Director Shawn LaCount and the Asian-American cast (all making their Company One debuts) create an atmosphere that is perfect for sitting back and listening to a story in the cozy Plaza Theatre at the BCA. With no intermission to interrupt the flow of the less-than-ninety minutes production, the five actors do not break stride as the scenes shift, sometimes changing from one character to another on the fly, as it were. Tow removes green gloves and green-rimmed eyeglasses, straightens his posture, and places a battered fedora on his head to transform from Frog to Narrator. As Katagiri, Lee wears a trench coat, necktie, and a worried look, but is relaxed and convivial in a leather jacket and backwards baseball cap when Takatsuki takes the stage. Penny plays Sala as endearing and inquisitive, but is equally adept in the nightmare scene as the horrified child trapped in a little box by the Earthquake Man. The nine-year old Needham girl's stage presence is totally charming and unpretentious.
The beating heart of After the Quake lies in the relationship between Sayoko and Junpei. Ty and Tang show us the emotional journey of the two who start as friends and emerge as soul mates. The love is always in their eyes, sometimes tinged with sadness and longing, and sometimes with hope or redemption. Each of the actors gives a solid performance and offers something to like about their characters. Frog is a bit cartoonish, but I mean that in a good way. Tow's rendition brings to mind William Shatner with his somewhat staccato manner of speech, and his frog-like stance and leaping from point A to point B are spot on. Lighting Designer John Forbes helps out, providing green shading for Frog's scenes. Sean Cote's set is compact and efficient as two large cubes have drawers that house props and serve as table and chairs, hospital bed, and perch for Frog. The backdrop evokes a Japanese screen and frames the musicians seated on the top tier of the stage. Costume Designer Miranda Kau Giurleo dresses them in beige Karate gi-style outfits, but other than Sayoko's kimono, the actors wear mostly typicAl Western garb.
In sum, After the Quake is a good story well told, with humor and pathos and fully realized characters that are not so different from us. They find themselves in situations that test them and they must dig deep to get in touch with their true emotions and find the courage to face their individual challenges. We can learn from their choices and their journeys, but it never feels like a lesson because The company One production is so enchanting. It's a great bedtime story, too. I'm just sorry I still had to drive home.
Photo: Shaw Pong Liu, Giselle Ty, Chen Tang, Michael Tow, James Wylie
