Ixion Ensemble’s “Wheel" writers group created the monologues, and director Jeff Croff safely rehearsed via 3-way Zoom meetings of actor, author and director for each monologue — then secured the charming amphitheater just over the hill by the pond on the south end of Sharp Park, off Elmwood, just north of the Lansing Mall. (Thanks to Delta Township.)
It was a happy experience to be back in a live audience, but the topics of the monologues were mostly UNhappy, dark, heart-rending — with dashes of humor and moments of redemption (and some “adult” language/subject matter). Most were quite short, with the exception of Kerry Waters’ "Evolution of Me," her life story sincerely performed by Anne K. Miranda, in four separate scenes.
Joy Bilbey’s “Musing” and “Level Up in Lockdown” were poetic and inspiring, presented by Alisa Mutchler-Bauer and Molly Cunningham. O.G. Ueberroth channeled some justifiable anger and intriguing perspectives in “All Systems Normal.” “Mother,” and “Next” powerfully performed by Maureen Sawdon, Rachel Mender and Rose Jangmi Cooper.
“Parenting,” by Adam Carlson presented a fun and insightful perspective, performed with realism and humor by Nick Lemmer. Sarah Murphy Smith’s “Glowing” explored the mixed-bag of pregnancy, well performed by Abbie Tyckocki from a virtual bathroom floor. Sarah’s “Shunpiking” taught us a new and valuable word through the struggles of eulogy writer, Holly Sleight-Engler.
Jeff Croff’s “Angelina” was challenging in that it “created” other people in the scene that actress Jacqueline Marks helped us see by her changing focus. Tim Lewis spanned a full circle of emotion in the charming “Bradley” written by Janet Colson. Daryl Thompson managed to be not only convincingly much older, but also funny, sad and real in “Sharon, I’m Still Here” by Alan Harris.
This was a fascinating show, with interesting blocking using a minimal cubes set with just a few helpful props. The sound system worked well, and all actors were miked. (Thanks to Riverwalk Theatre and Pat Hepfer for the loan of microphones and equipment and Clint Hoagland for making it work.)
There were about 40 in the audience, masked and “distanced” with the help of taped paper strips. There is space to spread out, so there’s room for a bigger audience Saturday and Sunday (6pm) The amphitheater is stadium seating, that has space for a small number of folding chairs at the top. Not a bad idea to bring a brimmed hat, as the “lighting design” is the sun, not always as subtle as one might prefer.
Kudos to Jeff and all the Ixion writers/performers for bringing theatre back to LIFE, as safely as possible. Two more shows, 6pm Saturday & Sunday. Free of charge, but bring something for the donation box, if you can.