He sits alone curled up in his only chair next to his only lamp in his blank-walled apartment. He sees nothing; he has no life, no interests, no nothing. The light dims as the walls of his apartment close in on him. This is the life of a man called Beane (Francis Gercke).
Contrasting his non-lifestyle is his sister Joan (Jessa Watson) and brother-in-law Harry (Daren Scott) and their messy, noisy life. Both are outgoing and have a life. She worries about her brother, knowing that he is always encased in a wall of non-communication. He can enter a space, walk throughout it and leave, and nobody knows he has ever been there. Joan has good reason to worry.
These are the characters we first meet in John Kolvenbach's Love Song. The script, though, is not what makes the play a wonderful experience; it is the excellent direction (Sean Murray) and superb acting. Well, we must include Nick Fouch's masterful scenic design, which contrast the two locations created by moving walls.
Alas for Beane, this is a play with four characters. The final character changes Beane's life forever. Molly (Jessica John) enters his apartment, robs him of everything he owns (a coffee cup, a couple pair of socks, an extra BVD, a spoon, and little else). Ms. John is explosive, flitting about his room in almost a dance. Molly can't understand his lifestyle.
She is pure energy, and crime turns to love, transforming Beane. He becomes vibrant, excited about life, love, and the wonderment of a personal relationship. She brings him emotions that he has never experienced...foremost joy. The actress' high voltage electricity is a deep contrast to what we have experienced of Gercke's morose character. As the two become one, his performance also becomes electric. Of course, when his sister sees this transformation, she thinks there is something seriously wrong with him, while Harry happily accepts his brother-in-law's transformation.
As in past productions, John is in charge of the costumes and Bonnie Durben developed the property design. Sound designer Jeremy Seibert regales us with a very nice jazz track for Beane's digs as well as subtle sound effects. Ashley Johnstone provides the varied lighting necessary for the two sets and small insert. Her lighting also creates dramatic punches, especial in Beane's apartment.
Love Song is an actor's play. The script does not provide a strong story line and does not develop. What it does do is give talented actors and their director the
opportunity to create the joy of humor through delivery and timing. This cast and
director have done just that. They definitely had their opening night audience in
the palm of their collective hands.
In a time with a great deal of negativity, Love Song brings joy as we see several aspects of love, not only with Beane and Molly, but also with Harry and Joan. So for a very pleasurable evening, don't miss Cygnet - Rolando Stage's production of Love Song.
