"While We Were Bowling"
- Details
- Created on Sunday, 03 April 2011 00:49
- Written by Jane Zussman
WHILE WE WERE BOWLING by Carter W. Lewis is a fantastic show at Williamston Theatre! As with Peppermint's "Distracted," "Bowling" is my kind of show: funny and entertaining but with some real meat in the sandwich — lots of laughter and maybe even a tear or two. This show is beautifully performed and can be enjoyed by anyone — but for those of us aged 60+ who actually remember the "idyllic" 50's, it is a wonderful burst of nostalgia (go Little Richard!) skillfully combined with a bittersweet reminder of the imperfections of the Leave-It-to-Beaver era — especially for blacks, gays and women. These issues are well woven into this interesting, unpredictable plot so you don't feel preached at. Bowling is the activity that links this script together, and the evocative set (by Kirk Domer) switches between a 1958 living room and a bowling alley, with beautifully painted floor and a real ball-return. (No real bowling balls, but audience members sitting front and center may still feel a little targeted by pantomime; well-timed sound effects complete the illusion.)
Williamston's John Lepard directed this superb cast, in a cooperative effort with MSU, including some excellent student actors: Kelly Studnicki is our tour guide through time as the daughter/narrator, Tyler VanCamp is her conflicted brother, Edward O'Ryan is her "juvenile delinquent" spur-of-the-moment husband, Ayo Obayan is their inadvertent houseguest of a different color. (He is supposed to be 12, and does project that childlike quality, even though he is older.) An excellent actor from previous Williamston hits, Joseph Albright, plays both Dad Melvin and his contrasting brother, John. Suzy Regan, another Williamston favorite, is both funny and touching in the complex role of Mom, careening from June Cleaver to...??? It was a treat to take that trip with her. This Saturday night show was SOLD OUT -- so be sure to call for reservations so you won't miss this gem which continues through April 17. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm Sundays at 2pm Additional 3pm matinees: Saturday, April 9; Saturday April 16
Thursday evenings ~ $18
Friday and Saturday evenings ~ $24
Saturday and Sunday matinees ~ $20
Student tickets (with valid ID) ~ $10
Senior discount (65 and older) ~ $2 off regular ticket price
122 South Putnam
Williamston, MI 48895
517.655.SHOW
www.williamstontheatre.com
