Based on a true story (once upon a time) 08/06/2012 5:47pm

Editorial

Picking Favorites in Front of the New Kids Answered Prayers presented by Nautilius Music Theater, captures the secret lives of the residents of Winesburg, Ohio in 1894. This is Nautilius’ third new play in a series based on Sherwood Anderson’s short stories (Untold Lies and Twisted Apples having been performed previously). Answered Prayers is the angst-filled story of a teacher, reverend and young man who wander the stage seeking a bigger world while trapped within their own cage of society. This piece has everything one could want in 50min Fringe limit: sweeping music, amazing vocals, great acting, stunning costumes, and rich source material to explore depth in every moment. 1894 society is recreated in the Nolte Experimental Theatre using appropriate costumes and accurate set dressing complete with ink and quill; a history lover could wander the set and admire its accuracy. I was easily transported by all three of the performers as well as the effortless music by Robert Elhai swelling underneath each scene. Norah Long, JP Fitzgibbons and Joshua Hinck are all amazing vocalists throughout and push their characters to the edge of contemporary without breaking structure. The themes of desire, both sexually and intellectually, swirl around the set as the audience peeks through their own stained glass window of the present to examine the past. This show is as polished as you could want in a work-in-progress and I was enjoying every moment of my audience privilege- but then I began to feel guilty. This is after all the largest nonjuried Fringe Festival in the United States, not a Guthrie series of new one-acts presented in the Wurtele Thrust and McGuire Proscenium (first timers’ late night in the Dowling Studio). Where is the risk in producing a work that is so flushed out in production value for a Fringe? Over on the other side of budget and reputation there are numerous shows by first time producers, writers, actors, and musicians using the Fringe as their first artistic adventure. A show like Waste Not is full of first timers wanting a chance to contribute to this art scene, competing in the same space as Candide, The Gay Banditos, and Ashland- shows mentioned in numerous lists as “Must See.” With all the major local magazines and papers creating such lists it looks like we do need a jury, or at least miss our non-existent one, in order to place a standard of production value to each piece. Looking on the Fringe website I was not surprised by all the 5 stars going to Answered Prayers, but I was shocked by the attitude dished out to other productions. Waste Not, the first production by newcomers Escapist Productions, have been told their piece is “…a waste of 45 minutes.” Now, even if the work is terrible- the worst thing you’ve ever seen- there are still artists behind that bad horrible no good piece that gave way more than 45 minutes of their life for an audience’s enjoyment. When would anyone print a review like this about the big houses in town? It’s not, even though we pretend it is, impossible for really bad things to come out of really great institutions. Why is it then that this “Minnesota Nice” attitude in the regular theatre season turns to acid cutting wit for first time Fringe shows? Do we just hold our tongues all year and wait to unleash how we truly feel about what this city produces until Aug 2-12? You can say if you play with the big dogs don’t cry like a pup- but we have witnessed huge institutions cry like a litter of pups at the examination of a new season announcement. I have read the script of Waste Not and I am excited to see this production. This is not the best piece of writing, but I also have also read far worse from people who make a living writing. I am excited to watch a new script have breath and bodies in front of me, even with its flaws. This is a new company with a new piece, so obviously they are dealing with many new obstacles and challenges. Luckily there is a Fringe festival that has given them an opportunity to perform and grow as artists. We have no idea where they, or any of the newcomers, will find a home. It is best to welcome everyone. Just Between You and Me: I have the hardest time trying to figure out where to sit when I am first in line. I always wait for other people to sit first.
Headshot of Ricardo Vazquez
Ricardo Vazquez
Based on a true story (once upon a time): As a classically trained actor I learned to study history as a template for dramatic action, character behavior and language with no room to deviate from the aesthetics of a given period. But, as a writer, free of any training, I find historical moments the most rich to draw from because they provide an outline for an event leaving the means of storytelling to the writer to recreate. What goes into a memory? What tools do we need to convey the past- presently- within the fast changing aesthetics of theater?