THE VAGABOND
PLAYERS
THE VAGABOND
PLAYERS
INDUSTRY REVIEWS
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Vagabond Players Present Two Emotionally Satisfying One Acts |
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By Mary Mallory The Vagabond Players present two seemingly disparate but emotionally connected one-acts in “Banter and Vows” and “Bobby Gould in Hell” at Open Stage West Theatre. Fine acting and thoughtful direction highlight both, which ultimately present issues and situations resulting from choices made. ”Banter and Vows,” a lighthearted though emotionally involving play written by Victor San Miguel, deals with two young newlyweds bickering over what love and loyalty mean. David Mamet’s “Bobby Gould in Hell,” a cynical black comedy, delves into definitions of character, chance and shame. “Banter and Vows” presents Alec (Matt Samson) and Cecilia (Sarah Mahoney), two young people wed by arrangement between their parents who spend their honeymoon night heatedly discussing what love means in relation to marriage and what each wants out of their relationship. Samson’s Alec experiences a cavalcade of emotions – nervousness, tenseness, seriousness, shock – while projecting a sense of warmth and consideration. Mahoney brings kindness and a light touch to the alluring, though slightly addled, Cecilia. As a couple they possess good chemistry and energy. “Bobby Gould in Hell” tells the story of Bobby Gould (Anthony Richardson) who lands in Hell for his selfish, rotten behavior on earth to Glenna (Jackie Katzman), where he must answer for his misdeeds to the wily, sarcastic Devil (Carmen Mormino) and his lowly assistant and stenographer (Brian Greene). Mormino’s Devil dominates proceedings with his rapid fire, dynamic interrogation, sarcastic and bullying one moment, sly, quiet, and pleading the next. As Gould, Richardson understandably jumps from exasperation to desperation and cockiness as he searches for the correct answers to the Devil’s questions. Greene is the perfect toady, prissy and sucking up. Director Lew Hauser thoughtfully examines and highlights the existential issues of both one acts, while balancing the deep emotions with playful banter, humorous situations, and occasional goofiness. His choreography maintains high energy levels. An involving evening of contrasts, combining light comedy and black humor with serious discussion of morality and life choices, “Banter and Vows” and “Bobby Gould in Hell” are both entertaining and enlightening. The Vagabond Players Theatre Company presents “Bobby Gould in Hell” and “Banter and Vows” at Open Stage West Theatre, 14366 Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks (corner of Beverly Glen in Oakbrook Plaza) Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. through April 30. Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors and students. Call (818) 206-4000 for reservations.
The Tolucan
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