ALL DRAMA ALL THE TIME IN THIS PROGRAM OF THEATER SCENES

ALL DRAMA ALL THE TIME IN THIS PROGRAM OF THEATER SCENES

By Chuck Graham, TucsonStage.com

 

With generous helpings of 100 percent organic theater drama and no waiting, the nine-scene Summer Showcase 2019 of the Bennett TheatreLab & Conservatory makes for a satisfying way to savor Shakespeare.

 

The program draws on classic moments from six favorites of The Bard -- "Henry VI," "Comedy of Errors," "Richard II," "Measure For Measure," "Macbeth," "Merchant of Venice" -- plus one each from Ibsen's "Doll House," Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" and O'Neill's "Desire Under the Elms."

 

It is a satisfying mix of plays and emotions that spins by in about 90 minutes without an intermission. All the actors are in full costume, with minimal sets and lights.

 

Callie Hutchison and Arianna Oliver do much of the heavy lifting, with major roles in five of the pieces. Hutchison leads off with a commanding presence as the angry, vengeful Queen Margaret in "Henry VI."

 

She is quickly followed by Oliver's desperate and conniving Nora, fighting for survival against an equally manipulative Krogstad, played by Tyler Gastelum.

 

The most powerful match-up was created by Hutchison and Lance Guzman doing "Macbeth," in the turning point where Macbeth once so ambitious realizes his wife is the truly evil one. Seeing these two play their roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in a full production would be a golden ticket.

 

The most enchanting moments came from Teresa Shade in full Southern Bell mode as Blanche DuBois in her tentative attraction to Mitch. He is cast in the good hands of Kevin Visbal as the insecure gentleman in the steamy New Orleans of "Streetcar."

 

But saving the best for last, Hutchison as Abbie Cabot, Oscar De La Rocha (Eben Cabot) and John Muller (Ephraim Cabot) held everyone's attention in their twisted strategies from "Desire Under the Elms."

 

Afterward, Bennett announced the Conservatory would be doing a full production of this play next February.

 

The Summer Showcase 2019 continues with performances Saturday evening, June 8, at 7:30 and Sunday afternoon, June 9, at 2 p.m. in the Scoundrel & Scamp Theater, 738 N. Fifth Ave. Tickets $15, with discounts for students, actors, teachers and seniors. For details and tickets online, www.bennetttheatrelab.com