Described by director Joseph Porter, as "a darkly comic love story which shows how hard it is to outrun your past", the show starts off conventionally enough, at least in a New York City way. Neal (Christopher Young) and Emily (Emily Williams) meet while mutually running into a victim of a gay-bashing incident and romance blossoms. The pair progress on to the expected love affair which is commented on in audience asides by the actors. The romantic bliss however, is ambushed by Gene (John Pizzigoni), Emily's overbearing stepfather who happens to be a dental equipment salesman visiting the city on business. Gene's style is anything but refined and easily skewers Neal and Emily's happy life with crazy zingers on fictional dentists. The breezy dialogue and easy flow both in and out of character is one the plays unique traits and playwright Jeffrey Sweet's writing style.
Director Joseph Porter was unfamiliar with the play until he was asked to direct an Alliance Repertory production but quickly warmed to it. "I like the style Sweet uses and his general attitude towards theater," said Porter. While the story's elements can across to some as a send up of the "Romantic Comedy" genre, Porter doesn't think it goes that far. "Don't think I'd call it a spoof but it certainly puts a unique spin on the genre", he said.
The unique spin was influenced by Chicago's famous Second City comedy troupe and infused Sweet's take with having characters address their concerns directly to the audience. Gene proves to be more than just boorish stepfather but a master manipulator that get both Emily's and her mother Georgia's (Alison Byrne) skin but then reveals chinks in the armor of her apparently solid relationship with Neal. According to Porter some of his favorite comic moments include Gene's cruise ship story and Emily transition to being an angry person.
Sweet's play provides a unique take on a basic story idea of "Boy meets Girl" that there is more than one point of view. Porter a fan of this type of theater added, "'Bluff' is dedicated to Lanford Wilson, a pioneer in deconstructed theater and one of my favorite playwrights."
About Alliance Repertory
The Alliance Repertory Theatre Company was founded in 1999 by Jerry Marino and Jeff Streger. We are a non-profit 501c3company dedicated to producing distinctive, challenging and thought-provoking theater, and to providing local actors, directors and writers the opportunity to display and expand their talents.
About show location
The MONDO Summit building is a 94-year-old brick building which has been reconstructed for its next 100 years! The building is dedicated to the arts of all kinds....craftsmanship, culinary arts, visual arts, performing arts and literary arts. It is a testimony to the importance of human ingenuity, community involvement and entrepreneurship in a world transitioning to be a better place. MONDO strives to be a destination for shopping, eating, wholesome entertainment and pursuit of one's creative self. It is a leisure time experience for patrons and visitors. The value system inherent at MONDO is wholesome, creative, affirming and fun! Products, services and experiences at MONDO Summit are offered to enhance your personal interactions in the world. Visit us and enjoy!
Alliance Repertory Theatre Company
Mondo, 426 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ
Lower Level Grotto Stage
November 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 at 8PM
November 16 at 2:00PM
Tickets: $24 - for Adults, $15 - Students or Seniors
3 Ways to Reserve and Purchase Tickets:
1. Email info@mondosummit.com
2. Visit www.alliancerep.org
3. Call 917-969-4534
Cast
Emily: Emily Williams
Neal: Christopher J Young
Gene: John Pizzigoni
Geogia: Alison Byrne
Bonnie/Marta: Julie Ann Nolan
Loring/Fred/SM: Louis Vetter
Special Thanks: Elyse Halloran
Joyce Porter
Director: Joseph Porter
Stage Manager/Board Op: Aubriana Sabino
