Big Scary Animals by Matt Lyle
Theatre 3
Reviewed by: Eddy Herring
Have you ever moved to a new place that was so very different from the place in which you came? I grew up in a small town, and I can remember moving to the city and what a culture shock it was. Everything was so different…the styles, the people, the pace of life…and it took some time to adjust. And that was, um, a few years ago. Think about doing that now, in current times, with all the social and political pressures that continue to redefine and shape our beliefs, challenge our thoughts, and affect our relationships with others. As we see in Big Scary Animals by Matt Lyle, we all have very different backgrounds and experiences based on where and how we were brought up. And, as much as we would like to think we don’t, we all have stereotypes and preconceived notions that shape our views of how we see others we consider different from us. As is mentioned in the show more than once, it is best to refrain from the topics of politics and religion or you might just end up hating each other.
Scenic Designer, Jeffrey Schmidt, made perfect use of the space and created two very distinctly different living spaces which reflected the polar opposite lifestyles of the inhabitants. The stage was artfully divided diagonally with the two households clearly defined, including a “shared” sofa which was half 1970s plaid complete with clear plastic protective covering and half a sophisticated and very modern white…I mean ecru.
The play begins in the lovely home of husbands Marcus and Clark (Bradley Atuba and Chad Cline) over dessert with their neighbors Donald and Rhonda (Bob Reed and Charlotte Akin), a conservative, small town couple who have just moved to the area. Styling by Christie Vela immediately lets you know that these two couples are from totally different worlds with the hosts in stylish, contemporary attire, and the guests simply dressed with Rhonda clad in a chicken vest. As you would expect, small disagreements and misstatements escalate as the evening goes on. As conversations evolve, and tensions begin to surface, Sophia enters (Monica Jones), the daughter of Marcus and Clark. She is a young, vibrant college student of human behavior who confidently makes her presence known. It is soon revealed that Donald and Rhonda have a son at home who is “troubled”, sparking Sophia’s curiosity. So, what does our human behavior student do, but leave the party and rush right over to meet Ronnie (Brady White), the mystery son. I won’t detail anything more, as you HAVE to see this story unfold. I was captivated.
Chad Cline brings such energy and charm to Clark. He is witty and welcoming, and when things get too serious, he knows how to interject a perfectly-timed funny quip. Cline has exceptional comedic timing and you can’t help but love him. He has wonderful chemistry with his strong and highly educated husband Marcus (Bradley Atuba). Atuba has a wonderful stage presence, and his Marcus was perfectly matched with his partner. He is the opposite of Clark, with a more stoic demeanor who is not as free with this emotion, unless pushed too far. His performance, even in the height of anger, was very even and genuine.
Bob Reed and Charlotte Akin are amazing together. Donald and Rhonda are hard working folk that were born and raised in a small town in the heart of the Bible Belt. They’re good people. Reed masterfully shows us the stereotypical male-with-no-emotion and how hard it is for Donald to relate to anyone not like him. There is a particularly poignant moment when he finally opens up and it is truly moving. And how can you not love Rhonda? Akin plays her with such ease. She is a good Christian woman with a kind heart who just wants to please. When asked why they chose to move here (the Gay-borhood), sweet Rhonda says she likes rainbows. Her interactions with Clark are lovely, and we soon discover they are the peacemakers in each of their relationships.
Monica Jones is a powerhouse as Sophia. Jones bounds onto the stage and all eyes turn to her. She is worldly, confident, and has all the answers to life. She is an absolute joy to watch. And then there is Brady White as Ronnie, the quiet, home-schooled boy next door that gets an unexpected visit from his neighbor. The juxtaposition of his naivete to the bravado of Sophia was brilliant and so fun to watch. I really enjoyed their chemistry. White skillfully plays the sheltered and emotionally beaten virgin, and his responses to his opponent’s advances had the audience laughing out loud. White was endearing and relatable.
Director Rebecca McDonald and Assistant Director Zetra Goodlow assembled a stellar cast that navigated the tension and emotions of this story with genuine ease. The emotions were real, raw and at times, palpable. I appreciate the directorial choices made throughout. Many controversial topics are addressed that could have been overplayed or belabored. Not in this piece.
Big Scary Animals is a must see. I had no idea what it was about when I walked in, but what I saw was a humorous, moving, and thought-provoking peek into the challenges and realities of our society. There are lessons to learn from the messages in this piece, and I found the whole experience enlightening and entertaining. Don’t miss it!
Audience Rating: R (language, racial slurs, subject matter)
Accessible Seating: Yes
Hearing Devices Available: Yes
Production Sound Level: Comfortable
Go See the Show!
Eddy Herring
Comments
Post a Comment