By Katrina DeKarver
The world premiere of Bitter Lemon in Cedar Hills‘ own Creekside Theatre Fest toys with what it means to put on a theatrical show. Written by Melissa Leilani Larson, Bitter Lemon is performed without any prior rehearsals or foreknowledge: the actors haven’t even seen the script. Upon entering the stage, both performers carry sealed manila envelopes; they each find a position, pull out their scripts, and the show begins. This theatrical experiment is designed with discovery in mindas the actors and audience unearth the setting, characters, and plot at the same time. For such an experience to work, both the actors and audience members need to approach the show without preconceptions.
Due to the nature of discovery within Bitter Lemon, every performance must have a new set of actors. As the show runs the full length of the Creekside Theatre Fest, there are fourteen different actors cast (two for each show). For the performance I saw, Finlay was portrayed by Patrick Kintz and Helen by Christie Gardiner. Performing without any preparation is quite a feat- doing so would terrify me- but Kintz and Gardiner took the task head on. Gardiner was able to mold herself to Helen’s emotions as they are revealed, while Kintz utilized the space of the stage and maximized the limited set. Within the show, there were moments that worked out only because of previous choices made by the actors. These moments, though small, reveal the magic theatre has.
Bitter Lemon is not a show for passively sitting by and watching. The script makes viewers think, trying to figure out and understand the characters. Foreknowledge of the theatrical process will give audience members a better pay off. And for those who like more traditional fare, be sure to attend the other shows being presented at the Creekside Theatre Fest, Peter and the Starcatcher or William Shakepreare’s Macbeth.
Creekside Theatre Fest presents Bitter Lemon by Melissa Leilani Larson.
Creekside Theatre Fest, 4425 W Cedar Hills Dr, Cedar Hills, UT 84062
June 17, 21-22, 24, 28, 2019 6:00 PM, Mon, Fri-Sat, Sat 297:00 PM, 9:00 PM
Tickets: $10-16
Creekside Theatre Fest Facebook Page
Bitter Lemon Facebook Group
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