Class6 Delivers Quite a Blow

Neil LaBute is one of my favorite playwrights. His work is uncomfortable. It delves into the darker side of human nature, evoking discussion and analysis for days. When Bash first opened Off-Broadway, it was promoted as Bash: Latter-Day Plays (three one acts), and was the catalyst for LaBute's disfellowshipment from the Mormon church.

I had never seen the production and so I was quite pleased to see that Class 6 was closing its inaugural season with the show. I feel guilty for attending the pay-what-you-can Preview simply because the show I got was worth much more than what I paid.

Director Eric Schoen has assembled a cast of four, each as engaging and enraging as the next. The staging is simple, a black box and four chairs. The actors do not stand or pace to and fro. They sit... and reel you in.

There was no intermission. I didn't miss it one bit.

From the moment Eric Zaklukiewicz began a monologue that had to be quite a bitch to memorize, I was hooked. What started as a rambling, disjointed tale by a misogynist salesman, morphed into the deliberate retelling of a chilling crime. A crime for which there is no reason nor answer. Uncomfortable and heartbreaking, I couldn't help but to both hate and pity him.

(I'll try not to spoil any plot points. The beauty of LaBute is that if you don't know the show, you WILL be taken on an emotional roller-coaster ride.)

The second offering by duo Carlo La Tempa (John) and Portia Beacham (Sue) dialed up the humor and intensity a notch when describing the events of a formal church event. Their pacing was impeccable as they simultaneously related their perspectives to the audience without ever interacting with one another. Ms. Beacham was ever the poised and perfect WASP girlfriend and graciously allowed the abrasive, but somehow still charming La Tempa to land his laugh lines with the comedic timing of a true pro. I found myself along for the road trip and could only sit in rapt horror as John betrayed us with his nonchalant beating of a middle-aged homosexual in a bathroom.

Before I could catch my breath, I was transported to an interrogation room where a meek, but articulate woman (Brittany Bradford) illustrated the events surrounding the relationship she had with her English teacher at the age of 13. Ms. Bradford is a treat to watch. I'd dare call her an 'actor's actor' as I found myself absolutely mesmerized by her ability to reach so easily and organically into a place that is dark and sacred and bring us right along with her.

Perhaps I've become a bit jaded about the theatre scene lately, but I was very pleasantly surprised tonight. This is not fluff or 'feel-good' theatre. It is the kind of performance that begs for a few cocktails afterward and a hearty discussion amongst friends. Three stories of violence and loss by four amazing local performers. I cannot recommend it enough; if only for the performances of La Tempa and Bradford, which are well worth the full price ticket.

Now performing at The Little Theatre at Phoenix Theatre through May 30th.
http://class6theatre.org/

Seriously.
You won't regret it.
I promise.