Date: Fri 11-Jul-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: CAROLK

Quick Words:

Triad-Yale-Summer-Cabaret-rev

Full Text:

(rev "The Handwriting, The Soup, and The Hats" @Yale Summer Cabaret, 7/11/97)

Theatre Review-

An Odd Triad With A Strong Focus At Yale

(with photo)

By June April

NEW HAVEN - The number "three" seems to be an integral part of Yale's Summer

Cabaret second production, entitled The Handwriting, The Soup, and The Hats .

The various ways these triad symbols could be interpreted make this play an

intellectual exercise, with few very witty lines tossed in for spice. The

Handwriting... continues on the New Haven-based stage until Saturday evening.

The three principals do a fine job with a play that did not bowl this reviewer

over, but was interesting to think about. Briefly, the play is about three

women, two of whom turn out to be sisters who had been put up for adoption,

and an aspiring actress/book clerk who is the link for them. How they connect

and how they influence one another is the focus of the story.

Playing a questing dental hygienist named Maura, Vivian Keh is quite

believable in her role. Bursting with enthusiasm, Adrienne Carter is

delightful as Annie, a self-doubting but tenacious aspiring actress. Her

characterization of Annie is poignant and funny.

Maura's older sister is a struggling playwright named Gene, portrayed by

Alicia Roper. Ms Roper has been associated with the director, Allison Narver,

and the playwright, Suzanne Maynard, since 1992, when this play was first

workshopped at the Annex Theatre in Seattle.

Like pieces of a puzzle tossed to the audience, the play opens with the three

characters each doing several short monologues describing their experiences

and problems. The tempo of this segment involves the audience immediately, as

the spotlight shifts between the actors.

Moving into the body of the play, the vignette-like segments are woven

together to create a story of struggle, strength, self-discovery and dreams.

References are made both in the play and playbill about the influence of two

television shows, "That Girl" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," both of which

depicted young women who are living liberated, work-oriented lives. So there

are elements of nostalgia for those who relate to and watched these two

sitcoms "back when...."

Once again the set design by Tad Feekes stands out for its excellence in flow

and look. Lighting by Susan Hamburger works very well, especially since there

are more than the usual "spot-ons."

Costumes were appropriate to the characters so a definite thumbs-up is

deserved by Sarah Iams for her creative choices. Also, Dunia Kravchak did an

excellent job in the acquisition of the many dated props.

The Handwriting, The Soup, and The Hats continues through Saturday, July 12.

The play begins nightly at 8 pm. On Friday and Saturday, July 11 and 12, there

is also a second show, at 10:30. Shows have been selling out, so reservations

are strongly recommended; call 432-1567.