Blackbird
VS. Theatre Company is one of my favorite theatre groups in Los Angeles. I saw their production of In Arabia We’d All be Kings which won four LA Critics Circle and two Garland awards. Their presentation of On an Average Day remains one of the very best shows I have ever seen, anywhere. Unfortunately, Blackbird, written by Pulitzer-Prize nominated playwright, Adam Rapp, does not, in my estimation, live up to these other shows.
The story is about Baylis, a veteran of the first Gulf War who, ironically enough, has injured himself on a job after his service, rather than while fighting, and much younger, Foggy, ex-stripper, heroin addicted run away, and their struggle to survive in a most grungy New York City apartment. I believe the main theme of the play is that kindness and love can exist anywhere. There are many interesting lines and some provocative ideas presented, but the plot persists on one note predictably from beginning to end.
Johnny Clark (Baylis), whom I absolutely loved in On an Average Day, appeared to be off kilter in this production. I didn’t feel he was coming from a place of truth and the tinny, monotonous intonation of his voice irritated me tremendously; if only he had really listened and forgotten himself. Jade Dornfeld did better and was quite believable, although her projection at times was insufficient.
VS. Theatre Company is a remarkable group and we are all allowed a miss from time to time. Even this less than perfect show had compelling moments, and constitutes interesting theatre.
August 14-September 19
Elephant Theatre Lab, 6324 Santa Monica Blvd
Thrus., Fri., and Sat., at 8pm.
(323)8603283