Review: MY LOVE - MY LUMBERJACK at B3 - A Weekend of Perovich Part I

John Perovich is a Phoenix Metro institution, despite his tender age (34). Since the advent of this regional correspondent/critic covering theatre in the region, there is scarcely a project of which she's been aware that isn't in some way touched by John Perovich. If he's not the author, director or one of the actors, he's some kind of consultant or thanked in the program.

Last weekend, this critic attended two performances (on assignment for BWW), and one was written and the other directed by Perovich.

My Love | My Lumberjack is part of a Perovich trilogy (the other parts being Poseidon's Regret and Unexpected) and storylines carry through from one piece to the next.

Shrewdly directed by the great Ilana Lydia, B3's searing production of My Love | My Lumberjack opened last Friday and runs for only two more performances, next weekend.

The piece is presented on B3's modest, storefront stage, however the production feels remarkably eerie and magical - and, GLORY BE, the voices aren't amplified!

Ixy Utpadel plays Sandra, the central character in Perovich's creepily refulgent story. Utpadel is a marvelous actor - untypically beautiful with tremendous talent and skill. Her powerful voice and presence crisply illuminate every moment in which she is involved. We genuinely care about Sandra - she's expertly crafted by author and performer - and we watch with bittersweet fascination as she evolves.

Paul Filian plays the character deceptively called simply "Gus." Filian is also the designer of the set that is as simple, dimensional and excellent as is his depiction of Gus who is both an antagonist and the story's narrator - an uncommon and intriguing device. Filian is a terrific actor who hasn't been onstage in eight years. Hopefully, he will continue to perform roles worthy of his considerable abilities.

Carolyn Platt McBurney both designed the show's elegant costumes and magnificently plays an epic character - she is operatic in intensity and spectacular to behold.

This critic is deeply grateful for Shelby Huston's makeup and hair design that is brilliantly devoid of bad wigs (or any wigs, for that matter). It all works beautifully and no component draws attention to itself.

Speaking of not calling attention - Delfinia Valdenegro, who also stage manages the show, deftly choreographed moments of disturbing physical violence.

Juliet Wilkins' graceful, sinister sound design is an indispensible character of its own.

Richard Jenkins both designed the lights and plays with gusto Captain Jabipidy Francis Cornelius Jones, a character as odd and funny as his name. Jenkins' lights are simple and magical, even in the tiny storefront - even on a matinee Sunday when blackouts cannot fully happen.

There are a lot of characters on that tiny stage - Brandon Sanchez is the Lumberjack and there are pirates played by Chavez Benally and Jesus Betancourt and an erstwhile Merchant (Marine) played by Mat Vansen.

See My Love | My Lumberjack - it is ridiculously affordable, highly recommended, and B3 is making outstanding original theatre happen with no public funds, a tiny budget and an abundance of talent and heart. BRAVO!

My Love | My Lumberjack continues September 22, and 23rd at 8 PM, and Sunday September 17th at 2 PM. Tickets can be found HERE. Advance tickets are $10, or they can be purchased for $15 at the door. The show deals with adult themes, and may not be appropriate for all audiences.