Taking Steps, Constellation Theatre Company
Hi everyone,
Before I get to the review, a brief note of introduction: My
name is Jess and I will occasionally be stopping by to review local DC
shows. I have been in the district
for a few years now and have a background in dramaturging and teaching theatre. (To be fair, I don’t plan on
reviewing anything by theatres I’ve recently worked with.)
With that said, on to Constellation Theatre’s Taking Steps.
As this is my first time here on the blog, I feel like I should be
really tough on the show to prove that I am a very serious and analytical
critic.
But -
A: that’s pretentious and annoying.
And B: this is
not the show to do that type of writing on.
Taking Steps is
fun. It's silly. It's like Noises Off without the sardines.
And, most importantly, it’s well done.
Taking Steps is a
1979 farce by the multiple award-winning British playwright, Alan Ayckbourn. The action takes place in an old three-story Victorian
mansion in a small England town.
The house is a former brothel and is also rumored to be haunted. It is currently being leased by
Elizabeth, a former dancer of dubious skill, and Roland, her wealthy,
alcoholic, businessman husband.
Elizabeth is unhappy and plots to leave Roland. She seeks the help of her brother,
Mark, but he is busy dealing with his continually running-away fiance, Kitty.
For his part, Roland is oblivious to his wife’s discontent
and is focused on negotiating the purchase of their house. To accomplish this, he meets with
Leslie, the owner, who is in financial straits and so is desperate to sell, and
Tristram, a representative from Roland’s solicitors office, a painfully shy and
awkward paperwork man who doesn't usually interact with clients.
Roland, Mark, and Leslie want their plans to come to
fruition as exactly as they intend.
Elizabeth and Kitty want freedom.
Tristram just wants to survive the night and not get fired.
The point-by-point particulars of how the plot plays out
aren't worth spoiling and ultimately aren't important.
Part of the comedy of the piece comes from all of these
desires coming into conflict.
Another large part comes from the set design (by AJ Guban).
The space is set up in the round with several exit
areas. Each of the three levels of
the house are presented side by side on the same plane so the audience can see
where all of the characters are at once.
The ‘stairs’ between each level are indicated by an angled staircase
handrail. Each time an actor goes
‘up’ or ‘down’ to a different level of the house, they have to mime walking on stairs, which is done to great comedic effect.
All of the cast is great but there are a couple of
performances worth highlighting:
First, Matt Wilson as Roland. As Roland gets increasingly drunk, Wilson’s physicality and
timing get increasingly funnier.
Another special mention needs to be made of Matthew McGee as
Tristram. His stuttering,
apologizing, twitchy performance is hilarious, but he also pulls off the one
truly moving scene of the play, where Tristram finally feels comfortable and
can express all of the thoughts and deep feelings that his nerves normally
block.
Director Allison Arkell Stockman keeps up the pace throughout
the play and makes sure that each scene has a true sense of urgency.
The last fifteen minutes or so do drag a bit, but really
that’s the only complaint.
I have seen a number of Constellation shows before and
always felt that they were 85% successful. An ambitious season of plays, good design, some great
actors...but things never wholly gelled.
Taking Steps is the first time
that I didn't feel that way.
Everything works together beautifully.
In the end, will this play change your life? Nope.
But - you will laugh.
You will have the chance to appreciate some excellent
characterization and physical comedy, and some very smart staging and set
design. And you will support a
small theatre company that is ambitious, professional, and improving.
And - at a reasonably priced 20 to 35 bucks (with discounts
if you can get ahold of a postcard) – that is a pretty great night at the
theatre.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
Recommended.
Taking Steps runs
through October 7 with shows Thursday through Sunday.
Source Theatre (1835 14th Street NW, near the U street
metro).
Website: www.ConstellationTheatre.org
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