If, like me, you’re ready for some good news (for a change), AmaZing Theatre Company is producing 10-minute plays on the theme of “Blessings.” How’s that for jump-start positive? If also, like me, you haven’t heard of the AmaZing Theatre Company, which has been producing plays since 2008, that’s even more positive news. But first the shows.
Ten-minute sketches have a way of whetting the theater appetite, presenting and resolving an issue then getting out of the way. If one doesn’t fill the bill or satisfy, there’s always the immediate possibility that the next one will. The eight pieces selected from the company’s 2023 Fall Festival of 102 submissions, with top design elements and production team, are funny, poignant, and surprisingly satisfying.
The show opens rather quietly with “A Shared View” where a blind elderly man helps a millennial appreciate the world around them. “Around the Corner” brings in more spark when family values butt up against real estate interests with a struggling legacy store at stake. “House Rules” provides valuable but somewhat dated perspectives on “white comfort“ while “Speed Dating” ends the first half with a bang, where a widow and widower, charmingly portrayed by Jennifer Jones and Pete Strickland, tell tall twisted tales that will leave you reeling.
The second half hits its stride with innovative creativity—from touching to absurd, there’s something for everyone. Producer and Artistic Director Alice Thomas and Percy Thomas show their acting chops in “Miss Molly’s Bench” with a fascinating interchange where Miss Molly has taken “ownership” of a public bench. “Path of Love” featuring Asia Cunningham and Melvin Smith keeps building up to tearfully funny results. “Stealing a Kiss” is slow but endearing. Then comes the smackdown finale “Prodigal Cow” with Jessica Rota as, uhm, well, the Cow and Pierre Walters as the wide-eyed naïve goat Kid, which has to be seen to be believed. I’ll just say you won’t consider the biblical well-worn “fatted calf” phrase the same ever again.
The design and production teams were at the top of their game in cueing entertaining music interludes and orchestrating the simple set changes. The directors were just as effective in assuring clear presentations, smooth formation and transitions. After a warm welcome, the name of each piece was clearly stated and introduced, so we’re all on the same page to enjoy the fun.
After this inaugural partnership with Arts Barn, the company’s next event returns to its Sandy Spring home base in November with Scars written by company artistic director Percy Thomas. I’m definitely marking my calendar for that one.
Sometimes all you need for an afternoon or evening of simple fun is a series of well-presented theater morsels to chuckle with and take your mind off events. The AmaZing Theatre Company’s 10-Minute Play Festival lives up to its name and is a good catch to celebrate and enjoy.
Running Time: Two hours, including one 15-minute intermission.
The Amazing Theatre’s 10-Minute Play Festivalplays weekends through July 21, 2024 (Friday at 8 PM, and Saturday & Sunday at 2 PM), presented by Amazing Theatre Company in partnership with the Arts Barn in Gaithersburg, performing at the Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD. Purchase tickets ($23; $21 student 15–21; $16, youth 14 & under) online or by calling the box office 301-258-6394.
Play Productions
“A Shared View” by Stephen J. Olson. Directed by Percy W. Thomas. Featuring: Asia Cunningham and Pete Strickland
“Around the Corner” by Sophonia M. Robinson. Directed by Sophonia Robinson. Featuring: Tracey Chapman, Jessica Rota, Melvin Smith, Michael Stroud, Preshona Ambri
“House Rules” by Jennifer Jones. Directed by Jennifer Jones. Featuring: Preshona Ambi and Kumea Shorter-Gooden
“Speed Dating” by Curt Strickland. Directed by Jennifer Jones. Featuring: Jennifer Jones and Pete Strickland
“Miss Molly’s Bench” by Jennifer Ward. Directed by Alice H. Thomas. Featuring: Alice Thomas and Percy Thomas
“Path of Love” by James McLindon. Directed by Pierre Walters. Featuring: Asia Cunningham and Melvin Smith
“Stealing a Kiss” by Laurie Allen. Directed by Tyrone Requer. Featuring: Dawn Chapman and Tyrone Requer
“The Prodigal Cow” by Mark Harvey Levine. Directed by Percy W. Thomas. Featuring: Jessica Rota and Pierre Walters
Production Design
Producer: Alice H. Thomas
Artistic Director: Percy W. Thomas
Sound Design: Tyrone Requer
Stage Crew: Jake Robinson
Lighting Design: Charlie Danforth
Lighting Board Operator: Mason Kailor
Stage Manager: Dawn Chapman
