NEW YORK—The five short one-acts in the Ensemble Studio Theatre's Marathon Series A are winners. Willie Reale's A Little Soul Searching displays a couple, in limbo, complaining about their forthcoming assignment to planet Earth. Anywhere but there, moans Randolph (Michael Potts). Why not the perfect world, "Felicity"? But for partner Prudence (Karen Trott), an order's an order.
Each performer winsomely expresses his/her complaint in song, with Ms. Trott displaying inimitable timing in placing her hand first on one hip, then the other, at the end of each verse. A charming piece, nicely directed by Evan Cabnet, with music by Patrick Barnes.
It is Christmas Day in Amy Herzog's Christmas Present, the morning after Jess (Julie Fitzpatrick) and Benji's (Jake Hoffman) one-night stand. In their ensuing discussion it comes out that Jess is the less innocent of the pair. Benji may or may not have picked up more than he bargained for. But better safe than sorry. Nice performances and good direction by RJ Tolan.
Tostitos by Michael John Garcés builds to pack a wallop, as rough teenagers Red (Andres Munar) and Annie (Jenny Gomez) launch into an argument in the rear parking lot of a convenience store. Soon they're joined by shy Tonya (Karen Eilbacher), the boss's daughter.
Longing for acceptance Tonya readily offers some fast food items—the Tostitos of the title. But when dad Danny (Howard Overshown) appears, the action ratchets up to a scary and compelling physical fight between the two males. Top-grade performances, ditto for May Adrales's direction.
An Upset by David Auburn (2001 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner for his play, "Proof") is arguably the most complex and sophisticated offering of the evening. Two tennis players, Male 1 (Matt Lauria), a young up-and-comer, trades dressing room talk with the old pro, Male 2 (Darren Goldstein), on several occasions. The status of each changes as the conversations progress, taking on the flavor of a tennis match—first one, then the other.
As he becomes more successful, Male 1, formerly faithful to his girlfriend back in Romania, comes to embrace the "American way." He even wants to throw away his winnings on art collecting. Male 2 cynically observes and comments. Fine direction by director/actor Harris Yulin, and terrific performances by Lauria and Goldstein.
In Quincy Long's Wedding Pictures not a word is spoken, but the meaning is potently clear throughout. As Bride (Autumn Dornfeld) and Groom (Eric Gilde) stand before the Minister (Petronia Paley), unexpectedly, the Lover (Jakob Hawkins) appears and creates havoc. At first he is rebuffed, but at final curtain everyone is satisfied, emotionally and physically.
All give excellent performances, including violinist Heather Summerlad, whose melodies punctuate the doings. Under Kathleen Dimmick's neat direction, the piece is both zany and meaningful.
The annual E.S.T. Marathon is noted throughout the U.S. for its high quality of new one-act plays. Series B plays May 23 through June 20; Series C, June 6 through 28.
Marathon 2008, Series A
Ensemble Studio Theater
549 West 52 St.
Tickets: (212) 352-3101 or www.TheaterMania.com
Closes May 31
Diana Barth writes and publishes New Millennium, an arts newsletter. She can be contacted at diabarth@juno.com
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