The Ruskin Group Theatre Co. never fails to impress, but they have reset their standard of excellence with their latest production of “Sideways The Play”. There isn’t a weak aspect in the entire production. The script is quick and witty; the set ingenious in its simplicity and the cast is stunning with equal part comedy, raw drama and heartbreaking sincerity. All this, coupled with Amelia Mulkey’s singular direction, delivers a solid ten for the Ruskin Group’s tenth year in existence.
Often when a play encounters technical difficulties at the very beginning, the way the actors handle the interruption can set the stage for the remainder of the production. This was certainly the case opening night.
Not only were veteran actors John Colella, as Miles, and Jonathon Bray, as Jack, poised and professional when the lighting decided to have a mind of its own, but they were able to use the interruption to their advantage eliciting several big laughs. This clarity of character and easy repartee between the duo carried through the production.
Despite the fact that his character is a bit of a jerk, Bray is instantly likeable with his great physicality and timing on his hysterical “one-liners”, of which he is given a lot. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Colella handles the long-winded ramblings of Miles beautifully. He is able to capture the psyche of a man that is dark and depressed without succumbing to the pitfall of coming across as pathetic. Coupled with the strong and amazing Julia McIlvaine as Maya and Cloe Kromwell as Terra this cast delivers the perfect blend of drama and comedy.
The supporting cast is terrific, not only in their sundry small roles, but in their recurring roles as set crew. “Sideways” takes place across a multitude of different locations and could easily get bogged down in lengthy scene changes, or become confusing without them.
Set designer CJ Strawn and director Mulkey solve this problem magnificently. Strawn’s design is simple in that the same pieces are used over and over again, yet complex in the way that they are used to create different locales.
Mulkey, with the help of choreographer Kristelle Monterrosa, is able to keep the pacing and momentum of the action going by wonderfully choreographing each transition, so that it’s not simply a scene change, but a part of the play. There is a story and characters within each change and some great moments of comedy intermixed. This is one not to miss.
“Sideways The Play”
Ruskin Group Theatre Co.
Through July 22
Tickets: www.ruskingrouptheatre.org or 310-397-3244
Kat Michels is a two time regional Emmy award-winning writer with an AAS in video production and a BFA in theatre.