'Lights'
shines with dysfunctional wit, humor
By
Trent Loomis
On-line Forty-Niner
HOLLYWOOD--If
there weren't already enough reasons to
drive out to Hollywood to enjoy a fine
night of entertainment, "Lights"
a new play from Michael Grady gives us
one more. Premiering at the Actors
Co-op Crossley Terrace Theater, "Lights"
triumphs with its witty humor and ensemble
cast.
The
first of four plays this season whose
theme, "Piercing the Darkness"
illustrates that no matter how dysfunctional
a family can be, they are still just that--a
family. "Lights" explores the
depths of a family member who succumbs
to drugs and divorce.
The
play takes place on the Tchernick's rooftop
where the father Leonard, played by Jim
Custer is confronted by an angel who tells
him that in order to win the neighborhood
Christmas light contest he must incorporate
the theme of Christmas.
What
Len doesn't realize at first--with the
help of his wife Wendy played by Callan
White--is that the spirit of Christmas
is family. Len has disowned his daughter
Deborah, played by Wendy Shapero, for
religious reasons.
"It's
basically a play about what a family does
when a family member chooses another path,"
Custer explained.
Len
is a proud man, so proud that he swears
that his daughter is dead, and when she
shows up the yelling ensues and everyone
starts to believe that reconciliation
is a moot point. Now drowned out amongst
the religious bickering are the problems
of both sons, Stan and Mark played by
John Senekdjian and Gary Clemmer.
The
two are battling their own demons and
give the audience something to laugh about
with their witty retorts and snappy dialogue,
making "Lights" both a comedy
and a pull-the-hair-out-of-your-head drama.
For
the most part the performances were sharp
with the exception of a few technical
bugs, but for a premiere performance one
couldn't have expected more. Even
Marianne Savell, producing director and
toughest critic was pleased with the outcome.
"It
went very well. I am very pleased
with how fluid the performance went, with
the exception of a few technical glitches."
The
theater brought the audience together
with its intimate setting (it seats around
80), so you can take in the performance
as if it were right there in your living
room.
Although
the Christmas lights don't shine at the
end, the family does with their love and
forgiveness. Even if the shouting becomes
mundane and Len's stubborn beliefs start
to annoy the audience the humor draws
the audience in again, and gives us some
holiday cheer in summertime.
EVENTS
LISTING
What: "Lights"
When: 8 p.m., Thurs.-Sat., 2:30
p.m. Sun. - Nov. 16
Where: The Crossley Terrace Theater
1760 N. Gower, Hollywood, Ca
(323) 462-8460
