Friday, October 23, 2009

Vintage Theatre's Fat Pig

Yesterday, your venerable Vixen trotted out to see Vintage Theatre's production of Neil LaBute's Fat Pig, currently playing in the Aurora Fox Studio.

Now I have to be honest and say that I was working. Truthfully, I'm always working. So after I stashed my concessions, locked up my money, and shut the curtains, I sat down and gave myself over to the show. Well mostly. Since I was technically working my senses were alert, my mind racing. Was that the door? Does the stage manager need anything? Should I get that person a cough drop? Luckily this was a small house, and I was able to relax quite a bit.

Going into this show, I have....a certain preconception. I admit that's wrong, I do, but any trained theatre person would do the same thing. This play is one that I keep close to me. The story is about chubby, cheerful and ultimately chucked Helen and her somewhat off-putting relationship with typically tolerant Tom. She's fat, he likes her, but can't face the thought of what the world perceives of him being with her. Don't get me wrong, though it's not a laugh a minute, the show is quite funny. Like your truly, the show is chubby, funny and just the tiniest bit self loathing. Tom's persuaded by his lovely work companions that being with the fat chick is wrong causing Tom to re-evaluate the relationship and Helen. Despite everything, LaBute crafted a brilliant story that leaves you (and your companions) thinking.

Vintage's productions is quite good, though lacking in a few key areas. The acting is fine, though nothing special. I was moved to tears during the last 10 minutes, in part because I had grown to care for Helen, but the other part is from my own repressed memories of rejection. I know...whine, whine, whine. Back to the review...my favorite by far was Carter, played brilliantly by James O'Hagen Murphy. The role requires him to be a complete, soul less jerk, but James brought a different light to the character and an almost childlike sweetness that nearly made you forgive his cruel words.

My favorite thing about the technical side was easily the set design. The white circular stage with a back wall of giant white balloon was sheer brilliance. It focused the attention on the message of the play and the message director Linda Suttle was trying to send, with out distracting. It also served as a screen for the projector, although I rarely paid attention to what was being projected. The greatest part of the set, was the way it allowed for such a dynamic lighting plot. The lighting design, by Jen Orf was nothing short of fantastic. I love her usage of color. The only down side to the set were the hydrolics used to elevate a small portion of the stage to become a bed. Though the effect was beautiful once it was in place, the sound of the hydraulics took me out of the play and in a way, broke the fourth wall.

The rest of the show was great! The costumes were great, I loved the use of blue. The sound was predictable, but not distracting. My only real complaint is the running crew. Though efficient and great during scene changes, I felt that they were needlessly loud during the show. My theatre dork radar went off all night long as I heard people shuffling and moving things all around the theatre. I know that they are volunteers, but there must be some level of professionalism, surely! I feel for the stage manager.

In the end I have to say that I truly enjoyed the show, and it's is absolutely worth your money! Of course I saw the show for free, I'm the Lobby Vixen. The show runs weekends from now until Nov. 1.

Check out Vintage Theatre at: www.vintagetheatre.com
Check out the Aurora Fox and purchase tickets at: www.aurorafox.org

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