By Nate Brown
Searching for the Nelke Theatre in the Harris Fine Arts Center at BYU to see the production of Anne Negri’s play, With Two Wings, was a challenge worthy of Greek tragedy all by itself. After finding several other theaters, we were in our seats just moments before the curtain rose. The lovely story of a fledgling bird, her overprotective parents, and the pair of avian twins that disrupted their shielded life began to unfold. The tale of Icarus makes a cameo, too.
Being a show aimed at younger audiences, the show begins differently. The players greet the audience as they enter the auditorium. In costume. The stage is lit, and the beautiful-rags birdnest set is on display.
The costumes, hair, and makeup (by Madison Miller) combine a ragged charm reminiscent of Grizabella from Cats with the energetic, feathery grace of wings. Wings that spread gloriously. The set and lighting (by Mary-Michal Carrigan and Melissa Longhurst) mimic the costumes with delicate subtlety, evoking a cozy, forest home in the trees.
As the show begins, the original score (by sound designer and musical director CJ Madsen) begins playing the character themes that pleasantly guide us through director Julia Ashworth’s production.
Mom (played by Sydni Bringhurst) enters first. Bringhurst has a strong performance as the matriarch of the story, moving and speaking with a feeling of sad wisdom whose weight she seems to carry through to the show’s conclusion. Her loving portrayal of Mom is so authentic that as her character flirts with unforgivable selfishness, the audience reacts sharply and vocally. Desperate hopes that she doesn’t follow through are whispered quietly throughout the theater.
Kate Tullis’s depiction of Lyf (pronounced like “life”) is innocent and naive. Her existence restricted by five rules, Tullis nevertheless shows the joy and energy that children can find in even the most difficult circumstances when they feel loved. As Lyf’s world begins to expand beyond her little nest, and she begins to seek to know more about the truth outside her home, Tullis plays these rebellious moments with continued innocence and energy. The performance pulls at the nostalgic heart of the older members of the audience as we remember the world opening up to us in a way that made it feel like failure was impossible.
The first touch of the outside world comes from Meta, played by Alyssa Black. Black plays with both curiosity and bluster, resulting in a character we all want as a friend. For ourselves and for our children. Black’s energy is perfect for this young audience play, zooming and dancing frenetically around the stage while maintaining articulation so that the story isn’t lost.
Taur (pronounced like “tore”), played by the multitalented Longhurst, is brash and self-aggrandizing. Still, Longhurst also brings a touch of fun and innocence to the role. She is true to the nature of Taur, but likable enough that each of us finds a bit of ourselves in the fledgling as she morphs into the story’s antagonist.
Tommy Brown portrays the world-worn-but-optimistic Dad with a combination of love, light-heartedness, and resilient hope. Bringhurst’s lamentations are reflected in Brown’s character, but with faith and a touch of reckless abandon.
A central theme of With Two Wings is the idea that lists of rules meant to protect the innocent can stifle their abilities to blossom with their strengths. This could make for an interesting after-the-performance conversation for parents and their children.
With Two Wings is appropriate for all ages and, despite being billed as youth theater, will be enjoyable by any age group. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to park and find the Nelke Theatre (it’s down the stairs to the basement level at the north end of the building) since the abundance of theaters in the area can cause some confusion when asking for directions.
BYU Department of Theatre and Media Arts presents With Two Wings by Anne Negri.
Nelke Theatre, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU, 800 E Campus Dr, Provo, UT 84602
October 9 – 19, 2019, 7:00 PM Wed-Fri, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM Matinee Sat,
Tickets: Adults $8, Children $5 (11 and under), Group Rates Available
Contact: 801-422-BYU1(2981)
BYU Arts Facebook Page
With Two Wings Facebook Event
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