanders to look and laugh at ourselves.  Round Trip Fare, written by Lin McNulty, is a slice of magical life on Orcas. Directed by Melinda Milligan, actors Aaimee Johnson, Lesley Liddle, Luann Pamatian, and Katie Zwilling give an honest portrayal of island archetypes and each characters struggle: wanting to leave the island, having to leave the island, and the beauty of returning.

Necessary Risk was written by a 14-year-old playwright. Brigid Ehrmantraut brings her love of science fiction alive in this short about time travel, and the implications of visiting the future. This play was directed by Doug Bechtel, a founder of the Actors Theater. The primary actors Dove Dingman, a time traveling scientist and, Maggie Vinson, a reporter put on a great performance, with the support of Cameron Smart. Would you tell anyone if you knew the future?

The most emotionally charged play of the night was Test, written by first time playwright Jennifer Brennock. In this play, a beautiful train wreck named Karen (passionately played by Grange newcomer Jamie Mulligan-Smith), wrestles with the implications of the pregnancy test she is holding.  Chris Jones, also a newcomer, is the ex-boyfriend/possible father.  Both actors offer sincerity and depth in their performance.  This is one of two plays in the line up directed by Robert Hall, who elegantly staged the scene.

The second play directed by Robert Hall was The Request. Thoughtfully written by Ron Herman, who says in the writers notes, “I’ve always been fascinated by happenings that appear to have no logical explanation.  Meet Gary and Catherine.”  Frank Michels and Kaitlyn Pulji play Gary and Catherine.  They deliver a great performance of a story that will make you shiver, at one point the audience gasped wow.

Regina Zwilling and Nick Hershenow share tense moments in "Lockdown"

Lockdown was written by Michele Grisky, who “wanted to write about something that frightened me.”  Directed by first time director George Zimbelman, this story explores the reactions of two very different professors, when real life tragedy is knocking at the door.  The professors, played by Regina Zwilling and Nick Hershenow, learn instead of teach on this particular day.

Playwright Susan Anderson let her imagination run wild and The Reunion was the result.  Directed by Angelica Mayo, a class reunion becomes interesting when a surprise classmate reappears after 25 years.  Melinda Milligan plays the popular Cheerleader, and John Mazzarella plays her husband  The surprise classmate is Annette Mazzarella who won the audience with the help of supporting actor Freddy Hinkle.

The stars of "Digital Disconnect," from left, Pam Evan, Lin McNulty, Maura O'Neill and Virginia Erhardt

The last play of the night will make you LOL.  Digital Disconnect was written by Andrea Hendrick, Ruthie Newman, and Mary Poletti.  This honest and hilarious romp is directed by Doug Bechtel.  Maura O’Neill, Virginia Erhardt, and Lin McNulty play mature women frustrated by the barrage of new technologies, texting, iPhones, and a mouse.  They unsuccessfully seek help from a younger, oversexed, apathetic instructor, played by Pam Evans. TTFN (“ta ta for now”)

There are many to thank for the smooth set transitions, the props and sound effects:  Bill Westlake, George Zimbelman, Doug Bechtel, Jeff Struthers, Paula Capitano, D.D. Glaze, Alice Hachee, Roland Hachee, Ron Herman and Carol Whitbeck.

Robert Hall who has participated in two years of the festival, wanted to especially thank Doug Bechtel for being the kind of person that so many people like to work with, it is his encouragement and dedication that makes the Playwrights’ festival a success.

This is a great opportunity to see the amazing talent grown here on Orcas. Come see your neighbors and fellow community members perform. The plays will be presented again at the Grange, 7:30 PM Saturday April 30, and next Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 6, 7, and 8. Tickets are $5 and are available at Darvill’s Books, at the door, and on the web https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/171228, no one is ever turned away for inability to pay.