Date: Fri 18-Apr-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: CAROLK

Illustration: C

Location: A12

Quick Words:

Bock-Yale-Rep-McKee-theatre

Full Text:

(rev "Adventures of Amy Bock" @Yale Rep, 4/18/97)

Theatre Review-

"Bock" Offers A Trial In Patience

(with photo)

By June S. April

NEW HAVEN - Episodic in scope, The Adventures of Amy Bock is an interesting

play but far too long. Written by Julie McKee, a talented playwright and Yale

School of Drama graduate, this work is based on the life of an actual woman

from Ms McKee's country of birth, New Zealand.

Amy Bock's painful childhood may have been the cause of committing

(relatively) petty crimes. Her mother's insanity may have served to "allow"

Bock any kind of survival to make her living and to make her life an

adventure. So she re-invented herself, as the occasion necessitated.

In and out of jail for forgery, theft and fraud throughout her life, Ms Bock

assumed over a dozen different personages, including that of a man.

What comes through on stage (on Yale Rep's in New Haven until next Saturday,

in fact) is that this Victorian woman was a charming con artist, a role that

is played beautifully by Enid Graham. When she dons male attire, she is a

persuasive Gatsby-like character, a "slight youth, that is a bit strange."

Playing her fiancee Nessie, Blair Sams is most credible. Self-conscious to

start with, because of the loving relationship between Amy (as Percy C.

Redwood) and the awkward Nessie, there develops a lovely transformation of a

young woman bolstered by true love. When the truth of Amy's actual gender is

revealed, the change in the relationship is sensitively handled, both by the

playwright and the actors.

Playing the dual role of Amy Bock's mother, Blair Sams adds a repetitive

rhythm to the play. Appearing several times throughout the first half, she

swings to and fro on a rusted, creaking gate, opening the possibility for a

number of interesting interpretations of that action.

Also outstanding in her roles (as Ruby, Opal, Accuser #1 and the child Edna)

Kristine Nielsen is delightful and believable.

Fine multiple-role performances are also offered by Alec Phoenix and Sandra

Shipley. Particularly noteworthy is Audrie Neenan, especially as the

"omniscient" Mrs Finch.

The two other male cast members, Reno Roop and Frank Deal, play their various

roles admirably. As the persistent and somewhat irritating Kenneth, Mr Deal is

appropriately ill-at-ease.

The disrobing was unnecessary, unless it was intended as a symbolic statement

of shedding an old way of life. Shock-value was not valued whatsoever.

The set design was different, certainly made better by the lighting effects.

The timing of the elements by sound designer David Budries is perfect, and

well-chosen.

A theatre experience for adults (and that means people with a lot of

patience), there are portions, especially the second half, that make The

Adventures of Amy Bock of interest to serious theatre-lovers. There is no

question Julie McKee is a playwright who has much to say, and she will be a

name to follow.

It is hoped that brevity is seriously considered in re-working this play.

(For the truly patient, The Adventures of Amy Bock continues at Yale Rep, 1120

Chapel Street in New Haven, and until April 19. Performances are Monday

through Saturday; tickets are $25 to $30 each. Call 432-1234 for showtimes,

other details.)