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Just like your weekly shopping list, there's some theater you want and some theater you need. Available Light Theatre's latest project, "How to Stay Human" falls into the latter category.
The play is the sequel to the company's wildly successful "Dirty Math" (both of which were written and directed by Matt Slaybaugh, AVLT's executive director). The show takes on an interesting faux-choreographed, rapid-fire approach to topics surrounding the current state of the world's economic downfall.
We attended a VIP preview Wednesday, Nov. 4, before the Nov. 5 opening at the Davis Performing Arts Center. Here's our quick take on the show.
The Good
- Most of the play is taken from quotes of various pundits and scientists, but Matt Slaybaugh's crisp direction keeps the play moving at a steady pace. The actors' lines flow with rhythm, almost like a musical score. And there are even entertaining choreographed movements by the actors throughout.
- Actors Acacia Duncan, Jordan Fehr, Michelle Schroeder and Ian Short showcase a phenomenal handle of the environmental statistics and jargon featured in the script—especially considering we were watching the dress rehearsal.
- The play is infused with a host of funny asides, which is Slaybaugh's smartest decision, especially when dealing with such a meaty topic. Case in point: A campy, over-the-top song about tricks of the conservatism trade, hilariously led by Michelle Schroeder.
- A flash-forward scene to a time where the "environment problem" has been solved, near the end of the play, is brilliant. This scene is the main reason why you need to go see the show.
The Bad
- There is a lot of information that comes at the audience at a very fast pace. Sometimes it can difficult to handle. The show opens with a 10-minute history of human interaction from evolution to present. It's definitely a bit daunting.
The Ugly
- At 90 minutes with no stop for intermission, the play feels a bit long. Yes, we need to be more conscious of Mother Nature's needs. We get the point after 60 minutes ... Maybe even after 20.
"How to Stay Human" opens 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, and runs through Nov. 14 at the Davis Performing Arts Center. Ticket prices are based on the company's famous pay-what-you-want system and can be purchased at the door or at the "How to Stay Human" Web site.
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