BWW Reviews: Scriptwriters/Houston's 23rd Annual 10X10 Showcase is Inspiring and Thought-Provoking

To say that Houston has an exceptional theatre scene is an understatement. One of my favorite aspects is that there is always something new to see. Last night I had the pleasure of attending Scriptwriters/Houston's 23rd Annual 10X10 Showcase, a production that highlights original plays by local playwrights. Scriptwriters/Houston's annual 10X10 production, in association with Next Stage Press, features ten new plays, each lasting ten minutes in length. A welcome addition to this year's production is the inclusion of eight original monologues. This year's sampling of original works paints an intimate portrait of humanity and ultimately creates a nuanced and unforgettable evening of entertainment.

Lauren Tunnell's POWER BREAKFAST, opens the show and is a wittily scripted tale of the modern morning-after. Kalin Coates adeptly plays a goal-oriented Business major who utilizes her one-night stand as a potentially lucrative opportunity. Domonique Champion delivers a charming and engaging performance as Rob. Masterfully directed by Rachel Dickson, Lauren Tunnell's play is successfully smart and endearing.

PLAYING THE GAME, written by Steve Stewart and adroitly directed by Steve Carpentier, is a gripping tug-of-war drama that is taut with a power struggle and is further complicated by race and university politics. Rich Taylor perfectly portrays the intimidating Coach Jim Reem and is well balanced with Robert Jacobs Jr.'s measured portrayal of the sophistic professor. Rolando Cantu's role as Reuben Morales is well acted, as he introduces one final twist in the plot.

Walter Boyd's DOG GONE, cleverly directed by Keshia Lovewell, is a darkly comedic tale about one woman's desperate attempt to rid her husband of his unnatural devotion to his dog. Walter Boyd's imaginatively written play is full of dark deeds that makes audience members chuckle. Joseph Lockett's portrayal of Stanley is authentically brutish as he perfectly creates a disagreeable character. Playing Josephine, Lisa Britton impeccably portrays a shell of a woman who is at her wits end in this rousing play.

DEATH BY BLOODY MARY, written by Nicholas Garelick and directed by Amy Pope, is unique and memorable. For those familiar with the childhood spook, it is hard to imagine a Bloody Mary that is misunderstood and charming. But in his captivating and droll play, Nicholas Garelick is widely successful. David Bradley gives an animated performance as an "average" Joe, and Rebecca Johnson-Edgerly's portrayal of Mary is caustic and endearing. Together they deliver a charismatic performance in this comedic and surprisingly heartwarming production.

Alex Scott's I DON'T CARE MUCH FOR COFFEE is one of the most memorable plays of the evening as it takes us to the brink of insanity. Alex Scott's innovative plot bombards our senses as we laugh at every turn. Direction by Scott McWhirter is inventive and creative, jarring the audiences' senses in the best possible way. Tyrrell Woolbert brilliantly portrays Shelby, a girl who is simply trying to enjoy a book in the peace and quiet of the library. She masterfully creates an unforgettable scene as she is finally driven to her breaking point. Performances by Beverly Hutchison, Iggy Nguyen, and Katelyn Barr are flawless as their individual soliloquies function to create an atmosphere of dissonance. Anthony Torres adeptly portrays the mastermind Danny, and effectively produces a character that is subtly devious in this extraordinary play.

Opening the second act, SISTER FRED written by Joe Barnes, is a funny play where religion and pseudoscience collide. Innovatively directed by Elvin Moriarty, the play leaves audience members chuckling. The play centers around a hyperbolically depressed Patrick, expertly played by Gabe Velazquez, and his wife's attempt to get him out from under the bed. Kaitlyn Walker's performance of a loving and worrisome wife is spot-on, as is Tad Howington's portrayal of the psychoanalyst, Dr. Silverstein. Stealing the show is Lee Raymond as Sister Mary Frederick, a less than friendly and matter-of-fact nun who visits Patrick in an attempt to cure his foolish depression in this fun-filled play.

