(Best of the Capital Fringe)
Bucharest inside the Beltway had a very successful world premiere of Districtland to Capital Fringe! Providing a unique look on the world of the “rat race” that is Washington DC, Playwright Cristine Bejan brings a light to young professionals finding their way in the maze that is the political world surrounding our area.
Using popular songs to bring the audience to the modern era, Sound Designer Hope Villaneuva used repetition to illustrate parallels and help the audience follow the roommates from one place to the next. Lighting Designer Elliot Lanes used the Thrust style staging to easily change location and bring focus to different areas in a scene. Interweaving humor and realism with political slang, Director John Dellaporta created a versatile world that, through quick transitions, reflected places throughout our famous city. Providing opinions on everything from non-profits to relationships the script follows a day in the lives of four roommates as they try to make their way through their crazy, unpredictable lives.
Andrew Quilpa, Aaren Keith, and Johnny Day portray characters that are on the fast track to success and are trying their best to infiltrate the competitive world of politics Using terms like “Nowist” and Speaking “Hill” or “World Bank” and dropping names of ivy league schools, these three extremely well educated 20-somethings find their morals checked, their career plans questioned, and their resumes detailed over a handshake amidst their constant networking. Ruthie Rado plays an old soul who is making attempts at staying informed and remaining true to her roots and beliefs all while trying to keep the peace between her roommates. Detailing her discoveries with physicality, hilarious poetry, and genuine concern for the well-being of the world, Rado brings the bold contrast of a hippie to the world of suits.
Andra Belknap, Mary-Alice Farina, Vick Krishna, Peter J. Orvetti, Robyn Freeman, Kathleen Mason, Russell Max Simon, and Carson Elizabeth Gregory play a mixed bag of people that our four protagonists encounter throughout the day. Bringing to life one night stands, business partners, boyfriends, cab rivers, and soul mates, each different role finds themselves meeting different roommates in multiple situations, some less than ideal, yet always ending in humor.
Running Time: 90 minutes
Districtland plays through July 27th at Redrum – 610 L street NW, in Washington, DC. For performance information and to purchase tickets, go to their Capital Fringe Page.
Preview on DCMetroTheaterArts.
