Review: An Evening of Infinite Variety, Brave Writing and Brilliant Acting at the Grange

A review by Margie Doyle

Think about this:

Zach Knight, as a war veteran about to receive the "Highest Honor." Photo courtesy of Chris Thomerson.

A foul mouth and angry attitude are the signs of truly losing your mind; a mother’s love transcends respectability; control and civility may be over-rated when facing the question, “am I a human?”; love and survival can be in total opposition; integrity often involves “falling away” from established laws; justice may be a pretty sheen over bloodsport; care for – and abuse of — your children may be defined differently over time; the highest honor may be given to a soldier who “knows how to throw in a hurry – and that’s all,” and believing your own affirming b.s. is humorously sinister.

These are some of the vignettes artfully described by the nine works of “By Request,” which opened last night at the Grange Theater. The title in no way describes the powerful experience which Orcas’ best writers and actors brings to the Grange, home of the Actors Theater of Orcas Island, under the direction of Doug Bechtel.

Wit is not always humor, and the writers absolutely excel in bringing poignant – and funny —  points of view in their sketches:

• “Zalina” by Elsie McFarland (read by Elsie McFarland)
• “Crossing Over Damnation Creek” by Lin McNulty (read by Dove Dingman)
• “Growing Up Catholic” by Doug Bechtel (read by Beverly Leyman)
• “Three Character Sketches” by Bill Westlake (read by Katie Zwilling, Freddy Hinkle and Nick Hershenow. Next weekend Zach Knight will read the third role)
• “What I Want” by Michele Griskey (read by Michele Griskey)
• “Highest Honor,” by Lin McNulty (read by Zach Knight)
• “Where Have All the Twinkies Gone” by Elsie McFarland (read by D.D. Glaze)
• “Figuring it Out” by Bill Westlake (read by Norm Stamper. John Mazarella will read the part next weekend)
• “Car Keys” by Doug Bechtel (read by Lin McNulty)

Kate Zwilling, whose control is challenged by the re-appearance of brothers (crows and mushrooms) in her life. Photo courtesy of Chris Thomerson

Doug Bechtel, clad in a tux, gives a brief introduction to each piece, which adds immeasurably to the intrigue and enjoyment that follows. Bill Westlake notes in the program, “My sole ambition for the writing being presented here tonight is to entertain you, our local audience. If reality seems to weave and bob through the material, remember it is fiction.”

And perhaps because it is fiction, we can totally abandon ourselves to the mysteries facing the characters; we can consider the faults, values and desires of the persons depicted. But I have to step back in awe at the craftsmanship and artistry of the writers and the generous vulnerability of the actors in this “evening of short works by local playwrights.”

Bravo to the Actors Theater for producing this naked and beautiful evening of human challenge and triumph – and despair. This is the stuff of life.

If you enjoy great writing, great performance and an immense variety of undisguised emotions, don’t miss “By Request: an evening  of short works by local playwrights.” It will be performed this evening, Saturday, Sept. 3 at the Grange. Admission is $10. It will also show next weekend, Friday through Sunday, Sept. 9-11, at 7:30 p.m.

For more information go to www.orcasactors.com.