A Weekend of Laughs at the Ritz
by April Johnson
I had the pleasure to review Ritz Theater’s 4th Annual One Act Play Festival on June 28th and 29th, 2024. This event was part of the New Works Initiative, a two-day theatrical experience bringing to life original pieces written by accomplished and promising playwrights from around the country. The theater had a black box setting which made us feel as though we were part of each production.
Friday, June 28th, 2024
The Interview of Four Alien Abductees (Classified) written by Ade Cory and directed by Chrissy Wick was a collection of four people from different walks of life who have given their recollection of their dreadful encounter with extraterrestrial beings who may have landed in Jersey (go figure) in a comical presentation. Carla Connick was an amusing delight as Annie, the erratic widow. Sasha, a newly married bride fascinated by social media, was portrayed by the darling Hannah Lee DeFrates. Doug Cohen effortlessly expressed Aaron, a homeless man who longed for his canine companion, Bradley. Ryan Lynd was a riot as Josh, a young music festival attendee who kept delivering some of the greatest rock puns.
For You, written and directed by Jay Fink was a touching narration of Joey’s experiences with his octogenarian mother, Lila, exceptionally and hilariously conveyed by Lori Caplan Clark. From hearty laughs to lightheartedness, Joey, masterfully portrayed by Matt Griffin, affectionately recounted his frustrations with Lila’s frugality at the movies and restaurants, feistiness toward her son’s relationships (or lack thereof), and her fight during illness. At the conclusion, Joey found serendipitous amusement via movie ticket purchase.
Sheila and the DMV, written by Rosemary Parrillo and directed by Connor Twigg tells a story of how Abby, a contented modest woman originally from the Midwest, volunteers her time in assisting Sheila, an audacious woman of “lesser distinction”, obtain a NJ driver’s license, who aspired to travel to Las Vegas with her boyfriend. An overeager Abby, entertainingly played by Megan Balne, comes to Sheila’s apartment readily equipped while Sheila failed to prepare herself for the written test. Thinking that she could her use her appeal, Sheila puts on the most revealing garb. Abby disagreed. As a result, Sheila failed the computerized exam and accused Abby of being uptight. The argument discouraged Abby and she left. Much to her chagrin, Sheila, brilliantly portrayed by Mackenzie Smith, thumbed through the manual and concluded that it is bogus based on the world she lives in. Anita Rowland wittingly provides the voice of reason as Carol, Abby’s elderly neighbor who encourages her to loosen up and see Sheila as a person and not just a charity case. Abby decided to do so and continued working with her. Abby insisted that Sheila must continue to study the manual so she can get her license and decided that she would give her tools to do so. Toward the end of the summer season, mission was accomplished. Sheila found her independence and Abby found her own meaning in life.
Saturday, June 29th, 2024
Written by Susan Cain McQuilkin and directed by Jessica Bostock, Unexpected Baggage is a piece where a couple received unclaimed luggage that didn’t belong to them. In the luxury weekender bag, there was an upscale skirt, blouse, jacket, shoes and the writings of St. Augustine’s Confessions. Nora, a working woman who seemed to be content with her life became enthralled with the unknown owner and created scenarios with optimistic wishful thinking. Derek, who was an aspiring furniture architect, attempted to bring Nora out of the clouds to do the right thing and return the luggage. Nora tried on the jacket and discovered a great valuable and contemplated on keeping the bag. As a result, morals and contentment are examined and exposed when it comes to the “best policy”. However, Nora was still holding on to what if and decided to wear the look to work. The same day, an unexpected visitor asked about the possible luggage and mentioned the history behind it. A sense of conviction occurred between the couple, yet Nora was not convinced about the backstory which brings them back to the beginning question. Willow Orthwein delivered a fascinating performance as Nora. Patrick Byrnes naturally conveyed Derek as Nora’s sensible and conscientious husband. Lauren Champlain accomplished the portrayal of Janet, the sentimental unexpected visitor.
Second Skin, written by Yu-Li Alice Shen and directed by Meg Bryan begins where three friends May, Stella, and Kerry, are discussing a tattoo design for May but are still in the valley of decision which leads to a road of possible defeat. As a result, the frustration grows and then they reminisce about their first college trip together. Conversation leads to argument where Stella expressed her anger toward her girls about her life and health and how she’s felt somewhat abandoned by their friendship. Kerry recalls the regretful tattoo that served as a dichotomy -- peace, or the bane of her existence. The disagreement ignites Stella and Kerry’s feelings of resentment toward May because of her lack of participation in their friendship. May retorts with irritation; inspiration occurs and brings them back to the original purpose of the meeting. Erin Galczynski, Rachel Stapleton, and Kristine Bonaventura were befittingly cast as May, Stella, and Kerry taking us through the sisterhood of a tattoo journey.
Dinkers Taming Bangers is a funny tale of two couples taking on each other in a spirited game of pickleball written by Kim E. Ruyle and directed by Amber Kusching. Bebe wins a radio contest with the help of her friend Kate, and the artist is not a favorite of Bebe’s husband, Pete. As an act of gratitude, Bebe asks Kate to go with her and recalls that she has a previous engagement to see Shakespeare with her husband Pete, a passionate man of prose. Kate knows that John, an avid hunter, abhors Shakespeare, so the ladies concoct a plan to convince their husbands to try to find commonalities with each other. Being that the ladies labeled John as a banger and Pete as a dinker, they invigorated their partners to show what they got and can do on the court. The gentlemen realized what their wives were up to and ended up exchanging ideals and decided to come to an agreement. All’s fair in love and pickleball. Lori Alexio-Howard portrayed Bebe, the motivational wife of Pete. Tony Killian delivered a pleasantly passionate performance as Pete. Tina Lopez was hilarious as Kate, Bebe’s zany best friend. John Nicodemo was wonderfully humorous as John, Kate’s primitively masculine husband.
Each director managed costuming and sound. Brian Gensel served as Festival Technical Director. Lori Aleixo-Howard was the Festival Coordinator.
The top three plays were judged and announced after the 2:00pm show and moved on to the finals to perform again on Saturday at 8:00pm. Congratulations to For You, Second Skin and Unexpected Baggage!
Stay tuned for the next event of the New Works Initiative if you are an aspiring or accomplished playwright looking to submit your works at https://ritztheatreco.org.
