"Still Life"--A Valuable Experience
A single flash and a moment becomes frozen in memory. With that moment an impact is made. Devastating or delightful, monumental or miniscule, that flash becomes an unforgettable imprint. The Ghostlight Theatre Club production “Still Life” tells the story of a young woman who has spent her life capturing those elusive impressions for others through her photography, yet has not been able to create a picture of life for herself. Her meeting with Jeffrey comes just as he is being forced to look at life for himself and together, they take their only shots at life and immortality. One flashing moment of immortality.
Author Alexander Dinelaris gives us a script that forces the audience to think as well as react. Director Christi Newbury takes a journey through this play with Jeni White as Carrie Ann, the talented photographer and David Mays as Jeffrey, a disillusioned trends analyst. These two actors provide the level of experience and creativity this touching play requires. Ian Clinton’s portrayal of Terry the typically selfish jerk of a boss is a perfect counterpoint. Anne Holloway as Joanne is very good as mentor to Carrie Ann as well as is Chris Crane as her father, Theo. Additional commanding performances are given by Jason McKelvy as Sean, Jeff’s friend and Kayli Anne Warmker as the young student photographer of Joanne’s that Carrie Ann in her turn mentors. TooToo Cirlot is delightful whether she is Lena, Nina or Sandra and Robyn Mitchell is excellent as Mary, Al and Michaeline.
Ghostlight has a small stage with a minimalist set for most productions. Dinelaris has written an ideal piece for this environment with numerous small scenes that are defined by lighting only. While the lighting designer for this production, Scott Hynes, does a very nice job of designating adequate areas for the actors within the small stage, the actors look as if they feel restricted by the space. Perhaps as they grow a little more into their roles they will look more natural within their confines. Newbury’s direction of the characters is perfect; it is only in this area that she should be providing additional help.
