10 Minute Play Festival

[Jane Zussman]

Sometimes confusing but always refreshing — New Scripts — short and sweet, written by LCC students and staff, graced the Dart Auditorium stage — since the “under the stars” outdoor venue was cursed, first by heat and then by thunderstorms. 

Director Paige Dunckel led an adaptable cast through four contrasting student-written scripts. 

Please Silence Your Cellphones by Natalie Kowalsky portrayed a sentiment we actors can understand when the show is repeatedly interrupted by cell phone rings. And the “M” word that must not be spoken… Some of the hysteria was so vocally revved up, I couldn’t make out the words, but the sentiment was clear! 

All These Buckeyes by Joshua Thompson-Linton cast a new perspective on immigration as the duly elected Bingus Schtunk (Debbie Lundeen) railed through her anti-Ohio-ian pontifications, countered by the not-to-be-oppressed Gibble (Caroline Abaalkhail). 

In the Closet by Stephanie Morales set up Selene (Mykyla Julian) in a confrontation with her perhaps-alter-ego Sol (Lydia Castillos) who happens to be a skeleton — and no one wants a skeleton in their closet. 

Bonded Souls by Sierra Barris posited an after-life dream that flipped perceptions for Max (Denise Huguez) and Danni (Mya Johnson-Wade).

After intermission the LONG/short a cappella musical Fred Side Story filled the whole second act. It was written by staff, Fred Englegau, and directed by Chelle Peterson. This campy send-up of the classic play/movie you have already guessed — was filled with fantasy and magic, freezing the other players intermittently as the hopeful Fred (Brett Vue) burst into melodies you know — with his own words — pursuing the winsome girl with the similarly problematic name: Mildred. (Lydia Castillos) Joining in with their own twisted West Side Songs were a chorus of Debbie Lundeen, Caroline Abaalkhail, Sean Smith, Denise Huguez, Callie Marrison, Mikyla Julian and Mya Johnson Wade.

The Ten Minute Play Festival continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 — in the LCC outdoor amphitheater behind Dart Auditorium, weather permitting. Free of Charge; bring you folding chair if the weather is good.

If you like this format, MORE Short Script Fun is promised with the Emerging Playwrights Festival at Riverwalk Theatre, one night only, Saturday August 2, 7pm, free of charge, donations welcome) featuring short scripts written by area high school students.)

Jane Zussman

G.L.U.T. List

(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)

cell 517-930-0932

JSZu...@gmail.com

http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net 

To review past emails as they were sent, click “About the G.L.U.T.” and choose “email list” from the drop-down menu — also check out the all-theatres calendar.

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