Review: Ochre House Theater's Daddy's Rabbits will have you questioning your own reality. Aug 10-31

Daddy's Rabbits

Written and Directed by Carla Parker

Produced by Ochre House Theater

Audience Rating: PG-13 for some mature content
Running Time: 1 hour, no intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available
ASL Performance: Saturday, August 24
Sound Level: Comfortable 
Noises/Visuals to Prepare For: Some sound effects may startle some patrons

Reviewed by Natalie Shaw

Every now and then, it's nice to see something different; something outside the box. Ochre House Theater, which sits tucked away in the heart of Deep Ellum, in Dallas, is currently performing Daddy's Rabbits. Which, if you're a Theatre enthusiast, you will find to be well worth your time! This is not your ordinary show--no, no, no! As a matter of fact, I encourage you to try and put this show into a box and label it as a certain type of "genre," I'll be impressed if you can! Is it a musical, is it a farce, is it a melodrama? Yes! 

It is definitely one to ponder. As the audience, you'll decide if what you're seeing is something in the multi-verse, a time warp or something else. At the top of the show, we witness Nance (played by Meagan Harris) being held back by Hairy (Kevin Grammer) and beaten up by Boney (Ben Bryant) and promptly thrown out the door. She makes a return, however, in the next scene, as she is interested in renting one of the rooms that Daddy (Omar Padilla) and Mommy (Marti Etheridge) are letting. She is obliged by Daddy and Mommy, with only one condition: DON'T LOOK AT, TALK TO OR STAND TO CLOSE TO THE RABBITS!! Furthermore, she is introduced to Isadora (Lauren Massey,) Boney (Ben Bryant) and Hairy (Kevin Grammer,) as well as, the three rabbits (at a distance!) 

Director/Playwright, Carla Parker takes an interesting approach with the story-line of the play, bringing us full circle into a repeat of these mentioned events. Initially, we believe that we witnessed a flashback, until the end, where we realize that we are actually stuck in a loop of what likely takes course over a twenty-four hour period. (Think: Groundhog's Day.) The incorporation of the three rabbits and story-book illustrations on the wall, gives us an Alice in Wonderland vibe, but for adults. The acting style of the cast is an over-the-top, Melodramatic one of sorts, meshed together with a musical style with funny-"punny" quips that earn a chuckle or two. 

The three rabbits, Fu (Justin Locklear,) Pete (Trey Pendergrass) and Skip (Lyle Hathaway) are played by the three band members, who sit underneath a beautiful green moon among a forest of birch trees. Locklear, as Fu, leads the rabbits on the keys, Pedergrass, as Pete, plays percussion and Hathaway, as Skip, plays guitar. In this short, one hour production, they most certainly win-over the audience as the antagonists of the play.  

Beautiful set work is designed by Matthew Posey and built by Kevin Grammer and Tommy Stuart. Nostalgic story-book illustrations are provided by scenic designer, Bobby Weiss, which adds to the creative illusion of the production. Colorful and funky 1970s costumes are designed by Samantha Rodriguez Corgan. Sound effects are thoughtfully provided by the band members/three rabbits and lighting design is nicely arranged by Korey Parker.

If you're in the mood for something new and different, scoot over to the Ochre House Theater to see Daddy's Rabbits, which will ignite your imagination and have you questioning your own realit, and existence. Daddy's Rabbits runs through August 31. Tickets can be found at ochrehousetheater.org

Y'all Enjoy!

Natalie

Find out more about this production in the Extended Review, on Dallas Theatre Journal's Patreon platform!