[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of “Now Or Later” written by Christopher Shinn and irected by Ann Bronston at the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2023.
“Now or Later” is a political drama, although the drama itself has little to do with politics. At least it should have little to do with it. But lately, the smallest detail about our private lives can be made political. In this case, it revolves around the son of the latest American president on the eve of his election. Photographs of the young man in question have just been published of him dressed in a makeshift phony Muslim costume with a friend dressed as an evangelical priest at a late-night party on his college campus. What was a badly thought-through commentary on free speech has now become something entirely different and threatens to mar his father’s triumphant night.
None of this has anything to do with his sexuality of course, but one cannot help but imagine that it will, given that he is gay. It will, no doubt, become an annoying tagline in the press and retched ammunition in the hands of the GOP.
It’s a fascinating ‘moment in history’ play. The performances hinge on the riveting dialog and the urgency of every second as the story unfolds. Each actor has their purpose. The son to disrupt. The mother to placate. The friend to witness. The Chief of Staff to manage, the campaign manager to cajole, and the father to react. It’s all very Shakespearean. And with that, we are all a witness, along with the quiet liberal, even-toned friend, as the son does his best to find his own interpretation of his long ago inflicted role in the history of his father.
Brilliant writing and excellent performances in a play more relevant than ever. These politicians spend their lives trying to get elected only to spend the next four years trying to get reelected and to not be destroyed in the press. Like zombie mayflies, the process is more important than the moments in the sun. Good grief things need to change.
This production is excellent. Balanced, poised performances. Powerful, spacious direction. The result is a thoughtful version of this masterful play. The Matrix is also a wonderful venue for this, the stage cinema-like and the history of the place profoundly right for this playwright and his work.
I highly recommend “Now or Later.” Since the Hollywood Fringe is fleeting there are only a couple more nights to catch this…so don’t dawdle!
The Cast and Team:
Cherish Monique Duke, Brendan Farrell, Suzanne Ford, Samuel Garnett, George Kappaz, and Jack McKeever.
The scenic design is by Barbara Kallir, graphic design is by Carra Yoder, and assistant director is Raquel Berney Needleman.
When:
Saturday 6/24 at 1pm & 4pm, Sunday 6/25 at 2pm
Where:
The Matrix Theatre
7657 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046