Capital Fringe 2014 Review: ‘Chesapeake’

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(Best of the Capital Fringe)

Chesapeake by Lee Blessing – A One-Man – Er, Dog – Show!

Dexter Hamlett and Friend. Photo by Brian S. Allard.
Dexter Hamlett and Friend. Photo by Brian S. Allard.

Chesapeake by Lee Blessing opened last night in the intimate Bedroom, in a 110-minute, single-act, star turn featuring the multi-talented Dexter Hamlett as a performance artist – or a Chesapeake Bay Retriever – or both!

Senator Therm Pooley is the Dixiecrat father of rebel-son and performance artist Kerr, about to vote to de-fund the NEA when life takes a strange turn. Kerr, who is so alienated by his father’s politics that he decides to kidnap Therm’s pride and joy, his Retriever, instead inhabits the dog’s life in a strange twist of fate.

Aly Ettman, Founding Artistic Director of Peter’s Alley Theatre Productions and director of 20+ plays in both DC and New York, utilizes a single actor and a single folding chair as the backdrop for this passion play exploring the value of art and political exploitation. But lo and behold, hidden inside the well-written words is the story of unexpected human connection.

Therm the villain is exposed as having a surprising heart that is touched by not his wife, nor his mistress, nor his son, but his canine friend. Hamlett reveals the connection – and disconnection – in poignant, touching and unexpected ways.

But what is truly in the Senator’s heart? Inquiring minds want to know! And theater-goers can find out during the final five performances through July 26th at Fort Fringe—Bedroom, 612 L Street, NW, in Washington, DC . For more information and to purchase tickets, go to their Capital Fringe show page.

This dog has its day!

LINK
A Preview on DCMetroTheaterArts.

 

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Keith Greene
Keith Greene is an avid theatregoer and lover and supporter of the arts in the DC area, and is delighted to be sharing his love of the theatre with DCMTA readers. Keith is Chief Membership Officer for the Meals on Wheels Association in Alexandria, VA, where he is responsible for membership and education. Prior to his 20+ years of association experience, Keith was an HR practitioner for thirteen years. He chairs the Nominating and Governance Committee for the GW Alumni Association Board, and also serves as a board member for the Background Screening Credentialing Council and Business and Labor Responds to AIDS. Previously, he served a nine-year term as a Board member for the Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ).

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