Nebraska Rapture gives us the delightful discomfort of Emily (Monica Tanner) stuck between surly, combative, teenage Grace (Danica O’Neill) and her Rapture-believing mother Billie Lou (Sadonna Croff.) After she is whisked off to be with Jesus, Billie Lou will need a non-Christian to take care of her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — an interesting dog-man combo played by Nick Lemmer. Sadonna successfully channels some of her religious relatives as the devout and folksy Billie Lou.
SAL-9000 gives us a sentient washing machine (possibly some relative of HAL of Space Odyssey fame) enthusiastically delivered by movers Monica Tanner and Nick Lemmer to the disconsolate Jill played by Katy Kettles. SAL is brought to life through the mellifluous voice of Tracey Dolinar, doing his best to fulfill his programming and meet the fluctuating needs of his new owner, Jill. His voice and her reactions provide an amusing and strange examination of what we look for in relationships.
Both scripts seem more explorations than conclusions about the nature of religion, or dogs, or washing machines, or love — but they make us laugh and make us think.
Askew Askance A Squirrel continues at the Robin Theatre 1105 S. Washington Ave. at 7pm Sundays, March 19th and 26th at 8 pm on Saturday, March 25, when playwright, Lisa Konoplisky will be in attendance for a talkback, where all will be made clear? or not… but it promises to be a treat to meet the mind that spawned these off-kilter playlets.
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