Chester Theatre Company, Chester, MA
through July 15, 2012
by Robbin M. Joyce
Chester Theatre Company is a gem tucked into the foothills
of the Berkshires. Its reputation for producing top-notch productions continues
with this 23rd season, "Uncommon Love Stories." May Andrales directs
the first of four shows on this theme of love: “Animals Out of Paper” by Rajiv
Joseph.
The show opens on Ilana's apartment. She is a world-renowned
Origami Artist and the set, designed by Vicki R. Davis and lit by Lara Dubin,
is in utter disarray; it is strewn with paper, drawings, take-out boxes and
origami animals, including a five-foot wide hawk composite hanging from the
ceiling. Ilana, played by Elizabeth Rich, is clearly folding in upon herself
while trying to deal with her failed marriage and the loss of her dog. When
Andy, played by Chad Hoeppner, shows up uninvited and asks her to take on one
of his troubled students as an origami apprentice, she has to decide whether to
stay crumpled up or introduce a whole new set of folds and pleats into her
life.
This play draws the audience in during Act I. It's full of raw emotion and
vulnerability that feels real and spontaneous. The dialog among the three
characters is witty, fresh and funny. Rich embodies the frustrations of her
character with ease. Hoeppner is adorable as the nerdy, besotted love interest.
Vandit Bhatt, as Suresh, is delightful as a mouthy teenage prodigy trying to
sort out his emotions after a life-altering tragedy.
In Act II, however, the tone turns serious. Although some of
the action becomes very static, the actors are still a joy to watch. They take
the raw emotion and vulnerability seen earlier and transform it into
heartbreaking tension. Rich lithely transforms her character from eremite to
mentor with a compassion that, unfortunately, is misinterpreted. Hoeppner's
wrenching portrayal of an irreparably harmed suitor is a stark contrast to his
earlier sunny self. Bhatt's teenage angst is genuine and serves as a reminder
of the need for hope, however tenuous it may be.
Peppered with hip-hop music, at the hand of Sound Designer
Tom Shread, this sprightly comedy is the perfect start to the summer theater scene.