Silver Spring Stage’s One-Act Play Festival is an ambitiously inclusive undertaking. Playwrights getting their feet wet have an opportunity to see their work produced, and possibly developed, in a legitimate theatrical setting, with audiences. The format features two weekends’ worth of five or six plays, this year totalling 11. The five shows performed on the first weekend, August 2 to 4, 2024, were reviewed by DCTA’s Julian Oquendo.
This was my first visit to Silver Spring Stage. A bright red facade makes the theater easy to find, while a narrow staircase, recessed floor, and multiple doorsteps are a little challenging to navigate. The seats are on risers, so sightlines are good, and they’re quite comfortable to sit on for two hours.
The Festival originated in the ’90s and has appeared regularly, though not always annually, at Silver Spring Stage. Mounting 11 one-acts, with 11 casts, 10 directors, and a different stage manager for each weekend, offers ample opportunity for inclusion of both new and experienced talent in every arena of stage production. The consistent element is the tech, both light and sound, which across the board is solid, and in some cases, very excellent.
“Choices” by James McLindon, directed by Mercedes Blankenship, features Courtney Naughton and Hart Wood. It offers a dark premise, which is well executed, convincingly performed and funny, with moments of precisely timed lighting drama.
“No Transferable Skills” by Kathleen Roult Marx, directed by Jen Katz, assisted by Suzanne Kang, features an amusing premise that never develops fully, with a rather disappointing resolution. Actors Mark Regini, Selina Tom-Johnson, Juanisha Brooks, and Emma Wesslund give nice performances; sadly, the characters are two-dimensional. The dialogue relies too heavily on shared cultural references — those who aren’t privy to them miss much of the humor.
“Little Free Library” by Bill Schauman, directed by Matt Bannister, floats a “what if” premise that Rod Serling might endorse for The Twilight Zone. Actors Thomas Friend and Kerala Bannister seem comfortable together as a couple faced with an unlikely supernatural antagonist. The dialogue seems natural, though scenic change blackouts lead to audience confusion about where the ending is. The special effects are effective.
Intermission offers an opportunity to purchase snacks or make donations, as well as find the QR code that allows you to vote for your favorite of the one-act plays.
Update from Silver Spring Stage August 12: The adjudicated top three were “Snack Machine Blues,” “A Close Inncounter,” and “Choices. The Audience Favorites were “Case of the Missing Know-It-All” (Week One) and “Snack Machine Blues” (Week Two). And playwright David Malouf won the Best Script award for “The Death of Boson X.”
“Snack Machine Blues” by Chuck Smith, is the most fully developed piece of the evening. Directed by Seth Ghitelman, with musical direction by Zoe Fischthal, costume design by Jennifer Morrisey and sound design by Rich Frangimore, this is a completely realized short play, from costuming to set design. The characters have backstories and depth, plus individualized voices speaking lively dialogue. It incorporates some singing, effective costuming and beautiful, expressive blocking. Nadia Abouraya’s appearance is short but impactful. Matthew Dantas-McCutheon has excellent timing, Zophie Shampanade communicates confusion and naivete with physical and vocal variety, Steve Malone is a genius at dry wit. Alan Gonzales Bisnes really sells the premise, and his expositional dialogue is terrific. Nancy Sommers, in an iconic outfit, is perfectionary as Debbie. Rich Frangimore’s sound design is practically an additional character in the piece, and is extremely well done.
“Heard Mentality” by Allison Fradkin, directed by Jen Katz, with Shaq Stewart, assistant director, features Michelle Norris, Kerala Bannister, and Gill Rydhol. The actors are comfortable with each other, and are convincing in intimate conversation. Three personalities on a sofa worrying about first impressions is a different take on inclusion- disability. The topic is oblique but eventually reveals itself. The script is full of puns and is probably an entertaining read but lacks the necessary urgency to create drama.
“The Worst Hallmark Christmas Movie Never Made” by Les Abromovitz is directed by Jacqueline Youm witth Andy Mauer, assistant director. Everyone I know enjoys making fun of the Hallmark formula. This script is a long-form dive into that trope. Though the two cast members move around a great deal, the situation isn’t dynamic. “Two people try to write a screenplay…” seems like only half a premise. The abrupt ending is at odds with the rest of the script. Juanisha Brooks, filling in for an absent cast member, does a terrific job and if I hadn’t been told, I wouldn’t have known. Camden Salguero is expressive and enjoyable to watch.
I applaud the idea of short play festivals. One is assured of seeing something fresh, quality notwithstanding. Seeing experienced performers blend with newcomers is a reminder that everyone starts as an amatuer. There is the opportunity to see something fantastic, by someone who may eventually become one of your favorite playwrights. One is certain to be among fans of theatrical arts, participating in an ambitious tradition. Encouraging expansion and inclusion in the arts is something all of us should do more often.
Running Time: Two hours and 15 minutes, with one 15-minute intermission.
The Silver Spring Stage 2024 One-Act Festival played August 2 to 11, 2024, presented by Silver Spring Stage, 10145 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD.
The program is online here.