World Premiere Play Questions the Future of America
By Dionysia Williams
Available Light Theatre Company is not shying away from the tough topics in their new work “Tomorrow is the Question”, a world premiere written and directed by Matt Slaybaugh. Beginning with a lengthy history lesson that attempts to catch up those who are somewhat historically and politically inept (like me), this piece packs more information into it than several Nightly News Broadcasts put together. Unafraid to take a strong liberal view on prominent and not-so-prominent subjects, this political piece couldn’t come at a better time with the 2008 Presidential Election already underway. Even though this play is extremely informative, maybe too much so at times, it still is an entertaining piece that is easy to laugh with and relate to.
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Much of this show’s success is due to the amazingly talented cast, able to play a myriad of characters, give informational facts in an interesting way, and honestly connect to the message of the piece. Acacia Duncan, Nick Lingnofski, Eleni Papaleonardos, Michelle Schroeder, Ian Short, and Jennifer Spillane are an in-sync cast, especially when it comes to their Viewpoints technique and staging. For those who don’t know, Viewpoints is an improvisation technique focused on movement and gesture that was developed for stage by the brilliant Ann Bogart and Tina Landau. It can be a difficult technique that does need a well trained cast and in “Tomorrow is the Question” the cast and director successfully created movement that grabbed your attention and helped the stream of information seem more interesting. Some of the best moments of this piece, however, were those involving impersonation. Rivaling the best Saturday Night Live political sketches, these actors took their characters to the extreme. Some favorites include a female Bill Clinton complete with a jogging suit and a McDonald’s to-go bag, a male Hilary Clinton looking lovely in pearls, a super slow Dick Cheney, and a stuffed monkey as George W. Bush.
“Tomorrow is the Question” entertains and challenges its audience. Matt Slaybaugh captures what his play is about best when he says, “Lose your grief, find your courage, and fight for your country. A play about Democrats. A play about politics – what works, what doesn’t and why it’s up to us to fix it.”
To learn more visit www.avltheatre.com or call 614-975-3764 for tickets. “Tomorrow is the Question” runs until April 7th at the Columbus Dance Theatre at 592 E. Main Street.
A play about POLITICS - what works, what doesn’t, and why it’s up to US to fix it.
Originally Published: Issue 497 - April 4, 2007
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