Venturing UpStage for The America Play at Triad Stage

I apologize that this is a very late post, which has become an unfortunate trend for me.  However, I was in NYC doing my theater addict thing for eight days (I saw seven Broadway shows, which I will, of course, be writing about), and didn’t get around to writing this until now.

Since seeing Educating Rita late last fall, I’ve been enamored with Triad Stage.  I love their main stage productions.  However, I became increasingly curious about their UpStage Cabaret, and decided to buy a ticket to see their newest UpStage Cabaret production, The America Play, having no idea what to expect of the space or the work.

                Immediately upon entering the space, I realized that it was the Triad Stage that I know and love, just… a little more intimate.  I’m not used to seeing theater from regular chairs, sitting at a table.  I am, however, used to Triad Stage’s amazing and innovative sets.  I felt right at home sitting mere feet from a large dirt mound with trees, two old televisions, political posters from throughout America’s racially-charged history, and a big hole.  No, it wasn’t an accident – it was the awesome, though small, set, in the middle of the room, surrounded by cute little tables and mismatched chairs.

                I’m not used to being that close to the actors.  I am, however, used to Triad Stage casting incredibly talented performers to populate their productions.  I was mesmerized by the actors.  While I wasn’t always entirely sure exactly what the characters were talking about (the play tended toward the abstract), I was never unsure of how the characters felt or who they were.

                As a fan of great theater, and a not-so-secret admirer of Triad Stage’s work, I must say that this show did not disappoint.  I was moved, I was challenged, I was entertained.

                The one thing I really missed was a talk-back.  My season pass tickets are for the main stage performances which include Triad Stage’s InSight talk-back series.  These talk-backs are a great way for me to unwind from a show, figure out what I just saw, and understand and appreciate the work and the playwright even more.  With The America Play, I was desperate to talk about it!  I was at the show by myself, so I didn’t have anyone to bounce crazy theories off of, or a scholar grounding me into the context of the play.  I very much enjoyed the show – it was an intense play, and I wanted to delve even deeper into the hole – both literally and metaphorically.

                I can’t wait to see what will be at the UpStage Cabaret next season!