This small, storefront theater, though a black box, adds new and flexible set pieces with each new run. Some of the young actors are in more than one production, giving us a chance to see their ability to take on new roles.
That Thing in Life, written and directed by Ted Falagan, stars Jack Vecchio, T. Falagan, Michael Rodriguez, Marissa Vaughan, Kamarra Chamberlain, Rob Scott, and Chuck Hart. Here we get a chance to look at the frustrations met by both tyro writers and tyro actors. Falagan takes a careful look at their egos; how easily they are damaged and how big they can become. He also proves that a person can be just plain too nasty. Sorry, but I just don't like Rodriguez in this role, though he does better work later on.
Spare Parts is written by Margo Haas, directed by Zoe Paulin and stars Marissa Vaughan, Zoe Paulin and Ted Falagan. Zoe Paulin does a very nice job of direction of this piece. She also seems natural in her actions and comfortable, as do the other two.
The Family Business is written and directed by Marissa Vaughan and stars Vaughan, T. Falagan, Roger Gobin, Micha Hamilton and Michael Rodriguez. Marissa Vaughn returns for the third show of the evening as both talent and director. Super villains is what the family business is all about. Alas, an uncle turns to being good, and now a child is looking in that direction. Hamilton is Granny, the family matriarch, who can see the bigger picture. A nicely done performance. Rodriguez plays super-hero Uncle Mark with gusto.
Reach From Beyond is written by Dawn Michaelis, directed by Tina Thompson and stars Amanda Webster, T. Falagan, Melissa Martin, Natasha Grisez and Michael Rodriguez. The regret in this piece is that there are just too many scenes, some with one or two lines. Martin gives a very nice performance; Rodriguez is excellent in a scary role. We are going to see more of this actor.
Going to the Fault Line Theater is always an adventure. Some of the writing is good, some not. The same with the acting. But every time, I've seen either a promising play or an actor who'll go on to other things. Keep it up producers Deborah L. Fabiano and Ted Falagan.
