Small Engine Repair
I left the theatre gloriously happy, in a great mood. Now, how is it possible that just by being in the presence of authentic creativity I am transformed and taken totally out of myself? Such is the nature of the true artistic experience, and an indication that live theatre will never die. In an open letter John Perrin Flynn, (artistic director of Rogue Machine, producers of Small Engine Repair) discusses the nature of theatre as art and art as a part of society; he quotes Shakespeare, and I can’t resist repeating these lines here:
“…the purpose of playing, whose end, both first and now, was and is, to hold, as ‘twere, a mirror up to nature; to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own image, and the very age and body of the time his form and pressure.”
Small Engine Repair by John Pollano is so gripping, funny, modern, and reflective of our time that I cannot recommend it highly enough. Three childhood friends who have grown apart, are tricked into a reunion where old rivalries, reminiscences, fights, and affections are reignited. The purpose of their evening of drinking becomes clear when a nineteen-year-old college student arrives to deliver drugs. The play shifts into its true purpose, revealing the agony, desire for revenge, efficacy of loyalty, and actual impotency particularly applicable to our society. A few things bother me in the script: I wondered if someone with a hood over their head would threaten, and I wanted a slightly deeper resolution to the major conflict. But this tragic-comedy succeeds in making audiences laugh and choke in sadness at the same time.
The acting is superb: John Pollono, (Frank/playwright and founding member of Rogue Machine Theatre) is the pivotal character in the play. He is not only totally realistic and believable, he exudes warmth with a masculine caring, tender nature. Jon Bernthal (Swaino/he has a very extensive resume) plays the sex-addicted friend. He is not only outrageously funny, but displays a kinesthetic physical alertness and response that keeps him engaged and turning out every moment he is on stage. Michael Redfield (Packie) is perfect as the third friend, the endearing, funny dope, slightly brain-damaged from overindulgence. Josh Helman (Chad) is fine as the spoilt college student. Good looking, too.
With such skilled actors, directing must have been easy for Andrew Block. But the energy, clipped pace, development of each character, nuances of perceptions and realizations, the startling transitions and denouement must be attributed to his steady and adept hand. Marvelous!
Another great set by production designer, David Mauer. I never cease to thrill at a hole in the wall transformed into a true artistic expression of reality.
Have I praised this production enough? Have I gone overboard in my enthusiasm? I hope you will go see for yourself.
ROGUE MACHINE in Theatre Theater
5041 Pico Blvd. (West of La Brea)
Los Angeles, CA 90019
SCHEDULE: Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30, Sundays at 7pm, and Mondays at 8pm, with an added shows on April 2 at 5pm
(No performance on Monday, April 18)
Closes April 30, 2011
855-585-5185 or www.roguemachinetheatre.com
$25 ($15 student, seniors)