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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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