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diversions
'Pilgrims'
shuts curtain for Cal Rep's season
By Cynthia Tom
On-line Forty-Niner
While there are
no Indians, Mayflower or Plymouth Rock, the characters in
"Pilgrims" still make individual journeys of self-discovery
and personal growth.
Cal Rep's last show of the season is comprised of four separate
vignettes, though audience members only see three. Each is
unique, and each is an individual reminder to the audience
to expect the unexpected.
"Pilgrims" is unlike any other show, alternately
comical, touching, thought-provoking and bizarre.
Mexican busboys, bus drivers, strippers, drug addicts, adolescent
boys and bullies interact and form human relationships --
all seemingly unrelated, but ultimately a perfect fit for
the show's message of distortion and then redemption in everyday
lives.
The first story, "The Many Things That Denny Brown Did
Not Know," is a coming-of-age story, full of comical
adolescent confusion and an earnestness to understand the
world. Denny Brown, played with pinpoint vulnerability by
Chris McCool, is 15 and clueless. His self-absorbed parents,
bully friend Russell and growing interest in a young girl
all provide a backdrop to the journey Denny Brown takes as
he tries and tries and finally gets it right.
The second story, "The Finest Wife," is truly a
unique theater-going experience that is best described as
a runway show/lamaze class/memoir of a woman who has lived
a full life. Fisherman, firemen, postmen, veterans, highway
patrolmen, dentists, elevator mechanics and judges make brief
cameos in the plot but their fleeting roles ultimately complement
one another and add essential humanity.
In lieu of "The Finest Wife," some audience members
will see "The Names of Flowers and Girls," the third
story. Chance (and color coordination) take hold in deciding
the fate of audience members' experience, an oddity that fits
appropriately in "Pilgrims" ongoing tendency to
defy traditional theater structure.
The fourth story, "Tall Folks," exposes audiences
to yet another environment completely unlike those presented
before it. Competing bar owners and their patrons and employees
show unusual compassion and affection for one another in a
mood that is solemnly reflective.
"Pilgrims" is truly a unique artistic expression
and collaboration on the part of its crew and cast members,
who wear many hats throughout the show. Based on the award-winning
stories by Elizabeth Gilbert, it is ultimately a portrayal
of life. Unique human relationships layer each other to create
a glimpse into three contrasting lifestyles with one common
theme -- humanity.
"Pilgrims" runs through May 18th.
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Keith
Ian Polakoff
Rory Gowan and Tannis Hanson in just one of
the many roles they play in "Pilgrims," showing
at the Edison Theatre.
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