Revelations about marriage have been the grist for drama since the door slammed in Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. But none have revealed quite the same journey as John Kolvenbach’s innovative approach, with four actors playing two characters at three different stages of their relationship — sometimes at the same time. I’m late to the party for this engrossing play that has just one more weekend to go. But if you’re a fan of work that stretches the limits of what a play should be…. you must see Reel to Reel.
At first glance, you may think that the meet-cute-move-in-too-fast and otherwise Eighties-style romance is outside your comfort zone. The title, for instance, stands for the tape-recordings of household sounds Maggie (Samantha “Sam” Klein) makes, ultimately turning them into her one-woman touring career. Walter (Brett Aune) for his part, is an anguished filmmaker at the start, and he continues to be so through their 55 and some years of marriage.
The two are played in older age by the celebrated Alley Mills as Maggie II, with equally notable Jim Ortlieb as Walter II. Through all of their characters’ permutations, it is a joy to watch these two in action. In accordance with their roles, they are as comfortable together as an old pair of slippers. Their simpatico makes Ortlieb’s closing monologue all the more heart-rending. You will leave the play having the sense that you just left two old friends that you’ve known for years.
To satisfy the demands of Kolvenbach’s ambitious play, director Matthew McCray has enlisted scenic designer Evan Bartoletti and lighting designer Azra King-Abadi, with the help of tech director Grant Gerrard, to create a porous backdrop: at times opaque, and at others, transparent, to simulate dream sequences or memories interspersed through the action. In all. the technical aspects, from costuming Vicki Conrad) to properties, sound and foley design (Jeff Gardner along with Nichole Bernardini) make this a seamless marriage of all aspects that enable an engrossing production. The result is transporting.
It is notable that the producing company, Horse Chart Theatre, newly arrived from Denver, Colorado, has found a welcome home with Rogue Machine. Kudos to both for this meticulous production.
Rogue Machine presents Horse Chart Theatre’s production of “Reel to Reel” through this weekend on Friday and Saturday at 8pm; and Sunday at 2 pm, August 23rd, at Matrix theatre,7657 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, Ca 90046. All tickets, $45.00; Seniors, $35, available online at boxoffice@roguemachinetheatre.com. For more information, phone 855-585-5185.
