The rest of the cast reflects a wide range of skill levels, and the thought of Act II without Ward's even and stabilizing presence was disconcerting. Luckily, Atkins returns in Act II through flashbacks. Dawn Miller, who has performed with the Skylight Opera Theatre, uses her vocal talents to enliven the production as the sultry but spunky lounge singer Veronique. Browne's script finds its most successful moments during its many comic outbreaks. What flaws the play suffers do nothing to diminish its energy.
Several writers take on thoughtful themes with depth, wit and imagination.
And the eight-part event also includes a wonderfully funny, satirical piece by Jane Martin that you're bound to enjoy. Steven Dietz's and Michael Neville's explorations of romantic relationships are remarkable. Dietz does so in a concise, tension-producing, unusual way. Within this symbolic representation of risk and trust, they examine the nicks and scratches of past experiences. Dietz has put subtle substance into this microcosmic piece, which Tiersa Ferraro and Tom Schimmels play truthfully and well.