(Be sure to put the Renegade on your calendar; see you in Old Town August 14-16 for more new works as readings, plus the myriad of other unpredictable theatrics that is Renegade. www.renegadetheatrefestival.org)
"Tyler Family Portrait" could easily be subtitled, "There's Something Wrong With This Picture." We joked about an accidentally profound sideways abstract painting on the wall (whose practical purpose is to hide graffiti from the previous Clybourne Park set, which is redecorated for this show.) It accidentally adds an apt comment, being a "cover-up" and just "not right."
Michigan author A.M. Brown is a master of dialogue and character development. We are entertained by the lives of the three Tyler daughters and their parents —at first laughing at their squabbling dysfunctionality, and before we know it, being pulled into the deeper pain of the lives they are trying to force into a pretty picture.
Director Chad William Baker leads a brave and talented cast down this roller coaster of secrets, lies and wounds. Deb Fernandez and Jeff Croff are the parents of daughters Rachel Dalton, Amy Winchell and Megan Malusek - each character a fascinating and well played portrait. What will become of them?
ONE WEEKEND ONLY so fans of psychological comedy-drama get there SOON!
Continues Friday/Saturday 8pm and Sunday 2pm - $10 for all -
Miller Performing Arts Center
6025 Curry Lane
Lansing, MI 48911
www.peppermintcreek.org.