“The LaBute New Theater Festival” at St. Louis Actors’ Studio has a lot to say

St. Louis Actors’ Studio opened its “LaBute New Theater Festival” on July 7th with five intriguing one acts. Now in its ninth cycle, these short plays each stand on their own with engaging characters and some unforeseen plot twists.

Neil LaBute’s one act play, “Safe Space”, opens the evening. It stars Jane Paradise and Reginald Pierre. Impeccably directed by John Contini, “Safe Space” tells the story of a white woman who buys a ticket to a play on a “black out” night where the evening is intended mainly for a black audience and is seated next to a black man. The conversation begins politely enough but spirals, as one can imagine, into less than civil tones. Mr. LaBute brings up some very interesting points along the way and Ms. Paradise and Mr. Pierre bring so much humanity to each perspective that it feels like my heart is at a tennis match deciding which side to take.

“The Blind Hem” by local actor and new playwright Bryn McLaughlin, is an “Oleanna”-esque story of a Shakespeare professor, played by Anthony Wininger, having an affair with a former student, played by Eileen Engel. Director Kari Ely does a lovely job balancing the intimacy with the isolation and loneliness in the piece. Kudos to Light Designer Kristi Gunther on creating a sink effect for the bathroom!

Rounding out the first half of the program is the wacky “Da Vinci’s Cockroach” by Amy Tofte, which is also directed by Mr. Contini. Set in an art gallery, Colleen Backer portrays patron Dana and Laurel Button is gallery attendant Finn. The pair out weird each other as the scene progresses and we learn more about who they are. Ms. Backer is particularly engaging and goofy in her character while Costumer Designer Abby Pastorello did a bit of a disservice to Ms. Button in her choices of wig and costume which overshadow the character of Finn.

The second half comprises two emotionally packed pieces both directed by Ms. Ely. “One Night in The Many Deaths Of Sonny Liston” by J.B. Heaps, stars Reginald Pierre as the title character with Eileen Engel simply known as Her. “The Mockingbird’s Nest” by Craig Bailey, stars Jane Paradise as Daisy and Colleen Backer as Robyn.

“Sonny Liston” is the story of the last night of the famed boxer’s life. Mr. Pierre is perfection as Sonny and the tale is told almost as a true crime novel. “Mockingbird” begins with the heartbreak of caretaking for a dementia impaired parent until the plot twists unexpectedly. Both Ms. Paradise and Ms. Backer play their roles beautifully and you’ll just have to buy a ticket to find out what happens! Both plays are brilliantly paced and directed. Special mention again to Ms. Gunther for creating terrific lighting effects for very different spaces and moods.

The show ran a bit long overall, and I will say that every piece could be cut by a good 10 minutes. However each one is interesting and thought provoking. Actors Paradise, Pierre, and Backer are especially worth the price of admission.

“The LaBute New Theater Festival” presented by St. Louis Actors’ Studio at The Gaslight Theater runs through July 23rd. For tickets and information visit the St. Louis Actors’ Studio website.