RHINOCEROS
By Eugene Ionesco
Translated by Derek Prouse
Directed by Dale Moon
Produced by Lakeside Community Theatre in The Colony
Reviewed by Glynda Welch
Romanian-French playwright Ionesco was one of the foremost members of the French avant-garde theater in the 20th century, exploring concepts of absurdism and surrealism. Many of Ionesco’s full-length plays feature a central character named Berenger, a semi-autobiographical figure who expresses anguish at the strangeness of reality. In Rhinoceros, Berenger (Patrick Britton) sees his town overrun by rhinoceroses. At first, other townspeople are as horrified as Berenger, but by the end of the play everyone except Berenger has transformed into a rhinoceros. Britton is brilliant as the flustered everyman character fighting against conformity. He travels through layers of intensity that are both fascinating and exhausting to watch.
The other townspeople play varying roles in Berenger’s life. Fred Patterson is Jean, an older and wiser friend who tries unsuccessfully to guide Berenger toward conformity. The Grocer (Peyton Jolley), The Grocer’s Wife (Carrie Wright), The Café Proprietor (Kristina Marie Morrow), The Waiter (Josh Dalton), and The Housewife (Araceli Radillo) interact to demonstrate the sense of community that exists between the people of the town. The Old Gentleman (Paul Niles) and The Logician (Jim Laney) carry on a brain-taxing discussion of syllogism that makes audience members wonder if they had too much wine before the show or not quite enough.
In a pivotal role, Nat Coe brings to life Daisy, the girl from the office who has peaked Berenger’s romantic interest. Coe’s Daisy is like an iceberg, glittery and polished above the surface but fractured and edgy in the depths. Other characters from the office include the boss Papillon (Isabell Moon), the lawyer Dudard (Jason Diaz Ortega), and Botard (Ellen Bell). All three are stereotypes. Papillon is the haughty overseer, lacking in compassion for employees. Dudard is the idealistic young college graduate. Botard has been around longer and clearly believes work ethic exceeds education. Peyton Jolley appears as Mrs. Boeuf, the wife of an absent employee who has transformed into a rhinoceros. Josh Dalton returns as The Fireman who comes to rescue the employees when their stairs have been destroyed by a rhino stampede.
Sense of community is essential to the success of this play as the action follows the communities that impact Berenger’s life. Director and Set Designer Dale Moon found ways to pull the audience into this sense of community. There is no backstage area. Assistant Director/Stage Manager Melissa Hatch is onstage when cueing actors. Some costume changes/modifications happen in front of the audience. Every cast member who transitions into a rhinoceros has a mask unique to their character. Marianna Seaton supervised the construction, but each character created and personalized their mask.
Other members of the production team include Lighting Designer Keegan Arnold, Sound Designers Aubrey Seaton and Dale Moon, Intimacy Director and Movement Consultant Emily Leekha, and Light and Sound Board Operator Jorge Martin Lara. Peggy Patterson worked as Running Crew. Aubrey Seaton contributed Original Compositions. Dale Moon and the entire cast are credited as Costume Designers.
Rhinoceros continues through May 6th at Lakeside Community Theatre in The Colony. For ticket information go to www.LCTTheColony.com Absurdist Theatre offers an intriguing dynamic to Theatre as an art, and Rhinoceros has something for everyone. LCT brings us a very talented cast, while also mastering the use of their black box space. The costumes and masks are works of art. Get your tickets and find the element that speaks to you.
Audience Rating: PG-13, adult situations
Running Time: 2 hours plus 15 minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Mostly Comfortable
Noises or Visuals to Prepare for: Rhino stampede sounds are loud. Rhino roars were loud and sometimes menacing. Rhinos sometimes appear in the aisles and venture into audience space.Experience Live Theater!
Glynda Welch
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