Review: EXIT PLUTO at Strand Theater Company Explores Something New

Having the chance to see a brand new play always fascinates me. The time and creativity that the playwright has put into their work must be astronomical. I can't imagine the satisfaction and pride they feel when the curtain finally comes up on their vision. To help these playwrights realize their visions, The Strand Theater Company, a small theater in Baltimore County has devoted time and energy to producing only new works. In the case of this season, all of these works will be written and directed by female artists - a worthy cause in an industry where most men still dominate the writing and directing fields.

Their unique vision for theater, is what drew me to EXIT PLUTO, a brand new play written by Amy Bernstein and directed by Alice Stanley. This play, takes place in a small bakery and centers around the head baker, Miss Betty and her staff and customers. After seeing SUPERIOR DONUTS the night before, the setting and cast of characters seemed a bit familiar to me. However, that's where the similarities ended. This story is a bit darker and bit more mysterious.

This story is about change and what happens when we fear it or embrace it. The world of these characters is changing drastically, and they all choose to deal with this change differently. In Ms. Betty's case she shuts down all change and locks it away. In the case of Lulu, Ms. Betty's assistant, she's able to recognize the changes that are happening and try to move toward them instead of away. In our very-real world, where matters can change at the drop of a hat, we constantly see these traits in those we love or even ourselves. And just like in the play, choosing the best way to react is the most difficult part. As the play so masterfully shows, it only takes one reaction to change the course of an entire life for the good or the bad.

For such a small theater, I was blown away by the talent they amassed for this show. Each actor was perfectly suited for their role and completely embodied their character from start to finish. There was a great deal of movement across the stage, and interacting with other cast members - arguments, physical fights, stolen kisses, standing in for furniture. And yet, the actors moved through the show seamlessly, never dropping character or motion. As the show went on, you could tell from their genuine and determined performances, that the actors understood the weight of the message of the show. They fully committed to sharing this message with a grateful audience and they succeeded in this endeavor beautifully.