Review: TRIO Shows Potential Despite Uneven Debut

The Filigree Theatre's final production of their inaugural season is TRIO, a world premiere from playwright Sheila Cowley. Playing at the Santa Cruz theatre, the show deals with themes of loss, healing, and change. Leslie (Chelsea Beth) and Tim (Ben Gibson) are devising a children's play in her dad's garage. Every day, Tim plays the monster that Leslie's hero must slay. With her mother in the hospital, Leslie uses the work to distract her from the real world while a "Trio" of chorus-like beings (Eva McQuade, Andrew Rodriguez, and Marci Blackwell) work to facilitate the duo's creative process. When Ben's former lover, Fletcher (Ethan Cannon) shows up, a love triangle weaves its way into the group. Through masks, monsters, and imagination, Leslie and Ben learn that the reality of life never truly goes away and the inevitability of change is unavoidable.

Even though the story itself is interesting, the debut for TRIO is uneven. The script by Cowley seems to be in need of restructuring. While the subjects of changing dynamics, loss, catharsis, and art are communicated, the overall production feels choppy and rushed. With a run time of around sixty minutes, it never feels as though the audience is fully introduced to the characters or immersed in the world of the play. Constantly jumping between real and surreal, Cowley's script seems uncertain which unfortunately makes director Elizabeth V. Newman's vision for the show unclear. Although the cast performs amiably, their motivation is often debatable and the ensemble itself lacks cohesion and energy. Chelsea Beth as Leslie, however, shines the brightest in this production. With the story largely centering on her character, Beth is the cornerstone as a burdened woman coming to grips with her changing position in her own family. Beth's steely focus is able to provide a portion of clarity to the production even though the audience is still left with more questions than answers.

The production's visual appeal is highlighted in its technical elements. Set design by Chris Conard is crafted brilliantly. Leslie's father's unfinished garage has a hodgepodge quality that lends itself to the production while also providing functionality for the actors. Natalie George's ambient and eerie lighting design is also well done and complements the overall look of the show's visual aspects. Although technical elements are outstanding, the unmistakable sound of voices calling cues from the tech booth regrettably distracts during the performance.

Everything considered TRIO does hold potential despite its unsteady debut. The chance to tell this unique and powerful story of coming to grips with change is still very probable with the help of additional workshops and rewrites. As is the case for most artistic endeavors, theatre must begin somewhere and the only direction for this new work is up.

TRIO is now playing at the Santa Cruz Theatre (1805 E. 7th Street) until May 6th with performances running Thursday through Sunday. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 5 pm.

Run Time: Approximately 60 minutes with 10-minute intermission

Tickets: $25-$30 (student discount available)

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