Marcy (Terry Davis) needs to remodel her house, so she hires Chuck (Brian Letscher), a smart and successful contractor. Chuck sends his employee Doug (Keith Stevenson) to do the job. Doug is training Paul (Ryan Foust), Chuck’s son. Paul is about to graduate from high school to go to college to study filmmaking. Everything looks normal, except that Paul has a secret that threatens to ruin his future.
Doug and Chuck know each other from their high school days. Doug also knows Chuck’s wife June (Tracie Lockwood). As a matter of fact, Doug and June were dating in high school. Chuck’s jealousy and distrust is not apparent, but it’s a latent issue, building up as a pressure cooker about to explode. Doug’s dubious business practices and sleazy behavior with his female customers adds tension to the already delicate situation. In the meantime, Paul gets in trouble at school. Marihuana is found in his locker, and he is being blackmailed by a girl in his class.
Trying to fix Paul’s situation, Doug and June arrange for Paul to talk to Mr. France (Tony Pasqualini), the school’s principal who likes to drink and appears to smoke weed as well. Playwright Matthew Letscher uses the relationship between Doug and Paul as a symbol of role models that have a profound influence in a young person’s life. Paul, and to some extent June, see Doug as a reliable source of advice in times of need.
The relationship among the characters is an example of missed opportunities and how the past can’t be buried in its totality. Whatever pieces are left, they will continue to influence our decisions later in life. For better or worse, is Doug the one who pays the highest price. He has to pick up—figurative and physically—the shattered pieces of the damaged relationships among the characters. Demolition does not refer to physical destruction only.
Not only is the text superb, the direction by Max Mayer is also remarkable. He gives the actors plenty of room to explore and exteriorize the nuances demanded of each character. All of this without loosing the exceptional touch of comedy, present throughout the play, and exceptionally executed by all of the six actors. The set suffers some serious abuse. Kudos to Mayer and his set designer, Jay Tyson, for the amazing job on that department.
Doug, a blue-collar worker, left behind and willing to sacrifice his own interests for the benefit of others, is the centerpiece of the play. The inception and execution of this character leave the audience rooting for him. You know there’s something especial in front of you with that kind of empathic reaction. This is another win for Pacific Resident Theatre under the artistic direction of Marilyn Fox, who continues to demonstrate her great taste in selecting productions that become an instant hit with the audience.
Demolition
Pacific Resident Theatre
703 Venice Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
Street parking or small free lot in back: pacificresidenttheatre.org
Opening: 8pm Saturday, September 7, 2024
Schedule: 8pm Thursdays – Saturdays; 3pm Sundays
Closing: October 13, 2024
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=prtve
Written by Matthew Letscher. Directed by Max Mayer. Presented by Pacific Resident Theatre.
Cast: Terry Davis, Tracie Lockwood, Ryan Foust, Brian Letscher, Tony Pasqualini, Keith Stevenson, Melissa Bales, Samantha Sloyan.
Creative team: Jay Tyson (Scenic Design), Leigh Allen (Lighting Design), Chris Moscatiello (Sound Design), Audrey Eisner (Costume Design), Teak Piegdon-Brainin (Stage Manager).
