Ixion Ensemble has taken on a tragic character study in Paul Zindel’s fascinating psychological script, The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigolds. It was a treat to see mother and daughter PK and Kahlil Van Voorhees playing the self-centered, abusive, troubled mother Beatrice, and the shy, science-geek daughter, Tillie — (such a contrast to the happy, helpful extroverts whom we got to know when Kahlil played the perky elf in No-Hole Holiday.)
Grace Hinkley was excellent as the rebellious, epileptic and unstable sister Ruth. Judith Evans was perhaps a little to much fun as the out-of-it helpless boarder being “cared for” by mother Beatrice. Fellow science fair contestant Emily Stokes played just the sort we did NOT want to win.
The lack of theatrical lighting in the “Creative Corridor” art-gallery-ish performance space requires a little more suspension of disbelief than usual, when the troubled/helpless characters shift gears to efficiently move set/prop pieces in the non-blackouts between scenes. This further proves the “magic” of acting, but is a bit distracting. On the plus side, this intimate space brings us up close and personal to these complex characters (and their cute, black, pet bunny.) Kudos to PK for taking on this enormous and challenging role of Beatrice. Despite her depiction as the shy, victimized child, Kahlil’s optimistic vision of her place in the universe shone through her fascination with science and gave us hope for her future.
One more weekend for this show - 8pm Saturday and 7 pm Sunday
Creative Corridor is in “Reo Town” south of downtown at 1133 South Washington, a storefront on the east side of the street, just south of the art-graffiti-filled gap between buildings. There is a little sign/tent out on the sidewalk, and the address is on the door, but it is not the easiest place to find. There’s parking on the street, and tickets are available at the door $15. (517) 775-4246, ixiontheatre.com
Coming next to Ixion — world premiere of original “goddess” scripts “Mother’s Nature: A Collection of One-Act Plays” by Andrew Head, Terry Palczewski and O.G. Ueberroth, May 23-24 & 30-31.
Grace Hinkley was excellent as the rebellious, epileptic and unstable sister Ruth. Judith Evans was perhaps a little to much fun as the out-of-it helpless boarder being “cared for” by mother Beatrice. Fellow science fair contestant Emily Stokes played just the sort we did NOT want to win.
The lack of theatrical lighting in the “Creative Corridor” art-gallery-ish performance space requires a little more suspension of disbelief than usual, when the troubled/helpless characters shift gears to efficiently move set/prop pieces in the non-blackouts between scenes. This further proves the “magic” of acting, but is a bit distracting. On the plus side, this intimate space brings us up close and personal to these complex characters (and their cute, black, pet bunny.) Kudos to PK for taking on this enormous and challenging role of Beatrice. Despite her depiction as the shy, victimized child, Kahlil’s optimistic vision of her place in the universe shone through her fascination with science and gave us hope for her future.
One more weekend for this show - 8pm Saturday and 7 pm Sunday
Creative Corridor is in “Reo Town” south of downtown at 1133 South Washington, a storefront on the east side of the street, just south of the art-graffiti-filled gap between buildings. There is a little sign/tent out on the sidewalk, and the address is on the door, but it is not the easiest place to find. There’s parking on the street, and tickets are available at the door $15. (517) 775-4246, ixiontheatre.com
Coming next to Ixion — world premiere of original “goddess” scripts “Mother’s Nature: A Collection of One-Act Plays” by Andrew Head, Terry Palczewski and O.G. Ueberroth, May 23-24 & 30-31.
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