Review: THE TASTE TEST Fizzles

In the space between the provocative opening questions and final reflections of Frank Higgins' THE TASTE TEST, a potentially clever take on identity, friendship and betrayal fizzles flat. Higgins' work is as contrived and sophomoric as a freshman stab at drama, and the performances in Black Theatre Troupe's staging don't save it.

As an opening aside, Jewel (Racquel Mckenzie), an outspoken campus radical (author of "Amerika"), asks, "What would it take for a friend to betray you?" A good question, but one for which the play offers nary an answer, albeit we are to suppose it lies in the confrontation of conflicting values and aspirations of college roommates who reune years later under very special circumstances.

Post-college, Jewel has gained some notoriety as a critic and author of "Amerika." Determined to fight the establishment, she is however encouraged by Mary (Michelle Nakamoto), her old college roommate, who has ascended the corporate ladder to the number two position at the world's largest cola producer, to interview for a position with the company. A testy interview with Clair (Shari Watts), King Cola's CEO, clinches the deal, and Jewel is on board as the marketing campaign manager in the middle of a brewing cola war.

THE TASTE TEST takes a page from Coca-Cola's controversial alteration in 1985 of its traditional soft drink formula and the marketing of the New Coke. In the parallel universe of King Cola, each of the characters is put to the test of character. Clair, Jewel, and Mary are on the firing line as King Cola changes its popular formula and confronts customer backlash, Pepsi outpositioning, and shrinking market share. Clair obstinately refuses to change course while Mary and Jewel clash over best strategies to turn the situation around. Over the course of two acts, directed by Anthony Runfola, a not-so-merry-go-round of individual and corporate gamesmanship lurches to and fro with clumsy blocking and stilted performances.

Shari Watts is a highly accomplished actress, honored for her bravura performances in local productions of August: Osage County, Grey Gardens, and Follies. However, her performance as Clair seems forced, unsettled, and, unconvincing. But then, the character is unconvincing, since it would be hard to imagine as befuddled and erratic a soul as Clair heading a major corporation ~ Higgins' fault!

Racquel Mckenzie is an elegant stage presence who, at times, but not consistently, during her performance, shines with intensity and insight. Michelle Nakamoto has work yet to do in plumbing the nuances of her character.

All told, THE TASTE TEST falls flat in the stage test.

THE TASTE TEST runs through October 25th at The Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center in downtown Phoenix.

Photo credit to Laura Durant

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