Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/101270
Life As We Know It: A Tale for ���Every-Man��� by ERINN CRIDER For almost 20 years the Gilbert Theater has provided unique shows and been a major in���uence in the local arts community. Always looking to support local talent and bring interesting plays to the community, the Gilbert Theater debuted Life As We Know It, a series of one-act plays this week. The lull between Christmas and New Year���s is not commonly a time when plays are on stage at any of the community���s theaters, which may explain the low turn-out on opening day, and that is unfortunate. Elaine Alexander, the author of the production, turned her biting wit on the materialistic and technology-obsessed world that we live in today. While the nature of the play could be construed as depressing, Alexander���s comedic take on it does not hinder its ability to entertain. In her opinion, comedy allows society to take a look at some very serious truths about our society and about human nature. That said, Life As We Know It is truly an ���every man���s show��� meaning that people from all walks of life can identify or relate to it in many ways as they see themselves or those they know in these one-act scenarios. Alexander���s Carolina roots come through in her writing. One of her skits plays upon the infamous State versus Carolina rivalry and the ridiculous antics of a mother hell bent on her daughter���s acceptance to college. Like any good satire, the actions of these characters are preposterous enough to bring laughter, but real enough to make a clear statement. There is a delicate balance in bringing reality and absurdity together to create an effective comedic satire, and for the most part, Alexander meets the mail. The ���rst segment of the show which focuses on a yoga class is over the top and borders on obnoxious, but thankfully, Alexander redeems herself with the remaining ���ve acts. Key to the play���s success is the cast who has a great handle on the materials and whose skill and comedic timing were a delight to watch. Under the direction of Jeremy Fiebig and Robyne Parrish, the cast puts into perspective many of the problems that plague so many these days. Having a production made up of a collection of short scenes gives each actor a chance to shine. It is obvious by their committed performance that each performer was excited to be on the stage. Actors without a great script and a great script without dedicated actors can bring a production down. Fortunately, the cast of Life As We Know It didn���t have to deal with this problem. Everyone worked together to deliver a true representation of the author���s vision. A strong stable of performers, the cast includes Cheryl Edson (Musical of Musicals, FTCC���s Hello, Dolly!), Stanley Seay, Paul Woolverton (Clusters), James Merkle (The Fantasticks, As You Like It), Jessica Black (A Christmas Carol), Cassidy Ragland (FTCC���s Hello, Dolly!), Antionett Gage (A Christmas Carol, Gilbert Ensemble) and Whitney Manns (FSU���s Spoon River Anthology & The Last Days of Judas Iscariot). I wish I had the space to give every actor their due, because they were all noteworthy; however, I must make speci���c mention of Cheryl Edson, Stanley Seay and Paul Woolverton. In a cast of many talented people, they played their roles particularly well. The technical aspects of the show were well done. There were plenty of cues for light and sound as well as a projection that really pulled the show together and added realism, and in many cases, comedy to the set. There are several scenes where the actors use of set and props brought together the performance. That���s saying a lot as the plays use of props and sets was minimal at best. I���m talking bar stools, a desk and a chair as main parts of the set. Life as We Know It not only provides a night of entertainment, but a new take on the complex and overblown society we live in today, which is often clouded by society���s demands, but watching the performance offers some clarity to the silliness we accept every day. Life as We Know It runs through Jan. 6, so you still have time to get out and check out this unique show written by a Fayetteville native. On Saturday, Jan. 5, there is a ���meet the playwright��� reception following the show. Drinks will be available during intermission and light hors d���oeuvres and drinks will be served during the more formal meet & greet with Alexander, who will ���eld questions about the show and her work. Tickets for this show range from $25 to $30. Regular show tickets are $15 with senior and military ERINN CRIDER, Contributing discounts. For more information, call 678Writer, COMMENTS? Editor@ 7186 or visit www.gilberttheater.com. upandcomingweekly.com. Serving Fayetteville & Surrounding Areas for Over 25 years... The Antique Bakery & Cafe ���We are more than just coffee and pastries. Visit us for winter ���feel good��� meals Chicken Corn Chowder ��� Gingerbread Latte��� Monday Magic Magically, the entire caf�� can be yours to host a special event. Dine In ��� Take Out ��� Outdoor Seating Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner specials b Closed Monday Tues., Wed., Thurs. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fri., Sat., 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 25 253 Westwood Shopping Center (next to the cinema behind the tree) 910.920.4231 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM has 2 announcements for 2013 NEW PHYSICIAN Duy Lam, O.D. Doctor of Optometry Degree from Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University Special Interests: Comprehensive eye exam for all ages, contact lens ���tting, pre/postop LASIK & cataract surgery, Treatment & Management of Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma & Dry Eye Syndrome. New of���ce in Eastover Eastover Professional Plaza 3551 Dunn Rd., Suite 103 (behind Eastover Drug) Your one-stop family eye care specialists from pediatrics, to LASIK, to cataracts. 1726 Metro Medical Dr., Fayetteville, NC 1629 Owen Dr., Fayetteville, NC 1816 Doctors Drive, Sanford, NC 1902 N. Sandhills Blvd., Aberdeen, NC 910.484.2284 1.800.829.2284 ��� 910.484.2284 ZZZ&DSH)HDU(\HFRP Experience You Can Trust Experience You Can Trust JANUARY 2-8, 2013 UCW 9