Superior Donuts
Directed by Larry Cure and Sharon Kaye Miller
Produced by Theatre Arlington
Reviewed by Natalie Shaw
"One day, you'll laugh about this," is a well-known saying that many of us use today. It implies that things may seem bad in the moment, but one day, it will be something we laugh about. One small example that comes to mind happened to my cousin's wife, when their son was a baby. She thought her sweet little one-year boy was peacefully sleeping in his crib one afternoon, after a long morning of playing. When she returned to his room to check on him, she found that he was standing in his crib, nude from the waist down, diaper adjacent, with smears all over his body. When she got closer, she saw the same smears on the rails of his crib and all over the wall around him. He had been quietly playing, and painting. With poop. I've had similar stories with my own children peeing straight into the air during a diaper change; decorating our bathroom in glitter and finger paints; climbing on top of freshly folded laundry and throwing it on the floor; dumping all of the organized toy bins on the floor; tearing pages out of newly purchased books. I could probably go on and on. As an exhausted mommy, this was not funny at all! It felt like they were conspiring against me, and my husband got the easy job of going to work! But, after a decent night's sleep or a peaceful nap, I could laugh about it. Now that my kids are older, I can laugh about it. When I see my two year old niece do similar things to my sister, I can laugh about it. Because, laughter is just about the only way we're going to make it through the hard times and live to see the next one.
Playwright, Tracy Letts has learned the art of telling the hard stories in a comedic light. Superior Donuts tells the story of two unlikely friends who find hope and perseverance in one another through their mirth. After experiencing many trials and hardships of their own, Arthur (played brilliantly by Equity actor, Ivan Klousia) and Franco (played by the very talented Reginald Keith Dunlap II) find refuge in one another, through the laughter that they share and the understanding that they have for one another. Despite their friendship, the men manage to keep their private lives secret from one another. We learn through Arthur's soliloquies that the choices he made in life set him on a path that could've banished him forever from his family, his home town and the family donuts business ("Superior Donuts,") but Life gave him a second chance and called him home. We also learn through private encounters that Franco has some serious debts that have to be paid off, and fast! Given that the two men are both so secretive about what's happening behind the scenes, it's difficult to believe that either of them could find hope in one another. But they find common ground at "Superior Donuts," and their witty banter gives them both a sense of self-worth and value in one another. As if through telepathy, one understands the other without any details needing to be given. For both men, their secrets lead to shame; their shame leads to fear; their fear leads to flight. And they flee for their lives! But, just like in real life, running only takes them so far, until eventually, they must fight for what they love.
Directors Larry Cure and Sharon Kaye Miller have assembled an exceptional cast of individuals with punchy comedic timing and clever wit who are sure to keep us chuckling and in good spirits. Hannah Bell's performance as Lady Boyle is exceptionally humerus, while maintaining an authenticity that is sincere and heartwarming. David Fenley as Max Tarasov is one who masterfully drives the story-line and adds pomp and flair to the comedy within the story. And J.R. Bradford also brings us a lovable and amusing portrayal of Officer James.
Aesthetically, the scenic/lighting design sets the tone for the play, immediately grabbing the attention of the incoming patrons as they walk in the doors of the house space, thanks to Set Dresser Kevin Brown and Scenic/Lighting Designer Bryan Stevenson, who provides exceptional lighting of the space throughout the production, as lights fade in/out and feature tender moments with Arthur in his soliloquies. Master Carpenter Colin Wintersole provides a functional, rock-solid set that is dependable and holds tight during door-slamming scenes and frequent entrances/exits. Sound design by Victoria Esquibell is nicely thoughtful and emotionally moving as appropriate for the play.
Theatre Arlington, yet again, brings us a masterpiece of Theatre that is honest, profound and full of spirit! When you plan which productions to see this weekend, make Superior Donuts first on your list! Performances continue now through August 6th. Ticket information can be found at theatrearlington.org.
Running Time: Two hours with a fifteen minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Showing: Not Available
Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: Stage Fighting, Loud Knocking on the Door
Y'all Enjoy!
Owner, Operator and Editor in Chief of Dallas Theatre Journal
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