Marilyn Lewis's THE MEGAMART MEGASALE, which is directed by Lulu Mire, is a cleverly constructed and humorous play that provides us with a thought-provoking examination of modern-day consumerism. Taking place in large superstore, the play focuses on the ease with which items are marketed and sold to consumers and the frivolity surrounded around making those purchases. Eddie Rodriguez and Cindy Parker are a magnificent tag-team as they banter back and forth, debating the items they each are attempting to purchase. The play has a pleasant mix of ridiculousness and profoundness, making it a truly enjoyable experience.

TROMBONE TRASH, written by Rachel Dickson and directed by Devan Wade, is a heartfelt and endearing play about a married couple that is so set in their ways that they have moved beyond speaking to and listening to each other. Callina Situka provides a high energy and adorable performance as Lisa, a wife who relies on drastic measures to get her husband to listen. Justin Mouton's portrayal of Oscar is simultaneously spirited and pragmatic. Beverly Hutchison deftly plays Mrs. Chianti, creating a character that is wonderfully eccentric and wise beyond her years in this well-crafted and amusing play.

Quite possibly my favorite play of the evening was the beautifully written THE LAST CATS by Fernando Dovalina. The bittersweet and illuminating play focuses on the reunion between an estranged husband and wife where they stroll down memory lane, taking the audience on an emotionally wrought and real rollercoaster ride. Patrick Jennings as Harry and Ananka Kohnitz as Susan effectively flood the stage with a chemistry that is reminiscent of a couple that has once been very much in love. Ananka Kohnitz's performance is simply gorgeous and demonstrates wide range, making the audience laugh and emotionally moving them to tears. Patrick Jennings' expressive portrayal of Harry is genuinely poignant. Direction by Lauren Tunnell is captivating, leaving the audience haunted by the last beautiful moments of this remarkable production.

ORDINARY LIFE, written by John Meiners Jr. and directed by Haley Cooper, provides a light-hearted and surreal examination of the boundaries between real life and theater. Melanie Burke lends a charismatic performance as Angela and is wonderfully balanced by Bob Galley's down-to earth Jack. The rest of the talented cast, composed of Tad Howington, Melissa Huckabay, and Eric Huckabay, produces a truly enjoyable performance in this creative piece.

In addition to the ten short plays, eight original monologues by Eric C. Jones, Jane Wiley Keep, Pat Morgan, Denise O'Neal, James Reed, Raymond Terry, Devan Wade, and Michael Weems are presented in between set changes. The addition of these monologues is a welcome treat and paints an even greater picture of the immeasurable talent that this group encompasses. All of the monologues were enjoyable for different reasons, but a couple stood out to me.

Eric C. Jones' BLACK ENOUGH, animatedly performed by Justin Mouton, centers around a Black man who is convinced that he was born White. While it was ebulliently humorous, the monologue sheds light on some very real issues about race and what it feels like defying stereotypical expectations, making it relatable and beautifully hopeful.

THIRTY (ONE) NIGHTS OF PASSION by Michael Weems is both comical and genuinely realized, giving the audience an inside look at one woman's month-long gift of intimacy to her husband. Tyrrell Woolbert's delivery is matter-of-factly funny and memorable.

CONGRATS ON THE NEW PROMOTION by Denise O'Neal is witty and acerbic writing at its best. It is brilliantly performed by Rebecca Johnson-Edgerly. Although completely authentic, the monologue is relatable.

Pat Morgan's VISITING HOURS was one of my favorite monologues, creating a stir of emotions as it progressed. Kaitlyn Walker deftly describes the fate of her sister, as she draws in the audience's sense of sympathy and leaves them feeling deeply disturbed.

As a whole, the works that are included in this production are more than inspiring; they are thought-provoking and enjoyable. The combination of skillful writing, masterful direction, and strong acting exhibited in Scriptwriters/Houston's 23rd Annual 10X10 Showcase, ensures that this evening of innovative plays is one that is simply too good to miss.

Scriptwriters/Houston's 23rd Annual 10X10 Showcase is currently running at Country Playhouse through July 20th. Performances will be held through this weekend and include a 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinee. Performances will also be held next weekend from Thursday July 18th to Saturday 20th. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/416588.

All photos courtesy of Christine Weems.

To post a comment, you must register and login.