Cheryl Thornburg
Sun News
Tom's Smith's new play, "Gray" is a bright spot on
the theater scene. His characters are unique, yet universal.
The world premiere of the play at the Black Box Theatre last week
gave Las Crucens the chance to witness history.
The play centers around three people with different approaches
to life who will never be the same after their encounter. Matt
and Laura have been a couple for four years, although they do
not live together.
She is a sophisticated self-assured young woman whose job looks
to the future, predicting fashion trends. He teaches history and
likes his stable, comfortable life.
Enter Pack, a charismatic, streetwise 16-year old who turns that
world upside down. Pack first meets Laura when she ventures into
his neighborhood in a bad part of town to do research for her
job. Matt, concerned for her safety, follows her, and incurs her
wrath for doing so.
He also, however, finds himself drawn to this sometimes brash,
sometimes vulnerable young man, which sends Matt into some real
soul searching.
Patrick Payne plays Matt. He sometimes seems confused, uncertain
-- but in this case, that's GOOD because his character Matt is
just that -- confused about his feelings for Pack, because he
has never experienced such attractions before. Payne seems to
thrive on complex roles, the more multi-faceted the character,
the more he likes it.
Megan Thompson's composure, posture and body language create a
Laura that is believable and sympathetic.
There is a playful chemistry between her and Patrick Payne, giving
credence to their relationship.
Dusty Payne (no relation to Patrick) plays Pack, perhaps the most
complicated character in the play.
He lives in the moment, manipulating others with his tales, till
even he is not sure what is fiction and what is reality.
Dusty Payne's Pack can seem vulnerable or tough, evoking sympathy
and skepticism from his fellow characters and challenging the
audience to discover what he's all about.
There are twists and turns as the characters interact and some
scenes are out of chronological order, which keeps the audience
guessing and intrigued.
Director Ceil Herman enjoys challenging material and bringing
it to life. Her casting decisions are calculated to do just that
and as usual she's right on with "Gray."
"Gray" also has a stylish look thanks to the lighting
design by Peter Herman.
From carefully chosen colored spotlights to dramatic projected
cityscapes, he's obviously had fun working on this production.
Smith's play can be enjoyed on many levels. It's basic story and
themes are interesting -- just what is the nature of attraction?
What if someone suddenly finds themselves attracted to someone
of the same gender? Does that automatically mean that they are
homosexual or even bisexual?
But there's even more -- "Gray" makes you think about
your approach to life -- are you resistant to change? Are you
entrenched in the past, the status quo? Are you missing out by
not taking chances? Different questions may arise for different
people.
"Gray" is thought-provoking, and that makes for good
theater. The play includes adult themes and may not be suitable
for all audiences and is not suitable for children.
"Gray" runs through July 7. Performances are Fridays
and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 7 at 2:30 p.m. Ticket
prices are $7 for adults and $6 for senior citizens and students.
For reservations call the Black Box Theatre at (505) 523-1223
or online at http: www.zianet.com/nstcbbt The Black Box Theatre
is located at 430 N. Downtown Mall.
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