Don’t miss it.
This is a compelling hour with two of Lansing’s best actors, playwright Doak himself, and Heath Sartorius, who draw us into this intriguing new script. Two men, two park benches; deceptively simple. Emily Clark’s challenging(?) remote, direction/blocking, and Matt Ottinger’s video editing add variety and some close-ups that keep it visually interesting. It’s also touching, occasionally funny, always involving.
It is a tad “PG” in spots, dealing with LGBTQ issues among others — not a kids’ show, despite the “Ducks” reference. And yes, you WILL learn what the phrase “Pass the Ducks” actually means during the course of the show!
Thanks to Doak for encouraging donations to Riverwalk Theatre in response to his show — however, note that it has been an independent production, not directly sponsored by Riverwalk.
Here is Doak’s “press release” with more details:
THREE NIGHTS ONLY: Pass the Ducks, a new play by Doak Bloss, will be available on YouTube 5pm Friday – 5 pm Monday, January 22 – 25, 2021. A direct link to this filmed performance will be announced as soon as it is available. The audience may also access it by linking to Doak’s YouTube Channel and selecting “Pass the Ducks”. The link to the channel is https://youtube.com/channel/UCCB430Zt62gT0NuXOC5lpoA.
Access to the performance is free. After viewing it, audience members are encouraged to make a donation to Riverwalk Theatre. https://www.riverwalktheatre.com/act-ii-campaign.html
The play, directed by Emily Clark with assistance from Marcus Fields, features Heath Sartorius and Doak Bloss as two men meeting to discuss a third who has died. Over the course of a summer each challenges the other in unforeseen ways on their way to a mutual reckoning of loss and forgiveness.
The hourlong performance was recorded on September 5 in Molly Grove Chapel of the First Presbyterian Church in Lansing. Other than a live rehearsal the night before, all rehearsals were held on-line throughout the summer of 2020. Everyone involved practiced social distancing and mask wearing during the live rehearsal and performance with the brief exception of the two actors during the performance.
Matt Ottinger recorded the performance, with assistance from Angela Voit and Cecil McIntire, and edited the resulting footage into the video that will premiere on Youtube on January 22. Once the video premieres on that date, viewers may watch it at any time during the 72 hours it is available.
Doak welcomes sharing of this announcement via various social networks in the theatre, human services, social justice, community organizing, and LGBTQ communities.
For more information, contact Doak Bloss at mailto:doakbliss@gmail.com