Front Row Reviewers

Jun 1, 2019 | Theater Reviews, Utah, Utah County

An Other Theater Company’s The Flick Shines the Limelight on the Mundane to Beautiful Effect in Provo

Front Row Reviewers

Front Row Reviewers

By Jason Hagey and Alisha Hagey

In Provo, An Other Theater Company’s production of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, The Flick, is a beautiful exploration of what it means to be on the invisible fringe of society. In central Massachusetts, a run-down theater employs three underpaid ushers. Throughout the play, the audience spends its time in the minutiae of these employees’ lives. Discussions result in slow revelations, which reflect the difficulties of  personal perspectives, giving viewers an authentic and existential experience unusual in today’s fast-paced society. At times, the performance is hilarious before becoming deeply moving and emotional. The balance between triumph and heartbreak swings back and forth, reminding audiences of the great silent hero in all of us; no matter how mundane life may seem in comparison to the larger-than-life celebrity culture. As usual, An Other Theater Company represents that feeling of ‘the Other’ with sensitivity and love for all of humanity, whether in the limelight or behind the scenes.

Annie Baker (Playwright) weaves a series of vignettes set in a single movie theater that capture many simple and complex nuances that bring together a beautiful, vulnerable appreciation for life. Baker’s portrayal of work in a movie theater is spot on, while her depiction of relationships built between cowoekers is delicate and compassionate. She is able to capture a sense of real conversation, bringing meaning to otherwise banal conversations. She never preaches. Instead, Baker brings out the authentic without judgment and allows the audience to ponder on life, love, and loss.  It discusses life in which we are all performing stereotypes of our selves instead of who we truly are—like simulacra and simulation.  This begs the question: are we truly authentic or are we merely in search of authenticity? Director Lisa Hall says, “Through looping cadences and contradictory motives, each character experiences their own silent heartbreak, and they lash out terribly as a result.”

The direction is not only deft, but supremely heartfelt, loving, and compassionate. Hall highlights the little details, the beauty in being perfectly normal (which is anything but perfect), and helps keep the conversations fluid and natural. Just based on Hall’s director’s note, she has thought through every beat, every word, and her direction amplifies her deep understanding of the text and characters. Hall’s approach works well with an essentially plotless play and her creative, collaborative process results in lovely actor interactions.

​The ensemble cast of Isaac Macfarlane (Sam), Dorsey Williams (Avery), and Laura Elise Chapman (Rose) illuminate the light and shadow that Avery talks about regarding film. The three capture the essence of the highs and lows in life and demonstrate how the contrast between the two helps us see life for all the dimensions it holds.

Macfarlane’s portrayal is honest and his characterization is believable and hopeful despite Sam’s realization that he’s probably as far up the social ladder as he will ever be.

Williams provides a powerful depth of character, illustrating a sound balance between his idealism and nihilism, producing a truly humanist philosophy of cautious optimism.

Chapman’s performanceThey never know how to buy an ED medication which is approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction are generic viagra from india safe and effective. Apart from stabilizing the mood, yoga is also too much helpful to viagra purchase uk remove the problem of oligospermia in men. Also, the causes of the same are viagra soft tab not very hard to recognize. Eriacta is recognized as one among a few prominent medicines for male impotence. viagra tablets australia is heart-breaking in its yearning and the frustration Rose has in seeking to understand who she really is.

A special “thank you” is in order for Zippy Hellewell (Skylar/The Dreaming Man), who is simply delightful.

The troupe of designers created a simple yet perfect partnership. Emma Belnap (Lighting Designer) creates a believable setting through lights. The mixture of flickering colors convincingly imitate movement on a movie screen. Taylor Jack Nelson and Kacey Spadafora (Set Construction) provide a lovely little dilapidated theater for the action to take place in, including a projectionist booth. Spadafora’s sound design fits well with the world. Lisa Hall’s costumes are simple and, though the ushers’ shirts appear relatively generic, the subtlety of characters in t-shirts, jackets, cardigans, trousers, etc. is realistic and character-driven  and therefore anything but generic.

In the end, The Flick is a play about good people being flawed and that being good has nothing to do with being perfect.  The production is meant to prompt all audiences to search their own silent heartbreaks through the “looping cadences and contradictory motives” that fill every person’s day-to-day life. The Flick is a heartfelt and heart-warming drama worth taking time to experience. Audiences will learn more about being human and about showing compassion for all they meet, no matter what their vocation or position in life.

Content Advisory: Contains strong language and some sexual content.

An Other Theater Company presents The Flick.  By Annie Baker
An Other Theater Company, 1200 Towne Centre Blvd., Provo, UT 84601 (Located on the 2nd floor of the mall near Dillard’s)
May 31-Jun 22, 2019 7:30 PM Sunday 5:00 PM Jun 16, 2019
Tickets: $12-15 online, $17 at the door
Contact: 801-735-6868
An Other Theater Company Facebook Page
The Flick Facebook Event  

Front Row Reviewers

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