Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield, MA
through August 30, 2015
by Shera Cohen
As the Berkshires cultural summer winds down, the
administrative staffs, crews, directors, actors, writers, and (not to be
forgotten) hundreds of volunteer ushers should feel especially proud of this
2015 season. Of course, there are numerous reasons for which to take kudos.
Let’s emphasize one that shines -- premieres of new plays; world premieres,
United States, or regional. Here’s some math. The total number of first time
(or in their infancy) plays and musicals scheduled at Barrington Stage,
Shakepeare &Co., Williamtown Theatre, and Berkshire Theatre represented
over 50% of the entire June - August season. The playwrights’ names were not
familiar. Yes, a few tried ‘n true titles penned by O’Neill, Simon, and
Shakespeare appeared on program book covers here and there. Yet, these familiar
works were outnumbered by fresh works.
Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, G. B. Shaw’s first plays
were presented on some stage, some where, at some time. The same holds true for
these contemporary playwrights who presented their pieces on one of the four
stages listed above, in the Berkshires, this summer.
Some plays seemingly lift off the page first time out of the
computer. Most, however, need tweaking or rewriting.
Amanda Quaid, Photo by Kevin Sprague |
Barrington Stage Company’s dark comedy “Engagements,” is the
latest in the "world premiere" category. “Engagements” is also a play this
reviewer recommends for rewriting. While most of the actors are quite good --
especially lead Amanda Quaid -- the problems fall to the plot which often and
confusingly changes focus, and to the characters who are caricatures at best.
All of that said, there might be another difficulty, which is that audience
members in their 20’s will fully relate to the people onstage and “get it.” If
reaching a niche market is the goal, then “Engagements” works...I think. You’d
have to ask a 20-something.
While no one play is “for” everyone, it seems logical that
the premise is meant to touch the audience in meaningful ways. “A Little More
Alive” at Barrington earlier in the season did just that, and exceptionally
well. The playwright was onsite, rewriting, whipping out new pages the day
before opening night, as the actors learned lyrics. Now, that was a joy to
watch -- both the process and the end result.