Review: 'Evening of One Acts at Ridgefield Theatre Barn

Ridgefield - After a long fifteen months, live theatre is back at the Ridgefield Theater Barn for its fifty-seventh season.

Ridgefield Theater Barn is the town’s only community theater and for the last 56 years their mission has been to serve the community. The pandemic tried to take that away from them, but the group found ways to connect with virtual Ghost Light sessions and a concert in Ballard Park.

The production team has missed the palpable energy of creativity and learning that typically permeates this intimate space. Now the Barn is ready to pick up their mantle and open our doors, guided by our mission of inclusion, respect, and joy. This energy was apparent in the curtain speech given by Executive Director Pamme Jones for “Evening of One Acts” running through July 10.

The Barn closed their doors in March 2020 during final rehearsals for their scheduled “Evening of One Acts,” so it is fitting that for their grand reopening they are offering a modified version of that production, nine plays pared down to five. The one act plays are an embodiment of community spirit, forming new connections among playwrights, directors, and actors. Although it is an abbreviated version of the original 2020 production, that spirit is still at the core of this program.

The one act series began in 2009 as a two-week-long special event and has grown into a four-week-long mainstage season anchor. “We hope you enjoy this year’s offerings as we explore relationships, life choices, and above all, the courage to overcome our fears and make a connection,” notes Paulette Layton, Production Manager and One Acts Committee Chair.

The performance opens with “At The Water’s Edge,” written by Carol Mark. This play was inspired by her many trips to the beach as a kid. Bonnie Rose appears as Mary, a woman arriving at the shore and Aaron Kaplan plays Thomas, an unexpected character that she encounters. Directed by David Fritsch, a member of the theatre’s improv troupe, this was a light way to begin the show.

“Wait For It” was written by Mary Ethel Schmidt, who received an MFA in playwriting from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers and has taught at the college level. This one-act was directed by Duane Lanham, who officially marks his directorial debut. Cooper Smithers plays Greg, a film writer and Jennifer Hankla is Greta, an eye doctor, who meet at a lunch following a funeral.

If I had to choose, “Slow Dating” by Adam Szudrich would be my favorite piece. Directed by Linda Seay, Stephanie Hepburn (pictured above) portrays Ester, a mature woman dealing with challenges in her marriage. Hepbum brought plenty of heart to this one-woman performance.

“Foothold” is a play by Pat Lennon which won Best Play at the Off-Broadway 2012 Strawberry Festival in New York City. Brian DeToma, the chairman of the Town Players of Newtown, directs this clever piece about a man visiting a doctor’s office and a hysterically funny nurse. Bill Warncke (“Urinetown” on this stage) plays Thomas and Bonnie Rose is a riot in the role of nurse Mary.

Szudrich is also the author of “One Night Stan” the one-act that closes the evening. He is a
‘Bartie’ award-winning writer whose work has been selected for 85 festivals & received 40 awards.Directed by Nancy Ponturos, a professional actor and director, Carolyn Savoia plays Rachel, Kimberly Marcus is Holly and Kelly Kirby plays Marie. The three characters are completely different, but all tell their story of meeting Stan for the first time. .

I could not help but miss the four plays that had been cut, but it would not have been possible to sit for that long without a break. The sound design by Jose Alves was subtle and Lighting Designer Mark Hankla made the most of the small stage.

The theater has worked hard to make the Barn a safe and comfortable space. All tables are six feet apart and seating is limited. The production is dedicated to former cast member Amy Oestreicher, an author, actor, and visual artist whose courage and resilience in the face of formidable obstacles was transformative.

Presented without intermission and doors open one hour prior to curtain. Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m.; Sunday June 27 at 5:00 p.m. $140/table (4 seats), $120/senior table. There is cabaret seating; bring food and drink. Snacks and drinks are available at a concessions stand in the lobby.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle and now serves on the board. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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