The Long Count at New Leaf: An Experiment Gone ... Okay
By Julienne Bilker in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 20, 2009 6:40PM
photo of Alyse Kittner, Mary Jo Bolduc and Elizabeth Vanderhoof by Lindsay Theo
New Leaf Theatre Company’s new show, The Long Count, is a “devised work,” meaning company members worked with the acting ensemble to create a script from, essentially, nothing. In lieu of a traditional director, company member Marsha Harman served as Curator, a position necessary to “funnel all of the artistic, directorial, and design voices of the company and ensemble and keep [everyone] on course,” in Harman’s words. If this concept conjures an image of weird performance art, don’t be so quick to judge. To be sure, it’s not your typical play, but the ideas presented aren’t that unusual. Which is actually a bit of a problem.
The driving question behind the production (or “process-ion,” as Harman calls it) is “How do we build a future from a present we didn’t expect?” With such a broad starting point, the possibilities are myriad. However, despite the abstract, non-descript setting, the company limits its options by using a conventional premise: a suitcase-toting young woman, at a loss for what to do or where to go, weaves through a series of allegorical scenes designed to throw her off course and/or teach her a lesson. The question is answered almost too quickly and simply, as the phrase “Don’t freak out” is repeated early and often. The message certainly resonates, but the show doesn’t really build on it.
Not to say that there aren’t some poetic, visually engaging and interesting moments. The actors excel in their use of physicality to create something where there was nothing, becoming the set and props as they form a bicycle, a ship, a seemingly impenetrable labyrinth and more. And although the script isn’t earth-shattering, the performances are earnest and not without humor.
New Leaf Artistic Director Jessica Hutchinson will be the first to tell you that this project is an experiment, and we give the company credit for pushing themselves to try something new. The group will continue rehearsals through the run, leaving room for the show to evolve and grow until it closes. We suspect the rehearsal process may be more engaging than the product, and luckily, Thursday evenings are open rehearsals. If this piece sounds like your cup of tea, check one out.
The Long Count is at the Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N Lincoln Park West, through May 9, $10 (students/seniors/industry) or $12, New Leaf Theatre website
or call 773-516-3546 for group rates. Open rehearsals April 23 & 30, May 7.