Printer-friendly version
By Kathy Carpenter
June 14, 2022 (Poway) – The Dining Room, presented by PowPac Theatre, is a comedy of manners, which satirizes behavior of a particular social group, usually upper class. In this case, 19 mini skits intersecting around a dining room table through time. These are snapshots of a dying tradition over time and a showcase of tremendous acting as six actors portray 57 diverse characters. There is no shortage of talent on this stage.
The play is written by A.R. Gurney and directed by Brent A. Stringfield. All the scenes focus around the dining room with the big beautiful table and chairs as a centerpiece, while characters waltzed in and out. The set was gorgeous as usual at Powpac, as friendly and welcoming as a formal dining area can be.
The play was a bit confusing at first, as a second set of characters would move in and start before the first set was through. It took a bit to catch on to what was happening. but as the show progressed one thing was obvious: this cast could act.
Usually I have a favorite actor, but all six were amazing, performing kids to elders, servants, and everything in between--every kind of character and situation that might have occurred and probably did in a dining room over the years.
Unfortunately, traditions like eating in dining rooms are now lost. Families, which most of the skits focus around, could definitely use tech-free quality time these days.
The talented cast includes Julie Clemmons, Jaimie Penry, David Dartt, Peggy Schneider, K/ira Blastovich and Steve Murdock. They are masters of their craft and well worth the time to come support and appreciate the tradition of a lost art.
The setting, an American dining room, provides glimpses back in time and memories of yesteryears.
PowPac Theatre
Through June 19th
Poway Road
858.670.8085
Next:
A Murder is Announced
Agatha Christie
July 29 - Aug. 21, 2022
Recent comments