By JAY HEMPHILL
A Seat on the Aisle
As I left the Phoenix Cultural Centre after seeing a sold-out performance of American Lives Theatre’s production of The Minutes, I was reminded of how I felt after seeing Barbie this past summer.
While I am huge fan of the director, the writer, the story, and the cast, this production, in my opinion, just misses the mark. I am loathe to admit this. So much so, I almost passed on writing this review. I have genuinely enjoyed just about everything I have seen at ALT, since I was first introduced to them three years ago by the company’s founder and artistic director Chris Saunders, who also directed this production.
The Minutes is a dark comedy written by Tracy Letts. It premiered at the Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago on Nov. 9, 2017. The play was scheduled to open on Broadway in 2020, but due to the pandemic, the production was suspended. The Minutes eventually opened in April 2022, at Studio 54. The play was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize (for Drama) in 2018 and a Tony Award (Best Play) in 2022.
The Minutes takes place sometime in November in the fictitious town of Big Cherry. The action of the play centers around a meeting of the city council, and the petty grievances, grudges, and small-town secrets of its members.
Ian Cruz and Joshua Ramsey in ALT’s The Minutes. (Photo by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com)
In my opinion, the character’s peculiarities and comic banter in the beginning are meant to contrast the play’s big reveal, but pacing issues and a presentational style hinder the humor and lessen the impact of the script’s dark plot twist. I want to blame this on the script, because I know or have worked with half of the cast and can personally attest to their talents. That said, the execution of the text feels too broad and sitcom-ish to make the stakes matter and limits the actors’ portrayals to stereotypes, thereby limiting my ability to connect and care for the characters.
The standout in this production is Charles (Chuck) Goad (Mr. Carp). While he is only onstage for 10 or so minutes, most of which is a monologue, his intensely passionate performance is well worth the wait and is the definite highlight of the production. His depiction of Mr. Carp is heartbreaking as he comes to terms with the truth behind a long-held belief and his urgent need to make it right.
Other noteworthy performances are those of Scot Greenwell (Mr. Hanratty) and Tristan Ross (Mr. Assalone). In my opinion, both actors were aware of the stakes and actively dealt with the characters and situations around them. I also enjoyed Len Mozzi (Mr. Oldfield) who has several solid comedic moments as a senior member of the council.
Kudos to lighting designer Tim Dick and costume designer Anthony Sirk. Dick’s minimal lighting choices compliment the story without distracting from it, and his power surges create a sense of instability and provide perfect transitions for the play’s singular scene change. Sirk’s costumes give the audience insight into each character and their backstories. His choices, while unique to each character, make it easy to believe that all these people reside in the same small town.
Zac Hunter’s set design is very neat and clean. Almost too neat and clean. In my opinion, the design lacks the worn-down antiquated feel of Big Cherry, with its aging electric grid and outdated heritage festival. It feels too pristine for the environment it exists in. I would love to have seen peeling paint, water stains, and harsh overhead lighting fixtures.
Tristan Ross’s sound design also leaves me wanting more. A storm is brewing in the council meeting and should be mirrored by the storm raging outside. In my opinion, the constant sound of steady rain and approaching thunder would be extremely impactful and an ominous underscore foreshadowing the end of the play.
In summary, I love American Lives Theatre, their mission, and the work they produce; but in my opinion, The Minutes falls short of what I have come to expect from this future leader in the Indianapolis theater community.
The Minutes continues at the Phoenix Cultural Centre through Feb. 11. Tickets info and show times are available at phoenixtheatre.org/buy-tickets.
Read more great play reviews from A Seat on the Aisle at asota.wordpress.com.