It’s opening night of a new play by neophyte Peter Sloan. Peter is a truck driver, who answered the burning call to write, pounding at his typewriter whenever he got the chance. Sydney Black, the producer is there. Preeminent playwright Owen Turner is present, and Irene Livingston, the lofty, fey, leading actress, and her salty mother, Stella. Sydney’s wife Frances (an ice skating star) and Stella enjoy a perpetual game of gin. Director, Carleton Fitzgerald is in attendance and Tyler Rayburn, Irene’s husband et al. The stakes of Peter’s untried drama are so jarring, everyone’s on edge. Feelings are raw and running high.
When Peter’s script reached Sydney’s eyes, it was a mind-boggling epiphany, a revelation in his jaded career as a theatre producer. Everyone gathered for this occasion is a bit jittery, considering Sydney has sunk $300,000 into the production. The show has proceeded under solemn circumstances. No visitors, not even for the dress rehearsal. They realize the script is unorthodox, but premieres are not easy to call. They’re all hoping for the best, riding the crest of cautious optimism. Being more seasoned, Owen, Stella, and Sydney are more apprehensive; the ladies not altogether impressed. They all share the traditional opening night toast, with erudition and gusto. When they all leave for the curtain, they’re prepared for greatness, or whatever else might come driving down the pike.
Authored by playwright Moss Hart (of Kaufman and Hart) Light Up the Sky is a snappy, rich, convivial comedy, with moments of pathos. Hart has achieved nearly the impossible, a sardonic, authentic, wiseass valentine to theatre folk. Hart pulls no punches as characters run the spectrum from pretension to grace. From wide-eyed naivete to instinctive cynicism. He dresses kindness in the togs of cantankerousness. Hart has a gift for depicting characters with detail and affection, however subtle and unspoken. We can smile (and roll our eyes) at Irene’s ooey-gooey effusiveness, but appreciate the warmth we’re often embarrassed to articulate. In some ways her mother, Stella, is a buzzkill (she has some of the best lines) but a break from so much self-congratulation can be a relief. Owen may seem reserved in his enthusiasm, but in the end, he provides an anchor for all the lunacy. Hart creates a blissfully entertaining story, with depth, cunning and a flawless ear for timing.
Director Carol Rice has succeeded impressively with a script that must be a logistical nightmare. So many characters piloted through entrances and exits, interpretation and tone, blocking and cues. Rice has done spectacular justice to Hart’s meticulous balance of attitude and content. What could be more sublime than time spent with these intelligent, limber, spirited performers? Rice must have thought long and carefully to assemble this intrepid cast. She’s gifted us with her impeccable skill, vision and chops.
Allen Contemporary Theatre presents Light up the Sky, playing August 19th- September 4th, 2022. 844-822-8849. 1210 East Main Street # 300, Allen, Texas 75002. www.allencontemporarytheatre.net