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REVIEW: Square Top Debuts 'Don Quixote' |
Tony Fair | 7/18/08
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Square Top Repertory Theatre’s program for their 2008 season states, “Many adventures and mishaps await as the contemporary world collides with the world of Don Quixote.”
 Shane Fuller, Square Top Rep’s Co-Artistic Director and Resident Playwright, and their 2008 Ensemble have adapted Miguel De Cervantes’ classic “Don Quixote” to an inventive and thoroughly entertaining stage presentation. Their story is set in a contemporary office setting where the mundane environment, employees, furniture and equipment all participate in a very funny, at times even absurd and at times a poignant presentation of the prototypical knight-errant’s story.
The venue is utilized totally as Square Top Rep presents their tale “In the Round” with a raised stage in the center of space and the tiered seating is on all four sides. The aisles, corners and both doors become part of the presentation area as well. Two of the corners are the much used entrance and exit doors while the office coffee room occupies one corner and the writing desk of Miguel De Cervantes is positioned in the remaining corner. The aisles surrounding the stage become the trails upon which Don Quixote and his squire, Sancho Panza, ride their trusty steeds as they venture from challenge to challenge.
Mr. Cervantes, comfortably portrayed by Andrew Evans, serves as the story’s navigator, introducing the chapters and providing commentary when needed to provide context. The audience is effectively cued to Mr. Cervantes participation when he turns on his writing lamp.
Don Quixote is played ably, interestingly, very energetically and with little apparent regard for his physical well-being by Chris Budreau. The knight’s squire and the office’s intern is the quite talented Erica Curnutte. Nick Hoenshell meets the challenge admirably of portraying the knight-errant’s several foes, at times quite reluctantly to the audience’s delight. Ensemble members Summer Gibson, Rachel Morgan and Jessi Hampton are each provided with opportunities to display their talents. These young ladies appear to relish and capitalize on their opportunities.
If you like to laugh this show is recommended highly. If you like experimental theatre you receive a bonus seldom available in our fair village.
“Don Quixote” runs in repertory with “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” through August 2nd in the performance space, formerly the South Conference Room, at the Community Center. Ticket prices are very reasonable at $15, $11.50 and $8.00 dependent on age and date of shows. Tickets available online at the STRT website, at Moonlight Books or by calling Square Top Repertory Theatre at 970-264-0264.
Tony’s notes:
1- Square Top Repertory Theatre’s second season of presenting professional theatre in Pagosa Springs is well worth supporting. The eleven members of this company have been working hard to convert a conference room to a venue, develop two plays to be presented in revolving repertory, prepare for a two-day performance workshop for 7th through 12th grade students and all the other tasks necessary to promote and produce professional theater.
2- Square Top Rep, according to my better rumor sources, is considering a three show offering and longer season next year,
3- Plus a new works reading series in the Spring of 2009 with one show earning a potential full production in the 2010 season.
4 - This old biddy loves the energy and enthusiasm this professional theatre company brings to our community – may our support allow them to continue and flourish in our midst as we need them culturally and economically. |
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