If you’re deciding whether to go to see the Women in Theatre’s presentation of “Lone Star,” and “Laundry and Bourbon,” the answer is as simple as one, two, three. What does that mean? Just this: Each is a one-act play.
If you’re deciding whether to go to see the Women in Theatre’s presentation of “Lone Star,” and “Laundry and Bourbon,” the answer is as simple as one, two, three.
What does that mean?
Just this: Each is a one-act play. There are two of them. And there are three outstanding cast members in each. It adds up to a wonderful evening of laughs and some touching moments, too, at the intimate WIT’s End Theatre in the coconut MarketPlace.
The storylines, billed as heart-warming comedies, are easy to follow. You’re not left trying to figure out what happened or what’s going on. The sets are basic too, with one on a Texas backporch, and one in the backyard of a Texas bar. Nothing elaborate.
It puts the spotlight squarely on the cast — with the front row audience a mere few feet away — and they more than rise to the occasion.
First up is “Laundry and Bourbon,” featuring Brooke Morgan, Erin Gaines and Corissa Berrett. It takes place on the back porch of Roy and Elizabeth’s home in Maynard, Texas, on a hot summer afternoon.
Elizabeth (Morgan) and her friend Hattie (Gaines) are whiling away the time by folding laundry, watching TV, sipping bourbon and Coke, and gossiping about the many open secrets that are part of small-town life.
They are joined by the self-righteous Amy Lee, who, among other tidbits, can’t resist blurting out that Roy has been seen around town with another woman. While the ensuing conversation is increasingly edged with bitter humor, from it emerges a sense of Elizabeth’s inner strength and her quiet understanding of the turmoil that has beset her husband since his return from Vietnam.
Each cast member is talented. Morgan displays a quiet strength, sometimes wishing for her younger, carefree days as she senses the days ahead won’t be easy. Despite marital troubles, she’s committed to her husband.
Berrett’s Amy Lee adds sparks to the stage, especially as she and Hattie verbally — and physically — spar. And her line about Baptists and damnation was brilliant.
Gaines delivers a strong performance that displays range — humor, understanding, regret, youthful exuberance, defiance and acceptance of her life as a wife, game show authority and mother of very “spirited” children. Hattie is clearly the fighter of the three.
Following an intermission that allows guests to visit vendors at the MarketPlace for a bite to eat, “Lone Star” is next.
It features Benjamin “Benny” Barrett as Roy Caulder, Bailey Hutton as Ray Caulder and Jaemin Yi as Cletis Fullnoy in the cluttered backyard of a small-town Texas bar. Roy, once a local high-school hero, is back in town after a hitch in Vietnam and trying to re-establish his position in the community.
Joined by his younger brother, Ray (who worships him), Roy sets about consuming a case of beer while regaling Ray with tales of his military and amorous exploits. With the arrival of Cletis, the fatuous, newlywed son of the local hardware store owner, the underpinnings of Roy’s world begin to collapse as things past and present come to light. But, despite all, the good humor of the play never lapses.
There is a brotherhood between Barrett’s and Hutton’s characters. Their connection and bond comes through, especially when Roy learns a few things that might have devastated some, but such is his love he stands by his younger brother.
Their rendition of “Your Cheating Heart,” is something no country-western fan should miss. Short, sweet and delightful.
Yi has the difficult role of Cletis, not liked by Roy Caulder, accepted by Ray Caulder. His time on stage is short, but effective in that it’s then the anger of Roy Caulder nearly surfaces.
As someone in the crowd said, it’s not like these cast members are actors. Their performances are such, they become their characters.
When you go, it can be a bit warm in the theater, so don’t overdress. And because the chairs are in rows on a level floor, you may need to crane your neck at times to see the cast. If you’re sensitive to profanity, you’ll hear some in Lone Star, but it’s not excessive.
Take time for this Texas twosome.
Women in Theatre presents “Lone Star” directed by Bard Widmer and “Laundry and Bourbon” directed by Cass Foster. Both one-act plays were written by James McLure.
Performances are scheduled Fridays and Saturdays, April 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. and Sundays, April 20 and 27 at 4 p.m.
All performances are at WIT’s End in Kapaa’s Coconut Market Place. Tickets are available by phoning (808) 635-3727, or $20 at the door.
