The LaBute New Theater Festival

The LaBute New Theater Festival

St. Louis Actors’ Studio

Davenport Theater

January 20, 2019

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Actors' Studio

Three one-act plays by Neil LaBute are now running Off-Broadway at the Davenport Theater.  St. Louis Actors’ Studio is presenting The LaBute New Theater Festival through January 27.  In these three short pieces, the playwright explores controversial and topical themes in a very direct manner.  This gives the audience the opportunity to face their personal feelings and points of view on racism, sexism, Neo-Nazism, and gun violence.

Eric Dean White in The Fourth Reich
Photo courtesy of St. Louis Actors' Studio

The Fourth Reich is a one man show.  Karl (played by Eric Dean White) calmly shares his perspective on Adolph Hitler.  He does not abhor the man’s actions, nor does he boast of the man’s accomplishments.  He offers a different perspective on the actions France and Russia took during World War II and the events initiated by the United States during subsequent wars.  Mr. White portrays Karl with a commanding and grounded composure that is highly effective.  This elicits for a visceral response from the audience to Mr. LaBute’s message.

Brenda Meaney & KeiLyn Durrel Jones
Photo courtesy of St. Louis Actors' Studio

In Great Negro Works of Art, Jerri (played by Brenda Meaney) is waiting to meet Tom (played by KeiLyn Durrel Jones) for a first date at an art museum.  They immediately dive into an uncomfortable race discussion, which leads into another uncomfortable discussion based on their sexist points of view.  Ms. Meaney and Mr. Jones have a great chemistry and play the attraction between the two characters to the max.  This allows for a very entertaining and engaging cat and mouse game.

Gia Crovatin in Unlikely Japan
Photo courtesy of St. Louis Actors' Studio

The third piece on the program is Unlikely Japan.  When Katie (played by Gia Crovatin) sees a photo of her old high school boyfriend as one of the victims of the Las Vegas shooting, forgotten memories flood back to her.  She is overwhelmed with the guilt of how show broke it off with him when he planned a trip for both of them to Japan.  Would his tragic death have been avoided if she had handled it differently?  Ms. Crovatin delivers an empathetic and relatable portrayal of this character.  Mr. LaBute takes a close look at how personally Americans view tragic events, thus diminishing the push for social change.

These three short works are skillfully crafted by the playwright, superbly directed by John Pierson and Neil LaBute, and meticulously performed.  You only have until January 27 to see them, so get there right away!

Domenick Danza