Thursday, January 19, 2012

SEEING RED


The HRTC production of RED is what live theatre is about. It is why we choose to be a part of live theatre instead of going to a movie, watching the latest DVD, or even reading a book. When done well, the experience is unlike any other form of story telling. And this production is done well, very well.

Richard Hess has directed this work with a careful eye and keen sensitivity to John Logan’s play. For those of us who have spent time in our own art studio, we find that Logan and Hess have created an environment that is eerily familiar and draws our sympathy to the creative atmosphere and the characters in front of us. For those of us who have never been in that creative space, Logan and Hess have created a window into that world and the time capsule of this ageless story.

Michael Kenwood Lippert and Will Alan are simply excellent. Both performances are rich and real and transport us to a conversation on art and it’s meaning that is both visceral and intellectual. How easy it might have been for Hess, Lippert and Allan to have talked down to us. It is a trap they never fell into. They stayed true to the words and the heart of the work.


I have seen Lippert’s work in the past. This performance is as giving and serious as any he has shared with the public. He still inspires. I have never seen Allan perform before but now I want more. His talent and energy is a strong match for Lippert’s. We don’t know who put Logan, Hess, Lippert and Allan together. We do know the combination is inspired.


This production is a work of art that was truly collaborative and the combination of these giving artists, Logan, Hess, Lippert and Allan, brings a gift to our community that makes live theatre viable and important. Each of us deserves a gift to ourselves now and then. Allow this production to be that gift. For an evening of the best in intimate, personal and live theatre, see RED.


Thursday, January 19 at 8:00pm at The Loft Theatre

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