Bakersfield.com

A contemporary and darkly funny satire performed and crewed by local non-profit theatrical professionals and amateurs.  This play was about 3 hours long and worth every minute.  It came in three acts, each of which had unique characteristics and pacing.  The play included emotional and serious adult themes, sarcastic and biting comedy, and impressive makeup, all wrapped up in an amazing non-profit package.

The interesting and witty play started with a cutting yet comedic introduction of two of the four cast members of this ensemble, Jaclyn Taylor as Martha the daughter of the college chair and her under achieving husband George that is also a member of the college history department and played by Ron Warren.  It continued with the introduction of the other pair from the ensemble.  Ronnie Hargrave, portraying an up and coming collegiate biologist Nick and Lacey Maples, as his simpering wife, Honey, join the other pair on stage and the comedy and tragedy ensue.  As the play progresses, the experienced and cynical older married couple have exciting and fast-paced dialogues that play against the foil of the dour and monotonous college newcomers.  The fun does not stop as the two couples get drunk and snipe at one another with vivid emotional ups and downs which supply ample opportunity for satiric and feeling laced interactions.

Jaclyn Taylor’s role as Martha was the crowning jewel of this entertaining and complex show.  She portrayed the character of Martha very convincingly with cosmetic and characterization aging of approximately 30 years.  Her dialogue and tones were utterly impressive and clearly presented.  She captivated the audience with her personality and force as the devilish and unpredictable wife of George.  Martha’s randy acts of conjugal infidelity are both funny and sad as the actress shows her professional acting skills and her soliloquies are emotional and evocative.  Jaclyn gets high marks for bringing professional experience and skills to an amateur venue.  Martha’s lewd and lascivious character is more fun and more deeply and emotionally stunted than anyone would expect in real person and yet the actress brings it off perfectly believably.

The show was deceptively, deliciously, and darkly entertaining and well worth the suggested donation of $15 per person for a seat at the Empty Space located at 706 Oak St (327-PLAY).  You may even feel like donating extra after the terrific show.  The theater does have an Adopt-An-Actor program that allows audience members to show their enthusiastic approval in a monetary way.  Although the Empty Space is a wonderful non-profit theater with a very personal and inviting environment, this play and Jaclyn’s portrayal could easily support a larger venue.