By Andrea L Johnson
The Hive, a new theater venture in Provo, is hosting the world premiere of The Actors, by Ronnie Larsen, and if the preview night was any indication, Utah County is in for a great ride. The Hive Collaborative producers Ken Agle and Dennis Agle are admittedly ambitious and unashamedly delighted to bring this theater experience to the Provo area. Family Agle are prominently featured in the production elements of The Actors and were excellent hosts for the preview night. The mission of The Hive Collaborative is to showcase new and yet undiscovered works with a focus on optimism and hope. It is an exciting prospect for me (I love new plays) and should be for anyone who loves creating. Their ambitious schedule embraces eight productions a year of new theater. Talk about the good in Utah Arts.
The theater is located just north of the Amtrak station in Provo in the industrial area near the train tracks and City Center. This area is being revitalized by the city, with new apartments and shopping areas, so the updated warehouse space of The Hive is an excellent addition to the old-is-new vibe. There is limited street parking, but the business to the east allows theater patron parking and is just a short walk either around the street side or behind the building to the north down a nice alleyway.
As I entered the theater, I was immediately impressed by the space. It is well constructed, clean and modern with a rustic feel, distinctive signage and a casual ambience. The chairs are comfortable and the space inviting. This was the preview night, so I arrived to mingling, snacks, and a variety of desserts and drinks, and even a photo op area. The buzz of a new venue, new play, new projects, and new art was palpable.
Patrick Newman leads the cast as both the protagonist (Ronnie Larsen) and the director, both the director of The Actors as well as the director of Ronnie’s actors. Ronnie is a middle-aged single man who is still in mourning after the untimely death of his parents. To process and assuage his grief, he devises a creative/weird plan: cast actors to play his parents. Just a couple of hours a week. It is weird, but also … well, weird … but also … perhaps brilliant. His dream is to relive the pleasant and loving moments of his life by having a family again. Hailey Nebeker plays the actress playing Ronnie’s mother, and though reluctant (but also eagerly in need of a paycheck) agrees to take a part in Ronnie’s “production.” Nebeker’s split duties of anxious actress and doting mother are seamless, eventually blending into one. Her emotions read true, alternately being vulnerable and then wearing the mask of the character. She is easy to watch. The humor in the weirdness is delightful. Geoff Means slouches, dad-jokes, and embraces the role(s) of Ronnie’s father and actor-employee. Means is never rushed and enjoys both his character as well as his character’s character to the fullest. His silent soliloquy is groaningly delightful.
At some point, however, all of Ronnie’s best plans go awry. I mean, he wants a family, and “families are messy,” and soon Ronnie’s dream starts looking like the stuff of nightmares. Newman captures such a great range of emotions as Ronnie, from dismal ennui to moments of sheer joy. His Ronnie is endearing and captivating, especially as he uncomfortably tries to recruit his substitute mother and then later pleads with his substitute father: “Don’t fall in love with your wife!”
As in all families, the more the crazier, and the addition of Will McAllister and Kyle Baugh effectively bring the whole delusion crashing down. McAllister and Baugh are great additions to the company, adding a new level of … well, weird. Baugh portrays the new addition to the family with gusto and gastronomy, loudly and brashly taking over the already cramped space, making room for himself by eating all the food in the house. McAllister’s character adds a depth and breadth of emotions in an entirely new layer of reality to Ronnie’s world, bringing the story to a new and higher level, but effectively ending the charade. (On select dates, Jericho Lopez and Gideon Burton fill these roles.)
Newman’s direction is notable in its lack of notice. The characters move easily throughout the space. The set is specific and relevant. The 70s throwbacks add a great touch to Ronnie’s dream world and the music is perfect. Aside from minor “opening night” glitches, the show is clean and unified. It did start to feel a little long in the second act, but I am confident pacing will improve through the run. The Actors is a great piece of work, and the author, cast, crew, and producers have something to be proud of. I am excited to see what future productions will bring.
I am most excited about the prospect of more new work, more original plays, and more ambitious and aggressive pursuit of fresh, relevant, and uplifting theater. If you love theater, I recommend supporting The Hive with your attendance. Their mission of attracting new scripts may prove to be a dream come true for local playwrights and provide more opportunities for local actors and tech crew. You may secure the potential for your own personal involvement in their collaborative efforts, but you absolutely will enjoy a wonderful show.
The Hive Collaborative presents The Actors by Ronnie Larsen
The Hive 591 South 300 West, Provo, Utah (just north of the Amtrak Station)
August 17-Sept 8 (Wednesday-Saturday) 7:30 PM
Tickets: $15 General Admission, $12 Seniors/Students (with student ID)
The Hive Collaborative Facebook Page
The Actors Facebook Event
Thank you so much for your support of this new play!