A Perfect MATCH at the Westchester Playhouse

In Los Angeles, I’m usually reticent to attend live events. It often involves long lines, a horrific commute, sardine parking or expensive tickets. Not so at the Westchester Playhouse, home of the Kentwood Players.

Currently, these gifted entertainers are performing the drama MATCH, by Stephen Belber until June 16. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm.

I remember the movie, MATCH, (2014), the lead actor played by Patrick Stewart. I loved that movie. The play provided a refreshing spin.

The story begins with Mike and Lisa Davis, who arrive at the apartment of the campy Tobi Powell, an aging dancer and chorographer who lives alone in Inwood, on the northern tip of Manhattan. The couple claims that they are there to interview him about his life in the theater, but as the interview continues, the couples’ true motives are revealed. Secrets are spilled, infidelities are unearthed and emotions are raw.

Stephen Belber’s Tony-nominated comic drama, MATCH, sparkles with wit and heartfelt emotion as it examines how our lives are shaped by the choices that we make and the secrets that we keep hidden.

Kudos to the cast, but particularly impressive was the performance of Tobi, played by Martin Feldman. His command of his lengthy soliloquies was impressive, his pointed humor a welcomed punctuation between the heated emotional outbursts between the three characters. I found myself moved, wanting to see the movie once again.

Thank you again Kentwood Players, for a most enjoyable afternoon.

The production is directed by Bruce Starrett and produced by Jenny Boone for Kentwood Players with rights secured from Dramatists Play Service.

Featured in the cast in alphabetical order are Jeff Cheezum (Mike), Martin Feldman (Tobi) and Jennifer Sperry (Lisa).

Reserved seat tickets are $22 with a $2 discount for seniors and students. To purchase tickets, please call (310) 645-5156 during box office hours, Wednesday through Saturday from 4:00-7:00pm.

For group ticket sales of 10 or more, please call the box office for group rates.

Westchester Playhouse

8301 Hindry Avenue

Westchester, CA 90045

http://www.kentwoodplayers.org