The British are wonderful. We have many reasons to thank them, and Brit Bits 7 is one such reason.
A collection of 8 ten minute-(ish) plays "by, for or about the British", the production flew by before I knew it, and I wanted more. So in honor of the 8 playlets of the evening, I will provide 8 reviewlets (really? reviewlets? oh, well, I already typed it.)
The 3 Graces by Richard Manton-Hollis and directed by Paul D'Alessandris is based around a painting by Raphael, but in statue form. The three sisters played by Sarah Manton, Anna Frankl-Duval and Ruthie Stephens are wonderful, and god love them for staying in the same position for a full ten minutes and not so much as drop their arms an inch! Crisp, clear writing, simple staging and clear analysis of the text and three actresses rocking the art world by storm.
Small Favors by Bronwen Denton-Davis and directed by Stephanie Staes features Peter Cormican and Simon Pearl as a father and son devilishly trying to come to terms with life's end and unfinnished business. Although a little hard to hear all of the dialogue (this was a problem in several pieces, especially in such an intimate setting) the back and forth sparring between the two really sparks towards the end, and what you think will be a formulaic ending actually surprises and you see that the cat and mouse were merely moving the furniture out of the way before the big chase.
Icarus by Sam Peter Jackson and directed by Stephanie Staes is an enigma in the best sense of the word. Cailin McDonald and Frances Uku play two friends arguing about compliment protocol. Very witty, cleverly staged, my favorite actresses of the night, but which one plays Icarus? Or how does Icarus come into the story, if he does at all? Who flys too close the sun; is it the friend who doesn't give compliments freely, who soars to new heights by not listening to the adivice given her, or is it the friend expecting a compliment in return, taking for granted what the other person wants, to get their own way? Someone may have melting wings here, though maybe instead of the actors, it's the audience, charged with the responsibility not to fly too high to figure it out this quandry, but to accept and let it happen and see what develops. A fascinating and very funny performance!
Another Day in Paradise written and directed by Camilla Maxwell has one of the funniest scenes in the evening. Two travellers, played by Anna Frankl-Duval and Adriana Llabres, a la Lucy and Ethyl or Laverne and Shirley, have the worst sunburns you've ever seen. Hilarity ensues. Seriously, this is one of the best pieces.
Unmanned however didn't live up to everything else on stage. While Laura Stevens story seemed viable, the staging and pace of the piece seemed off and mildly stagnent. Directed by Paula D'Allessandris and featuring Lain Gray and Hannah Scott. One thing I will say, the actors did find a very nice, very truthful place and they had some really tender moments.
The Pilot by Chris Thorpe also directed by Paula D'Allessandris fared much better. Mia Moreland and Daniel Damiano were wonderfully cast in this mistaken plot comedy. Very simple staging, although Ms. D'Allesandris could have faced Mr. Thorpe a little more towards the rest of the audience, he was set facing pretty much away from the audience, while Ms. Moreland was clearly seen by everyone. In any case, he very much holds his own and both react against each other with perfect comic timing and absolute seriousness.
Bazelgate & Croxen written by Brian Pracht and directed once again by Stephanie Staes, was one of the most physically active of the pieces and certainly one of the shortest. Adam Jonas Segaller and Martin Ewens is a mix of farce and sketch comedy. The pace was quick, the delivery pitch perfect, and I don't think it could have been acted any better by any other actors.
My favorite piece of the night was the last, The Gesture by Paula D'Alessandris and directed by Camilla Maxwell featured Stuart Williams as the boyfriend who just doesn't know what girlfriend Emma Gordon needs out of the relationship. The story is a bit predictable but hilariously so, but so well directed and acted that everything about the story is enhanced and multiplied. And without giving too much away, honestly the funniest thing I have ever seen done with an ear in my life. Ms. Gordon's demanding shrill insistance perfectly sets Mr. Williams up for amazing comic reactions that every man in the audience can relate to, and both do remarkable work in the piece.
So there we have it! 8 reviewsicals, and one brilliant collection of short plays. Mind the Gaps production of Brit Bits 7 plays at the Manhattan Theatre Source now through June 18th. For tickets go to https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/729955
