And so Hot City Theatre closes out its existence. A loss to the arts community of our area, to be sure, but they're closing with a bang, or at least a smart shot across the bow.
"Reality" by Lia Romeo is, yes, about reality tv. (What a treasure trove of potential stories that's will prove to be in coming years for many authors.) The rhythm of the play, which runs a fast 90 minutes without intermission, is fast and television-y, to the point one can practically hear someone yelling "Cut!" The reality – and of course that word is used very loosely – show's format is the sort-of-gorgeous-single guy seeks his soul mate.
We have the bachelor Matt, played by Tyler Vickers. Is he a clod, as is hinted at, or a decent-enough guy who's sincere? We will save discussions of how to define that line in real life for another time, but it's something to ponder, say, on a long solo car trip. Vickers inhabits said line with vigor, the character sometimes surprising himself by accidentally wandering into insight.
Maggie Conroy is the chosen fiancee, Annie, who does seem to be in love-lust with him, but begins to figure things out fairly quickly in a comfortable, natural performance that seems organic. The runner-up in the competition, Julie Layton, is named Krissandra, "the perfect reality show name" as someone proclaimed on reading the program. She seems a little older, showier and considerably less innocent than Conroy's Annie, but both proclaim that they created a lasting friendship during the last days of the show. Layton, who's so good she wouldn't need the cleavage and jewelry to explain her character, and Conroy live an hour away from each other. After the show is in the can but not yet completely aired, they get together now and then to unburden themselves.
And then there's Josh one of the show's directors and wrangler of the contestants after filming has finished He's Ben Nordstrom, seen on local stages since he was barely old enough to shave, it seems like. He's always been fun to watch. But something has happened. His body language has shifted from a juvenile to a mature man, and it shows in this role.
Well acted all around, and well directed by Annamaria Pileggi. Go see this play. It doesn't feel like a wake, it feels like a celebration.
Reality
through December 20
Hot City Theatre
Kranzberg Center
314-289-4063