New Local Theater Company Starts Off With A Bang

Two Rhode Island theater talents recently formed a new theatre company to take on harder, more challenging plays.

Rich Morra, Artistic Director of the Black Box Theater at Artists' Exchange and Tom Chace, actor — and often musical director of Black Box Productions — started Sidecar Theater Company. It's a chance for the pair to perform plays that have small casts and often tackle complex issues and themes. It's also a chance for Morra and Chace to step outside the box along with other local actors.

Their inaugural production was this past weekend at the , a cultural beacon in Rolfe Square: John Kolvenbach’s "Love Song," a comedic play that unfolds through ten increasingly-suspenseful scenes.

“Sidecar’s existence came from the desire to produce small cast plays that are challenging and relevant,” said Morra, in a director’s note. “With my dear friend Tom Chace we will continue to explore good stories and work with the best actors the area has to offer to bring those stories to life.”

"Love Song" will continue performances on Oct. 21 through 23 at 7 p.m. 

The play follows the life of the protagonist Beane, a somewhat depressed man who tries to find his way in this crazy world. Early on in the play Beane finds love in the most unlikely circumstance when he is robbed by a woman named Molly.

She runs off with Beane's possessions along with a persistent emotional connection that culminates in a kiss at gunpoint. The story has shocking twist that will have you hooked on the story.

“I instantly fell in love with the characters when Tom brought this to me and we both agreed that it would be the perfect start to our Sidecar project,” Morra said.

The five-person cast is filled with seasoned actors of varying ages. As a result, the characters are portrayed with depth and a sense that they've all played these roles for years.

The Sidecar Theater Company has surely proven that they are here to stay. It promises to bring many enjoyable productions in the future. Their rendition of the "Love Song" by John Kolvenbach at the Artists’ Exchange is surely one that should not be missed.

“[It is] an adventure that’s going to be rewarding and challenging,” said Morra.

Cast:

Beane — Tom Chace
Joan — Christina Mealy
Harry — Alex Rotella
Molly — Emily Lewis
Bill the Waiter — John Carpentier

Tickets are $15 and the show starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.artists-exchange.org