BWW Reviews: WHEN THE WORLD WAS GREEN (a Chef's Fable) - a MENU for REVENGE

BWW Reviews: "WHEN THE WORLD WAS GREEN (a Chef's Fable)" - a MENU for REVENGE

By Sam Shepard and Joseph Chaikin
Directed by Todd Olson
April 13, 2013 at 5:00P.M.

What a rare and inviting opportunity it is, to see a production of a Sam Shepard play in the Tampa Bay area.
Sam Shepard is a celebrated American playwright. He is not only a playwright, but an actor, author, and television and film director as well. In 1979, he received the Pulitzer Prize, for his play "Buried Child". In 1983, as an actor, Sam Shepard was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, in the film, "The Right Stuff". In 2009, he received the PEN/Laura Pels International Foundation for Theater Award, as a master American Dramatist.
Kudos to Artistic Director, Todd Olson for his unique and thought-provoking programming.

In 1996, Sam Shepard and Joseph Chaikin were commissioned to write, "WHEN THE WORLD WAS GREEN (a Chef's Fable)" , for the Olympic Arts Festival in Atlanta, Georgia.

"How did it all begin?"..."Poison Potatoes."

The duet production revolves around an elderly man, a former chef and murderer, who is imprisoned on death row. He is interviewed by a young woman, a presumed local journalist, shortly before he is scheduled to die.
The tale is told in the prison cell, on several, separate, meetings. A series of duet scenes are interspersed with monologues. A seven year family vendetta is revealed, with mystery, humor, and intrigue.

The minimalistic set, designed by Greg Bierce is dramatic in its sparseness. An unmade, wooden framed bed, a stainless toilet, sink, a wooden table and two chairs. Gray walls. The lighting design by Ian Mills and video design by Karla Hurtley, perfectly add to the creation of the cold prison cell. Gobo projections and isolated pools of light, add just the right atmosphere for the scolo scenes. The costume design by Saiduh Ben Judah, was appropriate and added to the realism of the piece.

Director Todd Olson, staged the poetic dialogue with a masterful hand. Mr. Olsen's addition of haunting, instumental melodies at the most reverent moments, further enhanced the sensationalism of the scenes. In "WHEN THE WORLD WAS GREEN (a Chef's Fable)", Todd Olson has once again, created a work of ART.

Mr. Edwards brings years of experience, as a veteran of the stage, in a superb, honest, and convincing portrayal of The Old Man. His unassuming demeanor, gently triggered, both laughter and tears.

The Interviewer, played by Amanda Collins, gives a tender, yet commanding performance. The duet scenes were naturally conversational. This takes skill. This takes fine actors, such as Michael Edwards and Amanda Collins.
Bravo!

For a fine, theatrical experience, go no further than American Stage. You will be glad you did!

"When the World was Green" by Sam Shepard and Joseph Chaikin, continues performances through April 21st at American Stage Theatre Company in St. Petersburg.
Running time - 70 minutes without an intermission

Tickets - $29.00 - $59.00 CALL - 727-823-7529 or online at www.americanstage.org

American Stage Theatre Company is located at 163 3rd Street North in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida.

The in tandem production at American Stage, is "The Amish Project", by Jessica Dickey - April 10 - May 12

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