Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Perfectly cast with strong performances, Demolition, the new play by Matt Letscher is divinely enjoyable from the very start. The plot is based on his own upbringing and experiences from an earlier stage of his life. This very talented writer knows how to implement comedic moments into a dramatic coming of age story. Brilliant lines combined with great actors and a skillful director (Max Mayer) produces nothing short of excellence. There is no dull moment throughout this production.
Demolition is an ordinary story happening in the state of Michigan, where an upper class woman Marcy (Mellisa Weber Bales) is remodeling her home. To get the job done, she hires a contractor Chuck (Brian Letscher), who employs his family friend Doug (Keith Stevenson) - the best shovel man in town - and his own son Paul (Ryan Foust). But Chuck has a strategy, to demolish a little more than he was contracted for in order to get what he wants. His deeply religious wife June (Samantha Sloyan) interrupts them all, with the news she received from their son's school. It's summertime and schools are on break, but Paul is in trouble and might not be allowed to graduate. This young boy is confronted by the school principal, Mr. France (Tony Pasqualini), for something that was found in his school locker. Paul, challenged by other classmates, got into doing things that he should not be doing. Don't we all make choices with consequences sometimes, just to get by at the present moment?
This creative collaboration among the actors is like clock work; they are so inextricably linked with each other. Their character's impulses, movements and lines, are so open and truthful. They truly embody their emotions, and do it with such ease. The sensitivity of Paul is strongly felt, as is the anger from Chuck, the annoyance from Marcy, the old love between June and ex-boyfriend Doug, and the distress from school principal Mr. France. Great cast, an amazing show! Highly recommended!!
The rest of the creative team are: Audrey Eisner (Costume Design), Leigh Allen (Lighting Designer), Chris Moscatiello (Sound Design), Bianca Martucci Rickheim (Production Manager, Lighting Assistant), Jean Yvonne (Jay) Tyson (Set Design), Teak Piegdon (Stage Manager), Myrna Gawryn(Movement Consultant), James Morris (Scenic Coordinator, Lighting Assistant and Graphic/Program Design/Photography) Jon Johannessen (Set Consultant). Sara Newman and the Executive Producer produce the show is Marilyn Fox, who is the Artistic Director at Pacific Resident Theatre and has produced over seventy-five productions at PRT winning over 125 awards for excellence. What a TEAM!
Demolition runs at 8pm Thursdays - Saturdays; 3pm Sundays has been extended through Nov 24. Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291. There is free parking in lots behind the theatre and free street parking nearby.
Tickets are from $25-$45 and they can be purchased online at: https://pacificresidenttheatre.org/
or by calling the box office at (310) 822-8392. Season Subscriptions are available as well.