By D. A. Blackburn
"Love and Human Remains" sounds like an episode of "CSI," but in actuality, it's a startlingly poignant play by Brad Fraser, currently in production at Ferndale's Ringwald Theatre. The Who Wants Cake? production, a localized adaptation of Fraser's 1989 work "Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love," is a seductive examination of the nature of love – gay, straight, platonic and romantic – and one of the finest shows yet mounted by the young company.
Fraser's script is exceptional, chock-full of delectable characters – each vulnerable, engaging and riddled with genuine neurosis. The plot is simple, charting the peaks and pitfalls of the intra-personal relationships of seven friends/acquaintances. The catch: One is a serial killer, and the others, upon discovering this unfortunate truth, are left to cope in the aftermath of his suicide.
The production comes to life on an extremely plain set, comprised entirely of black wooden boxes, but WWC? has graced the show with an inventive, if not entirely successful, lighting plot – flashlights work well at times, but not consistently. The overall effect of this set and lighting design allows the cast to shine. And shine they do.
Joe Bailey, as gay waiter and former actor David, is an extraordinary lead. His portrayal is genuine, emotional and a very savvy interpretation of a complex character.
Likewise, in the joint lead role of Candy, a sexually confused writer plagued by eating disorders and an inability to love, Melissa Beckwith channels her character with an uncanny realism.
Christa Coulter, as the psychic prostitute Benita, shows incredible poise, and oozes sexuality in a variety of skimpy costumes – and when topless. She also demonstrates her chops as a talented vocalist.
On the periphery, performances by Jon Ager, Chris Jakob, Brian Rohe and Vanessa Sawson are all top-shelf. All of the characters in "Love and Human Remains" possess deep, complicated emotions, and without fail, director Joe Plambeck has brought them to life with a gritty realism.
The bottom line is that WWC? has assembled a thoroughly satisfying cast for this enticing work, and "Love and Human Remains" comes off as a seductive, tastefully erotic and exceedingly thoughtful production.
REVIEW:
'Love and Human Remains'
Who Wants Cake Theatre, The Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Friday-Monday, through Nov. 10. Tickets: $10-$20. For information: 248-545-5545 or http://www.whowantscaketheatre.com.
