Review for DUETS, Upright Theatre

First, I want to take you on a quick tour of the space at Upright Theatre in Euless. The atmosphere is a  modern and romantic lounge with a sleek concessions bar. You have your choice of wine or other refreshments upon arrival. Next, you make your way to your seat, which is located behind you at an intimate circular table, lit by tealight. Facing you, is the stage. It is simple, but elegant; reserved, but versatile and overall engaging. This is the kind of place where you can relax, and forget all about the stressors that were weighing you down before you entered the space. 

Megan Guerra, one of the founders and the managing director of Upright sat down with me after the show. She describes the theatre as a "safe place," for local performance artists and new directors to showcase their skills and talents. She highlighted that their main concentration for the theatre is community. Along with their scheduled season of performances, they provide classes for adults and youths of all ages in acting, musical theatre and dance. What an exciting opportunity for the DFW area! Classes are very reasonably priced, at $60 a month or $275 for the semester.  Acting classes are taught by Natalie Burkhart, the theatre's Artistic Director and President, while dance classes are taught by Jennifer Leyva. There's more information about that on their website at http://www.uprighttheatre.org/springclasses.html. I love, so much, that they are investing in children and families in this way! When I asked about sensory friendly performances, she said that they are working alongside a non-profit called People Like Us to accomplish this as soon as they can. We also spoke briefly about the arrangement of play scripts that they specifically select for families-- plays that are appropriate for children, but still provide enough sustenance for the adults as well. Ratings of every show are available for previewing before you purchase your tickets online. 

As for the play itself, you will find that Duets is affectionate, uplifting and refreshing! It is one that is typically directed by 1 director and performed with the same 2 actors playing each scene as different characters with a new dynamic. Outlined as such: Scene 1 is set with a mature couple on a blind date, Scene 2 is between a secretary and her successful employer, Scene 3 is a pre-divorced couple forced to be on holiday together and Scene 4 is a bride-to-be seeking her brother's advice, minutes before she walks down the aisle. However, in this rendition of Duets, the Upright Theatre Company wished to give 4 directors and 8 actors the opportunity to shine. I just LOVE this! As an audience, we are privileged with getting to see several artists at work, and see different styles of directing with each scene change. It keeps us on our toes! 

The first actress who did an exceptional job is Courtney Mitchell. Mitchell plays Janet in Scene 2, "Secretarial Skills," directed by Logan Gabriel Frederick.  Although her character is written as a strong, independent type, who acts as a secretary and overall caregiver to her over-extended employer, Barrie, (whose heartwarming performance is given by Geoff Leonard-Robinson) there are still plenty of moments where playwright, Peter Quilter displays subtle vulnerabilities within Janet's character. Ms. Mitchell did not allow this subtly to go unnoticed. She excels at unveiling the many dimensions that characters are meant to have. Just like everyday people, characters are simple and complex, likable and unlikable, confusing and clear, misguided and misunderstood-- we all have our moments, our good and bad days, and our ups and downs. This is what makes Theatre more exciting than everyday life! It takes actors like Courtney Mitchell to capture moments like these and bring it to life on stage. 

Secondly, I'd like to focus on the performance of Amie Hamilton. Hamilton plays Shelley in Scene 3, "The Holiday," directed by D. Aidan Wright. As a pre-divorced woman, Shelley is soaking up every last second she gets with her soon-to-be-ex-husband, Bobby (played by the talented and comedic, Robert Hamilton.) When I first read about this scene, prior to seeing the show, I anticipated the awkwardness and heartbreak that would likely be uncovered between this couple. I braced myself and sat on the edge of my seat as it began. To my surprise, this scene was not unlike it predecessors. It was lighthearted, funny and witty, just as Peter Quilter would hope it to be. What is significant to note is that Ms. Hamilton's portrayal of Shelley was insightful, well-rounded and, most importantly, believable. Again, characters are complex beings, and we must, as artists give them life-- one that is truthful and authentic. Amie Hamilton brings life and complexities to her character that an amateur actress could easily omit. 

I'm looking forward to seeing the next performance of Beauty and the Beast, which is located at Palace Arts Center in Grapevine, and houses a grand proscenium stage and spacious seating options. Check back with me for information on this in the next few weeks. In the meantime-- GO ENJOY DUETS! Tickets are only $10. Bring your Valentine with you and tell them I sent you!