Theater Reviews

Oct 5, 2004 - "The Quick Change Room" opens Nevada Rep's season with humor and poignancy

By Jack Neal

"The Quick Change Room," Nagle Jackson's provocative play about change, operates on several levels. One is humor. The play has lots of that. Another is poignancy. The play has lots of that. But it's mainly about what happens when a society crumbles, as the Russian society did (and is still doing), in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse.

In a deceptively entertaining manner "The Quick Change Room" explores the trials, tribulations and sometimes the grim hilarity of change.

On the play's lighter side, watching the off-stage room where actors - some of them neurotic - make fast costume changes before rushing back on stage has delicious possibilities. Playwright Jackson, who won a Pulitzer Prize for this play, explores those possibilities gaining lots of laughs along the way.

On the play's heavier side, watching the disintegration of a classical Russia theater company after the fall of the Soviet Union and the human tragedies brought about by that change, is ripe for a theater piece of poignancy. Jackson explores those possibilities gaining lots of empathy along the way.

At its most profound "The Quick Change Room" raises many questions.

What happens to a theater company in the tradition of performing the classics when communism is replaced by capitalism? What happens to a society when the bottom line is no longer quality, but making a quick buck? What happens when members of a theater company - including backstage dressers - are no longer needed because of downsizing to make management rich? More important to Jackson's point, does capitalism play on the more vulgar tendencies of society to the detriment of the human spirit?

Director Bob Dillard has coaxed and revved up his speaking cast of ten into high gear for a formidable presentation of Jackson's formidable play. That there are some moments when more punch is needed to make the production all it might be is but a minor drawback for Dillard's genuinely solid approach. The play says so much, much of it being said in overlays of meaning, it's hard to cover all bases with equal portions of wit and power.

The cast is without major weaknesses and has many strengths.

As the head quick-room dresser, Alison E. Swallow creates a marvelous character study of a sensitive and kind artist who loves her work and her colleague friends. Annie V. Scanlon is excellent as the assistant dresser whose life beyond the theater is caught in the sadness of just trying to survive. As an aging actress being shunted aside for her younger, sexier protégé, Kris Walleck delivers a modulated performance that's compelling and touching. Playing the protege willing to do anything to become a star, Jenifer Crenshaw is attractive enough to get what she wants and she gets what she wants in a very convincing manner.

Dave Seibert is the traditional company's artistic director who's being eased out by circumstances he attempts to resist. His performance is subtle and affecting. Playing the opportunist capitalist who steals the company from its more seasoned roots, Ryan Palomo has the strength of performance and the weakness of character that makes his new world of greed go 'round, and 'round, and 'round.

Bradford D. Ka'ai'ai' is the amoral actor who makes life a nuisance for backstage personnel and a lots of fun for an audience. He's also the adaptable one who cares less about art and more about being in the limelight at stage center. John Simpson is more than adequate as the young communist who quickly discovers how to make unconscionable money in a strong armed way.

Dave Seibert's set design is good looking, "divine decadence" Sally Bowles might say, and allows the play to flow. Justin Peeks's lighting is a major plus for this both light and upbeat and dark and downer play. Bill Ware's costumes work well through the play's transition from art to travesty. Lucina Z. Alipio and Jenifer Crenshaw's choreography makes the production's finale the glitzy tasteless fun it's intended to be.

vNevada Rep's "The Quick Change Room" is probing, choice theater.

The Nevada Repertory Company's "The Quick Change Room" can be seen at the Redfield Studio Theatre on the University of Nevada, Reno campus, 900 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada, October 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (2004) at 7:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. October 10. For information call 775-784-6847.