Mindgame

by Anthony Horowitz

Jobsite Theater

Tampa, FL

October 21, 2010

With a title like Mindgame, the name alone sets you up for a myriad of possibilities. Jobsite Theater continues their 2010-2011 season with a bang with this mind twisting, indelibly engaging production. Wonderfully scripted and superbly directed, Mindgame takes us on a journey that only great storytelling can do.

Mindgame is a three character play written by Anthony Horowitz about a bestselling author who travels to the Fairfield Institute for the Criminally Insane to interview the notorious serial killer "Easterman" for his new book. Mark Styler visits with Dr. Faquahar about arranging the interview and is in turn interviewed about his intentions for the book. As the story unfolds, the audience as well as Styler learn that Fairfield Institute, and the criminally insane of the populous, aren't quite what they seem.

The beauty of productions with a smaller cast is the opportunity to watch a character rise and fall with the story. Instead of keeping track of which character is which, we are drawn into the story through dialogue. Mindgame is performed by Jason Evans, Brian Shea and Elizabeth Fendrick. Jason Evans, in the role of Styler, executes a solid performance as the larger than life writer, including spending half of the play in a straight jacket. Bravo. Elizabeth Fendrick's role of the timid Nurse Plimpton is believable at best, but her limited stage time didn't distract from the meat and potatoes of the story. I always look for what I call the anchor of the production, and without a doubt I have to award Brian Shea with that honor for Mindgame. Shea's performance as Dr. Faquahar is phenomenal as he takes Styler, as well as the audience, through a roller coaster ride of emotions. All in all, I felt the cast came together very well and played off each other as only true professionals can.

(Jason Evans, Elizabeth Fendrick & Brian Shea in Mindgame. c/0 JobsiteTheater.org)

Walking into the theatre for Mindgame, I had no idea what to expect. From reading the synopsis, I had a Silence of the Lambs type of feeling. As the play begins, it seemed to follow my blase preconceptions, yet thanks to impeccable acting and second to none writing, Mindgame became so much more.Without giving away the ending, I all have to say is be prepared. Aside from the acting, I have to give credit to the unsung heroes of the theater, the technical crew. With paintings seamlessly changing, hallways becoming closets, and courtyards turning into brick walls, the crew did more more than flick the lights on and off. Well done! With scenes of characters in straight jackets, scalpels coming eerily close to actors and clever set changes, Jobsite Theater pulls out all the stops for Mindgame.

All in all, I really enjoyed the production as a whole. As engaging a play as Mindgame is, it is not the type that only Shakespeareans and theatre majors can understand. Following a clear cut story arc, with only a couple well placed twists and turns, Mindgame is sure to entertain all the audience members for the duration of the run. After a conceptually clever yet dismal Einstein's Dreams, Jobsite Theater's sophomore effort this season is a sure-fire winner.

Mindgame plays through November 14th at the Jobsite Theater. The show was originally slated to end on November 7th, but thanks to fantastic pre-sales, the show has already been held over. Shows have been almost sold out and Mindgame looks to sell out the remainder of its run.

For more information on the production and Jobsite Theater, please click here. Don't forget to follow us on twitter for the latest on performing arts in the Tampa Bay area.

Music of the Post - A Masterpiece by Samuel Barber

Shipwrecked!

An Entertainment. The Amazing Adventure of Louis de Rougemont Himself (as Told By Himself)

by Donald Margulies
Gorilla Theatre
Tampa, FL
September 30, 2010


Should we always take someone at their word alone?

With the age old tradition of storytelling only changing it's medium with the advancement of technology, the power of a story worth telling is surely not to be missed. With that being said, my experience has taught a story well told is more entertaining.

Shipwrecked! An Entertainment chronicles the life of Louis de Rougemont in both his thrilling accomplishments and heartbreaking downfalls. Presented in the intimate setting of the Gorilla Theatre, the camp fire-esque presentation stages Louis de Rougemont as he addresses the audience directly and invites us along for a "fantastic and amazing story".

As stated by de Rougemont himself, he employs the services of Glenn Gover and Jonnelle Meyer who play a myriad of characters to aid in coloring this story. From changing dialects and wardrobe to even crossing gender, Gover and Meyer perform tremendously given the nature of the play. Well done to you both. Portraying the master of ceremonies of sorts, Christopher Swan delivers an amazing performance as the world traveler turned storyteller. His uncanny ability to deliver over two hours of dialogue with almost no interruption and clear diction is as best as I've seen all year. Swan's performance was so engaging that it felt more like sitting in a coffee shop and having a close friend telling a Dickensian tale rather than sitting and watching a play.

I really enjoyed the production as a whole. From the engaging dialogue to the superb technical backing, Gorilla Theatre hit a home run with this show. Following the character arch of de Rougemont from budding world traveler, backwoods explorer, bestselling author and beyond was well staged and kept me interested for what was coming next. Extraordinary acting and precision technical prowess is a potent combination that Gorilla Theatre employs in this production and will surely be noticed by every audience member in attendance.

All in all, I really enjoyed the performance of Shipwrecked! With a knack for producing top quality theatre thanks to their Equity laden cast and the up close and personal atmosphere that has become a staple of the Gorilla Theatre, the "Entertainment" part of the title lives up to it's name.

Shipwrecked! runs through October 17th at the Gorilla Theatre and will surely sell out the remainder of it's run. Tickets are selling fast, so be sure to get yours soon. Don't forget to follow us on twitter for the latest on everything performing arts in the Tampa Bay area.

Music of the Post - emarosa