**** Rivendell Theatre Ensemble is celebrating 30 years! Thirty years of bringing storytelling from the female point of view. I know it hasn’t been easy, but with the leadership they have, and the ensemble members and board, they never cease to surprise and amaze their audiences, of which I am proud to say, I am a part of. It is awkward to be a reviewer when covering their productions, but I am glad to say, they have yet to disappoint me. They are now doing a World Premiere in their tiny ( or should I say intimate) theater. The play is called “Do Something Pretty” and is written by Melissa Ross. The story takes place in 1992, so when one sees the VHS tapes ( video recording, back in the day), you will know that we were able to save TV shows and family parties/gatherings, even then.
We are in the home of two sisters, Phoebe ( played to perfection by Katherine Mallen Kupferer) a 14 years old, just entering puberty and her older sister, Evie ( deftly handled by Jocelyn Zamudio). Evie is at work, and an old friend, Jason ( Reilly Oh is perfect) who is what one might call a “tough luck” kid, is waiting to see Evie. In the initial scene, we see Jason as somewhat of a loser, lost in love with a woman who keeps him at arms length as a friend. Phoebe is curious about him and his life. The discussion they have is her picking his brain relative to his age and still in high school. He is 19, she is just shy of 14, but as she says, when they get older, the 5 year difference will not be as big as it might seem now.
The set by Lindsay Mummert is a small house, where we see mostly the living room and a partial use of the busy kitchen, along with a bedroom where Phoebe spends a great deal of the second act, while her sister and Jason talk about their relationship or should I say, lack of. The other character in this story is Matt ( Jasper Johnson) who is a know-it-all that looks at Evie as just another conquest. When he first arrives on the scene, as he pulls into the driveway, he hits Jason’s bike ( his only means of transportation) and offers him some grass to compensate for this loss.
There is also a great discussion between these men relative to Evie and how she should be loved and treated. Evie doesn’t really want any part of either of these guys, only to escape from her life as it is and hopefully, start afresh. What we witness in this character study as directed by Jessica Fisch, is four individuals, each heading towards a change in their lives, but each unsure of where they should be headed and how they might get there. Most of us will find themselves thinking back to their teen years, their first sexual encounter, their first love, their first “dumping”, and of course the healing process.
I certainly do not want to spoil anything for you, but I will tell you that this play, as well written and directed as it is, does leave the door open for more story. As I left the theater, waiting to cross Ridge Avenue to get to my car, and as I walked to the car, I wondered, what might happen to Evie? Will she go off with Matt just to escape? Will Jason see that Evie is not for him, and perhaps see that he belongs with Phoebe? Or is Jason just the “first love” for Phoebe? Let’s face it! They are all looking for their future so the can “Do Something Pretty”.
Hats off to the tech people for transforming this Black Box theater into a seedy little house that certainly seemed like my first apartment on Sheridan Road. The furniture and props (Sam Lancaster) were very believable. So were the costumes (Saawan Tiwari). I think they brought the 90’s back to life with all they did. The lighting (Sierra Walker) and sound (Eric Backus) all worked and the fight choreography (Max Fabian) and intimacy designer ( Lucy Carapetyan) are all quite realistic.
“Do Something Pretty” will continue thru – Jun 7th with performances as follows:
Thursdays 8:00pmShow Type: Drama
Run time 2 hours including one intermission
Box Office: 773-334-7728
REVIEW: Do Something Pretty by Melissa Ross
BY: Paul Lisnek, Curtain Call Chicago
***/4
Rivendell Theatre’s Do Something Pretty by Melissa Ross is a production that certainly showcases a deeply committed and talented ensemble, even though the play itself feels uncertain about its intended audience and message. All kudos go to the cast consisting of RTE member Katherine Mallen Kupferer (Phoebe), Jasper Johnson (Matt), Reilly Oh (Jason) fresh off a super performance in Lookingglass’ White Rooster, and Jocelyn Zamudio (Evie). I will add that at times, the personas of Matt and Jason felt like they have been more effectively played if the two actors switched roles, but that may mess too much with the personas desired by playwright and director.
From the outset, the cast brings emotional power precision to their characters which helps to ground the story in important human stakes. There’s an ease and believable history in the way these actors interact—listening, reacting, and building relationships that feel lived-in rather than performed. It’s this sense of connection that keeps the audience engaged,
It is the uncertain audience focus that is the production’s central challenge. Playwright Ross seems to hover between telling a coming of age story, and a deeper struggle in uncertain relationships. At times, it plays like an intimate character study, and at other moments, its focus centers on broader relationship themes. Not that this seeming conflict can’t come to terms with themselves, but as an audience member, I wasn’t sure who the intended recipient was of the story. The result is an inconsistent tone that makes it difficult to fully grasp the play’s intentions.
To be clear, the production is thoroughly watchable, largely because of the cast’s unwavering performances. The actors do the work of making coherent what the script does not; the frequent incorporation of foul or adult language and adult themes led me to think that while young people will relate to the play, I’m not sure parents of anyone under the age of say 17 would want their kid to see it. Maybe I’m too old fashioned.
Do Something Pretty ultimately feels like a play still in search of itself. Rivendell’s strong production values (set, lighting, effects….all impressive for this intimate space) makes a strong case for the material’s potential. A talented ensemble and strong direction by the very talented Jessica Fisch consistently rises to the occasion. But one leaves wishing the script had a firmer grasp on who it’s speaking to—and what it wants to say once it gets there.
Do Something Pretty Runs thru June 7th. Tickets can be purchased at: www.rivendelltheatre.org/dosomethingpretty and/or 773.334.7728
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