BWW Reviews: SPEECH AND DEBATE at the Seattle Rep

The Seattle Repertory Theatre is presenting "Speech and Debate", the new play from Stephen Karam.  And let me just say that the Rep has not only once again produced a solid hit but continues to produce shows that are entertaining, accessible and memorable across all ages and walks of life. 

But before I continue gushing about the Rep, we should talk about this production.  Karam's "Speech and Debate" is a tightly woven script with fresh and rich dialog from an exciting and promising new playwright.  And while the script is not a perfect one (I think the ending is a little too abrupt and leaves a few things hanging) it's a wonderful inside look at what it is to be a teenager today or really from any age.  The story centers on three social outcasts as they form a Speech and Debate club at school in order to covertly expose a possible sex scandal.  Each of the three teens, openly gay Howie, aspiring diva Diwata and future investigative reporter Solomon strive to make a success of this club and expose the truth but each with their own secret (and sometimes not so secret) agendas.  As truths are revealed through word, song and, yes, interpretive dance, we come to know the soon to be adults behind these misfits. 

The cast is nothing short of superb.  Erin Stewart as Diwata goes from highly manic to subtly heart wrenching at the drop of a dime.  Justin Huertas as Solomon nails his portrayal of a very confused teen trying to figure out who he is without anyone noticing.  And Trick Danneker turns in a brilliantly layered and thoughtful performance of Howie, the kid who may have had to grow up a little too fast since he came out of the closet at the age of 10.  All of them give truly singular performances and make me really hopeful for the future of Seattle theater (assuming they don't all make it big and leave us).  And we cannot overlook Amy Thone who produces two very different performances as a teacher and a reporter and both with riveting focus. 

And all of this is giftedly helmed by director Andrea Allen.  The flow and pace of the show never wavers.  She even manages to make the scene changes fun.  All in all it's another stellar show from the Rep.  Producing Artistic Director Jerry Manning has managed to put together a stunning, rich and varied season (I still can't stop thinking about "Equivocation") and I can't wait to see how the remaining few shows pan out.  If they are anything like what we've seen so far, we're in for more gems. 

"Speech and Debate" performs at the Seattle Repertory Theatre through February 21^st.  For tickets or information contact the Rep box office at 206-443-2222 or visit them online at www.seattlerep.org.

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