By Jennifer Mustoe
Interview with Alicia Washington, co-owner of Odgen‘s Good Company Theatre
For their first show in 2019, Good Company Theatre is presenting Constellations, by Nick Payne. Alicia with sister Camille have wanted to get this English play for 2 1/2 years. Other theaters wanted it, but the Washington sisters persisted. Alicia shared that one of the reasons she and Camille work so well together is Camille has expertise in researching shows and finds some that are remarkably interesting.
About Constellations, Alicia says it’s an honest, raw, delicately woven story that takes place across the multiverse. Playwright Nick Payne isn’t afraid to bend our sense of reality and put it onstage. Physics, time, parallel universe, what our minds can do to help or hinder our lives and anchors these ideas in something familiar–romance–this is what you’ll see.
Jesse Nepivoda and Haley McCormick go through each aspect of a relationship–what could happen–versions of the relationship–multiples of us in other universes. There is curiosity–what is the Universe and what would happen to us, in another Universe? These two remarkable actors are onstage for the entire time, and the set is minimalist to keep things very focused.
Director Tracy Callahan told Alicia that one of the things she loves about Constellations is the only possibility is there are always more possibilities.
There is adult frank language and themes, but Alicia feels that teens can benefit from and enjoy this unusual, thought-provoking play. Our teen reviewer Megan will be reviewing this, and I know she will find it compelling and beautiful.
When I asked her what her take aways were from the show, Alicia said, “The biggest thing, despite watching every facet of relationships, are the hopeful, beautiful monologues and discussion of time–how we spend our time and what’s the payoff.” Those who attend Constellations are “coming to see a minimalistic piece of theater, scenery, structure that relies on two very skilled actors, the presentation of possibilities, and that we have choices.”
I asked Alicia about Good Company Theatre. She said they’ve gone from five shows to eight. They have decided that the best run time for their shows is: three weekends per show, Fri and Sat nights and a Sunday matinee. This gives their actors plenty of time to perform, but get back to their lives again.
Their next show sounds so fun! A weekend revue You Bet Your Black Ass, Broadway–highlighting black actors and shows on Broadway 2/14-17. A fun Valentine’s weekend event!
One thing that Alicia and I spoke about in great depth is what Good Company Theatre is actually doing in the Arts community–it is bringing shows that focus on representing everyone. They want everyone to feel they are represented in their line up for the year. In looking at their plans (check the website) I would agree. Both sisters feel very strongly that their theater has a lot to bring to Utah Arts. I heartily agree.
And their price point is really quite amazing. Season tickets: 8 shows $120–this works out to $5.00 less per show. Good Company Theatre is an intimate space with only 70 seats. And I love what she ended the interview with: “We want our patrons to have a great experience–and we encourage people to stay after and talk about our shows.” If I wasn’t already a big GCT fan, this suggestion alone would win me over. Let’s talk about the show, friends. I love this.
Constellations plays Jan 18- Feb 23, Fri-Sat 8:00 PM, Sunday 4:00 PM. There’s still time to buy season tickets and see all the amazing offerings GCT is bringing to Ogden.
Good Company Theatre presents Constellations, by Nick Payne
The Good Company Theatre, 2404 Wall Ave, Ogden, UT, 84401
Jan 18-Feb 23, 2019 Fri-Sat 8:00 PM, Sunday 4:00 PM
Tickets: $20
Contact: 801-917-4969
Good Company Theatre Facebook Page
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