Starring:
Tonya Jones,
Jenn Robbins &
Angela Wiggins
Directed
by:
Adele Cabot
|
CenterStage: High
Level Theatre in Low Level Panic
by Sarah Dizida
Need a night of girl talk? Then come watch
the theatre try and transform the cliché
into something witty and involving a bathtub
in Low Level Panic, a play by Clare McIntyre.
Playing at the Dorie Theatre at The Complex
in Hollywood on Santa Monica Blvd through
March 13, the modern feminist comedy records
the thoughts and conversations of three
roommates in a production that, while flawed,
is still entertaining.
The set is a bathroom and the plot revolves
around the contrasts of the three characters:
Mary, Jo and Celia. Their differences become
apparent as they primp and philosophize
in front of their mirrors, revealing their
inner insecurities and even mistrust of
themselves, each other and their position
as women in a modern world. The actresses deserve the accolades for
their performances. Tonya Jones as Jo is
hilarious and easily dominates the scenes
whether posing in scantily clad clothes
or bathing with a Barbie. However, she does
not forget that her character is the most
insecure of the roommates and successfully
insinuates this in her exaggerated actions.
Angela Wiggins as Mary also produces an
admirable performance especially in her
dialogues with Jo. In those scenes, Wiggins’
expression and eloquence is subtle and yet
all the more endearing as her character
tries to come to terms with the world’s
obsession over appearances.
Last, but not least, Jenn Robbins as Celia
provides a balance and charm in her few
scenes. This adds a comical conflict to
the darker issues her two roommates face
whether she fails to grasp the more intense
emotions by a sudden intrusion or just wants
the tub clean so she can bath.
The bathtub, and its predominance in the
roommates’ lives, grounds the set
and the actresses ground this production.
Their rapport and bond is genuine and powerful
which make Low Level Panic an interesting
play that is worthwhile.
LOW LEVEL PANIC
Written by: Clare McIntyre
Directed by: Adele Cabot
THE DORIE THEATRE at THE COMPLEX
Grade: B+ |
