BWW Reviews: EDITH CAN SHOOT THINGS … at SPT a Bit Cliché But Still Touching

Remember those cheesy After School Specials that were on TV when we were young? No? Just me? (Man, I'm old!) Anyway, for those not old enough to remember, they were hour-long specials back in the 80's and 90's that dealt with teen issues such as pregnancy, abuse, and even homosexuality (Ah, "The Truth About Alex"). Well, the current production from Seattle Public Theater, "Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them", has a similar feel to it. And while not as cheesy as those specials of my youth I did find a few moments where I felt like I was 14 again being taught a lesson by the fine folks at ABC. But cheesy or not, the production manages to tell the story with heart and depth.

In the play by A. Rey Pamatmat, we meet Edith and her older brother Kenny (Sara L. Porkalob and Jose Abaoag), two teens living practically on their own while their Father spends most of his time at his girlfriend's place avoiding them. But this situation has just made these two kids stronger and more independent as they try to make ends meet with what little their Father leaves in the bank account for them. And to make things more complicated, Kenny has started dating Benji (Tim Smith-Stewart), a young guy from his own kind of dysfunctional family; overprotective rather than ignored. But the three seem to manage just fine until one evening when all the secrets come out and in an effort to protect them Edith proves she really can shoot things and hit them.

So yeah, it may be a little cliché and predictable but the cast and crew do even the cheese factor justice. Director David Gassner presents the tale without judgment or bias and let's the story speak for itself. And the trio of young actors turns in some wonderful moments of honesty. Smith-Stewart as the geeky good boy boyfriend manages a matter-of-fact sweetness to his character. Abaoag gives a stalwart yet broken tone to the older sibling trying to hold it together. Porkalob gives a delightful portrait of the young force of nature without ever betraying the obvious damage done to her. And all three turn in fine portrayals of troubled teens even though I suspect they're well beyond those teen years.

All in all they manage a touching portrayal of teens trying to cope in a very adult world. Yes, at times it gets a little like those After School Specials but hey, I kinda liked those After School Specials. And not to worry, these performances are leaps and bounds ahead of those from the specials of the 80's.

"Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them" performs at Seattle Public Theater through April 21^st. For tickets or information contact the SPT box office at 206-524-1300 or visit them online at www.seattlepublictheater.org.

Photo credit: Paul Bestock

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