THE JOY OF ONE-ACTS

10. September 2010 by admin.

This week, local novelist and playwright Paula Martinac takes over the duties of OUT theatre reviewer. 

The Joy of One-Acts

By Paula Martinac

Pittsburgh New Works Festival (PNWF) opened its 20th mainstage season on September 9 at the Father Ryan Arts Center in McKees Rocks with three one-act plays tackling big ideas and big emotions.

Unbelievably, two decades have passed since Donna Rae founded the festival as a venue for new, unproduced short plays. Since then, PNWF has achieved a national reputation - this year, playwrights from Alabama to New York City (and a couple of Yinzers, too) are in the lineup.

Week 1 in the four-week schedule kicked off with James McKelly’s “The Joy of Theft,” produced by Heritage Players and directed by Carol Schafer. James Justus (John E. Reilly), who pens an ethics column for a newspaper in a Southern city, confronts an ethical dilemma of his own: what advice to give to an elderly woman who thrives on shoplifting.

McKelly’s dialogue is intelligent and literary, and leaves the audience with much to ponder about “the epic chess match we’re having with the Grim Reaper.” But aside from the aging thief, Emily (Cathy Gialloreto), the characters are sketchy; six are just too many for a short play. And if you forget to read your program in advance, you’ll probably be confused about who Emily’s confidante is; although aided by the director’s blocking, the element doesn’t work. This is McKelly’s first play, and with revision, could be a strong reflection on the helplessness of aging.

Next up was the dark comedy “Call Back,” by Jim Hinkley, produced by The Theatre Factory and directed by Nate Newell. Alan Montrose (J. Alex Noble) is a middle-aged actor up for the part of a much younger man in a play by Jennie B. Allen (Pam Farneth). The two engage in personal and professional banter about Alan’s ability to lie to a woman, which the part calls for. Jennie is at first a voice of authority in the darkened house, but the dynamic shifts when she arrives onstage.

Noble is first-rate as Alan, oozing smarmy charm. But the repartee goes on a bit too long compared to the denouement, which is quick, not all that original and a shade sexist.

Local playwright F.J. Hartland is back for a record 10th year with PNWF, with “Shaving Lessons and Half-Windsor Knots.” Produced by CCAC and directed by PNWF veteran Lora Oxenreiter, the play is a series of tender reminiscences over time by a son (Jim Scriven) about his father (Dan Krack) as the young man shaves and gets dressed one morning. And that’s about all I can say on plot without giving too much away.

The sweet, nostalgic tone of the play is aptly set at the opening with a music video of Paul McCartney’s “Put It There.” Krack gives a moving portrayal of the ideal parent who always has your back; the actor himself was teary-eyed at curtain call.

PNWF’s Week 1 continues through Sunday. For tickets and the complete schedule: http://www.pittsburghnewworks.org.

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