Theatrical Review: Lips Together, Teeth Apart

LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART
Written by: Terrence McNally
Directed by: Rob Ramos*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Worthington Players production of “Lips Together, Teeth Apart” by Terrence McNally. The performance which this review is based upon was a special presentation of a public dress rehearsal brought about by the originally scheduled dress rehearsal being canceled due to inclement weather. Therefore, as with many productions, this presentation was not without numerous flaws. However, it was evident many of these flaws would dissipate once the production begins it’s normal run so to focus a review on them would be grossly unfair to everyone involved and prove a disservice to those who are considering attending the theatrical event.

The play is essentially about two married couples spending the 4th of July at a Fire Island beach house left to a woman by her brother who has died of AIDS. While the play could have simply been about dealing with the death of a loved one who had died from the disease and dealing with the heterosexual diss-ease of confronting an environment embracing the gay lifestyle, it could have been almost about any topic. The play is really about the even more evasive disease of isolationism which is demonstrated through the meaningful and revealing moments containing monologues delivered to the audience while other characters in the play are frozen in tableau. These monologues not only reveal what each character is going through at any given moment or how they perceive their reality, they also entreat the audience to examine their thoughts and perceptions as well.

In spite of the flubbed and dropped lines, lapses in the plays pacing, and lack of stability in some of the tableaus, it was an enjoyable evening once one realized it was a dress rehearsal typical of other theatrical endeavors and the speculation of how brilliant the gems inherent in the show would shine once they were polished. The discovery of these gems were made by simply watching the quality performances by those familiar actors who have gained a reputation for their considerable skills along with unfamiliar actors to those who attend the shows at The Shawnee Playhouse* who deserve the same reputation. These actors are Denise Crawn* who portrayed Chloe Haddock, Patrick Turner who portrayed John Haddock, Amy Cramer* who portrayed Sally Truman and serves as the Shawnee Playhouse* publicist, and Rob Ramos* who portrayed Sam Truman and directed the work.

Rob Ramos‘* directorial duties were shared by Assistant Director Lillian Ramirez Gonzalez* who (along with Mary Horn and Kasey Mesko) also served as a member of the box office staff and Second Assistant Director John Cusumano*. The Production was Stage Managed by Irene Garner* while the scenic and lighting design was created by Kayla Goble. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse* is Midge McClosky* while the producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood.

This production of “Lips Together, Teeth Apart” by Terrence McNally will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until January 27th and is recommended for those who would value the opportunity to reexamine their thoughts and perceptions in order to seek a cure of their own isolationistic tendencies. The next Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presentation will be The Worthington Players production of “Love Letter” will be February 8th - 17th. Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $2.00 discount off the admission fee. Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 for more information and to reserve your ticket.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.