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REVIEW: $100 Gummi Bears |
Tony Fair | 7/17/07
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Square Top Theatre debuted “$100 Gummi Bears”, the second offering of their 2007 Summer Season, in the clever theater space they have created within the Powerhouse Youth Center, this past weekend. If the goal of this talented ensemble is to present both ends of theatrical spectrum in their initial season, they have succeeded. The lighthearted romp through “Much Ado About Nothing” with a creative modern twist represents one end of the spectrum. The thought-provoking story, from a young male’s perspective, portrayed in “$100 Gummi Bears” is most certainly at the spectrum’s other end.
“$100 Gummi Bears” is a new piece of work from Square Top Theatre’s Resident Playwright Shane Fuller. The interesting aspect, particularly for a theater fan and reviewer, when attending a new work’s presentation is knowing the cast and crew have no previous presentations of the material or previous audience’s reactions to guide their efforts. Theater fans are reviewers and enjoy the post show discussions immensely. A new work’s review is more difficult for attendees as we do not have comparisons to previous presentations. So, as the pretentious old lady I tend to be at times, I am presenting two reviews and two recommendations.
 What I liked about “$100 Gummi Bears” was a story presented from the perspective of a young male. Never having been a young male did not prevent me from relating to Chris’s story. I have endured being in the presence of young males and the other female audience member’s reactions reinforced my opinion. Nathaniel Niemi’s portrayal of Chris was well done. He presented the clumsiness, uncertainty, false bravado and underlying decency of his character in a believable manner. Amanda McLendon displayed more of her considerable talent portraying four very different female characters ranging in age from 14 to thirtysomething. Clayton Nail has the task of portraying four characters as well. He accomplishes his challenging assignment nicely, which includes divergent roles as Chris’s antagonist and accomplice.
I appreciated the presentation not becoming preachy or an obvious recruitment vehicle for a particular point of view. Each time the story seemed to heading in that direction it, thankfully from my point of view, stayed away from being too judgmental. A story that includes the role of alcohol, drugs, sex, electronic gadgets and all the other topics faced, particularly by young folks, in our society today could easily become more judgmental and preachy. “$100 Gummi Bears” will appeal to those who want to see this subject matter presented, those who enjoy the more experimental aspects of theater and those who do not mind being uncomfortable and challenged to mentally consider a wide variety of topics.
In the other column of reactions to “$100 Gummi Bears” there are a few items. The interspersing of narrative directly to the audience with some of the story actually acted out is one of these. I enjoyed the parts of the play where the narrative was more minimal and the story was performed. I know this shows my “old school” prejudice in the preference of having the actions and dialog support each other. I do enjoy attending the presentation of monologues but am conflicted when attending something that is part play and part monologue. I prefer to have the fourth wall either in place or not in place. This is a presentation by two current University theatre majors, a recent graduate and written by a Theatre Professor. Perhaps that is why at times I felt like I was attending a well-done University Experimental Theatre presentation. And then perhaps I am just as out of touch as some accuse me of having become. I cannot recommend this production for those who want to just be entertained – attend “Much Ado About Nothing” if that is your goal. Read my earlier review of this production in the Pagosa Daily Post.
Tickets are available at the Theatre Box Office Wednesday through Saturday 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, online at squaretoptheatre.com and the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center. Admission is $14 for Adults, $11.50 for Seniors and $8 for ages 12 and under.
The matinee offerings of “Much Ado About Nothing” July 21st and 29th include a special family rate. “Much Ado About Nothing” is intended for all ages while “$100 Gummi Bears” is recommended for mature audiences (13 years of age and older). “Much Ado About Nothing” is scheduled July 19th and 20th at 7 PM and July 21st and 29th at 2 PM. “$100 Gummi Bears” is scheduled July 21st, 26th, 27th and 28th at 7 PM. Square Top Theatre is located in the Powerhouse Youth Center building at the East End of Town Park. For additional information call 940-782-6587. |
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