Eden Street Players and an Evening of One Acts at Widener University

Aug 10
3 min read

by Ellorah Maeve

Is blood thicker than water? If a relationship is bad, would you leave the person or stay and give them a second chance? These are questions that can have many different answers. As stated by the local playwright, Michael Roche, we can all relate to having difficult relationships. Eden Street Players production of the one-act plays It’s My Birthday, Bitch and All My Plants Are Dead are great character studies into the dynamics of what a toxic relationship can look like.

It’s My Birthday, Bitch is about two brothers navigating their tenuous relationship. It also shows how the support of found family or even compassionate passerby can help us recognize toxic behaviors. The youngest brother, Andrew, has to come to terms with the fact his older brother, Ryan, is a manipulative, greedy man. This serious topic sprinkles fun comedic moments involving a delivery driver, a hostage situation, and a jar of peanut butter. Tristan Sieben, who is Andrew in this play, performs the quiet, intimate moments with heartbreaking vulnerability. The monologue at the very end of the play is an emotional rollercoaster with a satisfying build up to an explosion of intense, emotional climax. Sean McDermott as Ryan makes a very convincing terrible person. He leans into a snarky, sarcastic attitude that entertains the audience when he makes a crude joke. Lacey Powers as Jane, Andrew’s friend, commands the space when she confronts other characters about their actions. Powers’ commentary about wearing a wedding ring even though she is not married is a very relatable moment that addresses real world misogyny. The physical comedy of Randino Del Rosario as Delivery Guy has the audience rolling in their seats! Del Rosario has honest moments in the play that make one empathize with his situation. Director John Parkinson crafts vignettes that set up the punch line for moments like a kick in the crotch and the confrontation of Ryan’s actions. Parkinson directs the quiet beats in the play that catch the audience’s attention and leaves them waiting for the next moment.

All My Plants Are Dead is a short play about the downward spiral of a couple’s relationship as the events that transpire lead to a twist no one suspects! Natalie Dumin as Melanie brings a lot of vulnerability to a character who is trying to navigate her career and her love life. Dumin grounds the character in reality as she tries to push back against her boyfriend, Tommy’s, behavior. Carlos Jiga as Tommy makes it so much fun to hate his character. Even though Tommy as a character has strong opinions about gender roles, you truly feel for him as he tries to navigate finding out that his girlfriend is pregnant. Jiga and Dumin’s chemistry together onstage is electric; and the trust they have built together as scene partners shows on the stage. Dreesden Shumaker as Rae, the downstairs neighbor of the apartment the couple is house sitting, brings a dry sarcasm that is both hilarious and brings a new perspective to the couple’s situations that plays out. Director, Kristy Boyer Chen, brings serious moments, laughter and the chaos that ensues to life!

Suzette Krausen, the stage manager for both plays, does a fantastic job navigating the set changes between plays. Geena Shaw, who is in charge of lights and sound, creates fun preshow and intermission music. Jess Stinson, Producer of both plays, puts a lot of love into these two works. While this may be Eden Street Players final production, the talent and passion truly shines during the plays It’s My Birthday, Bitch and All My Plants Are Dead. The actors bring a lot of care and introspection to their roles; which leaves a lot of room for interpretation by the end of the plays where their characters’ true feelings lie. Catch the final performances at Lathem Hall Widener University 1301 Potter Street Chester, PA 19013 August 14th-16th at 7:30PM. QUICK TIP: Tickets are $15 at the Door; CASH OR VENMO ONLY!