By John Quinn
CCX Parallel:
Lauren Allen and Elizabeth Ladd Lee bring to life 21 screwy characters in the comedy "Parallel Lives." Photo courtesy of StarBrite Theatrical Productions.
'Parallel Lives'
Skewed relations the topic of dinner theater production
Spring is in the air, and theater is popping up in unlikely places, just like those tulips the squirrels transplanted for you last fall. The 14th Street Bar and Grille in Madison Heights is the host for StarBrite Theatrical Productions dinner theater offering, "Parallel Lives," a two-woman show featuring 21 characters. This evening of sketch comedy from the feminist perspective achieved cult status during its long off-Broadway run.
The play, based on "The Kathy and Mo Show" was written by comedic actors Maureen Gaffney and Kathy Najimy, (Kathy Najimy, from "Veronica's Closet" and "King of the Hill," trivia fans) A one-hour version of the production, filmed as an HBO special, won two Cable Ace Awards.
Under the direction of Jennifer Lester, StarBrite's take on the comedy features local actresses Elizabeth Ladd Lee and Lauren Allen. The dynamic duo have the unenviable task of giving life to slightly screwy characters of both sexes, not to mention a couple of creative deities, ordering up their new universe with all the abandon of Martha Stewart on a shopping binge. As a theme the sketches revolve around the nature of relationship, whether between lovers, between friends or among family.
For a show of this pedigree, much material in "Parallel Lives" falls unaccountably flat. The writing is low on subtlety, and yet the subject matter wouldn't have lent itself to stereotype or burlesque. The performances are measured and thoughtful, but one wonders what tone the playwrights set out to achieve.
The script most notably rises to the occasion in two memorable second act sketches. The first, titled simply "God," is a neat arc, exploring the evolving nature of the relationship with The Man (or Woman) Upstairs as the human ages. "Hank and Karen Sue" is a remarkable slice of life, a repetitive, useless two-step of flirtation and denial between lonely souls in a country and western bar.
The stage is surprisingly large for a dinner theater venue, and that bodes well for future productions that require more movement. "Parallel Lives," in its very nature as a series of dialogues, is quite static — in many instances, too much so. Characters do not invite us into their conversation; face to face, they hide emotions rather than show them. The blocking could stand to be "opened up" to accommodate the wide audience frontage.
But blessings on theater folk who are willing to perform in competition with a band on the upper level, yet still have their voices heard. Blessing on theater folk who give us plays like nature gives us tulips – colorful, unexpected, and right in our own backyard.
"Parallel Lives" Staged Friday and Saturday by StarBrite Theatrical Productions at the 14th Street Bar and Grille, 350 E. 14 Mile Rd., Madison Heights, through April 17. Tickets: $37.50 includes dinner and show. 248-589-9900.
The Bottom Line: An earnest effort by all makes "Parallel Lives" a bargain in the dinner theater market.
