Eclectic Stew, which includes the plays  “Raft- Glub, Glub, Glub” by Thomas Prosser, “Strangers on a Train” by Mona Deutsch Miller, “Your Lucky Day” by Paul Gulino, “Someday Can’t Come Soon Enough” by Thomas Prosser and “The Leaving” by Ed Horowitz.
The Eclectic Company Theatre is back with a vengeance.Â
Their latest production is a selection of plays written by company members and running the gamut from romantic comedy with suicidal tendencies to transgender love and redemption, dark matrimonial dramas, a despicable criminal’s poetic justice and for the final play, a twist on a family drama, greed, treachery, lost loves and a distinct feeling that it’s all just some kind of terrible purgatory…it’s quite a selection!
I enjoy short form plays enormously. It really gives playwrights and actors opportunities to develop ideas and characters. To risk some, but not all. To try out material based on their own lives that might be difficult for them to face, while still being able to actually put it up. Grouping work in evenings like this is where great things begin.
This particular group of plays have some wonderful beginnings. The actors are excited to be on stage and they immerse themselves in the lives of these disparate people completely. The Eclectic Company always gives a lot of themselves, there is little fear or boundaries and the audience is always sure that whatever happens, it’s certainly won’t be dull!
Although these pieces are works in progress, the bones are good, the characters well defined and they have vivid, strong hearts to them.Â
I can see easily how they might expand these stories into longer plays.  “Raft,” taking up the entire second half of the show, is a more rounded piece. Three men trapped on a raft together in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, all with more to lose than their lives. It’s a fascinating exploration of what men might do in desperate and life-threatening moments. It’s full of strange delusions and nightmares, manipulations and revelations, all constructed to divide the men from the monsters. All extremely relevant if you ask me!
Supporting our local playhouses is important, through them we support local writers, directors and actors and their art. Art has never held as important a place in our culture as it does today…with all the world around us on fire. So don’t dawdle, this is not a long run and I am told that the short form plays may change from week to week, so get your tickets now!
Running from May 6 through May 20. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Sundays at 5 p.mÂ
https://nohoartsdistrict.com/theatre/the-eclectic-company-theatre
Cast
Ethan Mikael, Antoinette Westcott, Gianna McLaughlin, Ric Amaya, Diadra Smith, Doc Farrow, Thomas Prosser, Craig Winner, Robbie Stubbs, Josiah Authier, Broc Sargent, Sarah Melick, Mia Hjelte, Rachael Crane, Kenlyn Kanouse.
Directors
Thomas Prosser, Cal Oliver, Spencer Valenzuela, Broc Sargent.
Lights & Sound by Broc Sargent
Publicity by Thomas Prosser & Mona Deutsch Miller