We Call it A.R.T. is starting their 95-96 season off right - with an original play written by company member Shane Mitchell. Mitchell graduated from UAA, went on to earn his Masters at Wichita State, and returned to Anchorage with a little more training and a couple new plays in his back pocket.Original plays written by Alaskans are rare here in the 49th State, where audiences are often willing to pay the big bucks to see plays that were big on Broadway, but somehow become reluctant when homegrown Alaskan talent is featured. Don't let yourself fall into that trap this time.
Sure, maybe it's not Albee's Seascape, but Mitchell's "The End of the Road," is entertaining, a little offbeat, and packs a punch. I'm just hoping for everyone's sake it's not too autobiographical...
The play follows four twentysomethings on a road trip from Anchorage, Alaska to Witchita, Kansas where they've all decided to attend grad school together. The road trip takes a surreal twist when we discover that Kyle is fated to spend far too long imprisoned in the back of the car. Forced to urinate into a bottle, Kyle basically gives up hope as his friends mock him via walkie talkie from the front seat.
- It all makes for an exciting drama, punctuated with heavy doses of sex, moderate doses of violence, and a little bit of growing up for four young students just beginning to figure out what life is about.
Kyle also acts as the narrator, jumping in and out of character to speak to the audience directly. Debbie is studying music, and is going out with Frankie, who works so hard to impress others, he never had time to develop a personality of his own. And Dean Sexton, Frankie's best friend who seems to have had his way with every woman under the sun, is looking to get off the roller coaster, but Debbie seems to be posing a bit of a problem there.
You may be able to guess that things get a little rough over the course of the 11-day road trip, what with Kyle trapped in the trunk, the cops a little too interested for comfort, and the risk of Debbie and Dean getting it on rising quickly to the danger mark. It all makes for an exciting drama, punctuated with heavy doses of sex, moderate doses of violence, and a little bit of growing up for four young students just beginning to figure out what life is about.
The cast includes Rodney Lamb, last seen in Magic If's town square production of The Tempest, UAA regular Dane Markell, We Call It A.R.T. board member Frank Delaney, and newcomer Eleanor Janecek. Dawson Moore directs.
Use caution if you're considering bringing the kids along for this one - adult themes and language are central to the play.
The End of the Road opens September 7th and runs through October 8th, at Kaladi Bros. on Brayton. Shows are at 7pm, Thursdays and Fridays, and 5pm Sundays. Tickets are $10, or $24 for season passes, both available at the door.