Sure Untitled is such an annoying name for a play, but in Ellie Pike’s one-woman show it makes its point — but no spoilers here. The recent Bowdoin (Maine) College grad takes a page from one-woman chameleon actor/playwright Anna Deveare Smith in this comic take on small-town New England life.
Although it’s not a docudrama like Smith favors, in Untitled Pike invents more than a half-dozen unique characters — using voice, posture, gesture, and accents — to tell the story of Brandy, a Brooklyn-accented dog groomer who wants to rename the town square to dishonor her late husband for unnamed, but apparently egregious, deeds.
To narrate the tale, Pike invented a basketful of specific characters. We meet Isaac Weiner, the obsequious town manager intern; Sharon, the town diner’s chatty waitress; Natalie, an activist teen podcaster; Demetri, the brusque Bulgarian cook; and others. Each transformation is accompanied by a little musical jingle and a blackout, helping the audience along. With just a table, a chair, and a few props, Pike, lanky and athletic, at each transition inhabits someone new in voice, demeanor, and story. That this was all invented out of whole cloth makes it doubly enjoyable.
See it for the strong performances and taut writing by an up-and-coming performer/writer.
Untitled plays five times from July 14 to 23, 2022, at W. WASHINGTON – Formerly Forever 21 Georgetown, 3222 M Street NW, Washington, DC. For the performance schedule and tickets ($15), go online.
COVID Safety: The audience is to remain masked for the show. The mask needs to cover your mouth and nose the whole time. Proof of vaccination and ID are checked before entry.
Genre: Comedy
Age appropriateness: Recommended for Children 13 + older
