My funny 'Valentine'

What will unfold when six zany characters surround one dinner table on Valentine's Day? In "Valentine at Bellevue" by Joshua Williams '07, the answer is a true slice-of-life comedy.

The heart of the play is an idiosyncratic group of partygoers. The host is a young gay man (Stephen Strenio '09) who has struggled to become a Shakespearean actor since graduating from Stanford but is now a professional wrestler. The guests include his mother (Christine Murphy '07), his agent (Shawn Fennell '09), a professional ballet dancer (Kut Akdogan '10), his college roommate (Yu Gan '07) and the roommate's new girlfriend (Alexis Morgan '10).

The play itself is well-written. There is a clear, consistent tone throughout, as well as a wonderful sense of humor. Sometimes the comedy is pushed a bit too far, but, for the most part, the play is pleasant and genuine.

The storyline and the characters within it are very honest. Indeed, the funniest moments come when they repeatedly butt heads.

The direction by Whitney Mosery '08 and the set design done by Devon Wessman-Smerdon '05 and Scott Grzencyzyk '06, noticeably improve the play. The layout of the apartment and dividing of the rooms allow for dynamics, but a constant sense of suffocation adds to the tension of the party. I loved when two of the characters engaged in what they thought was a private discussion, while really other characters listened in from across the stage. This sense of realism, present throughout the show, makes "Valentine at Bellevue" come alive.

Fennell must be mentioned at this point, as he steals many of the scenes as the very eccentric yet endearing agent, David Carlisle. He has the remarkable ability to disappear into his character. From the moment he steps on stage, it is easy to believe he is an insane agent who tries earnestly to fit in, yet somehow is always left on the sidelines. He also has a sensitive ear for comedic timing, an approach that strengthens the play tremendously.

Akdogan also gives a strong performance. More than anything, his stage presence is what makes him stand out. Seemingly unaware of the audience, he has a simple ease on stage that is both relaxing and inviting. He plays Ruben Gonzales as an honest man with a quiet wit.

Murphy certainly deserves mention as well for her performance in the role of Sophia Brown, an aging soap opera actress. It is difficult to realistically portray a character much older than oneself, but Murphy rises to the challenge. Her sense of the character's drama and gravitas gives us the impression that she is far more sophisticated and experienced than any of the other characters.

Some of the acting, however, is less than stellar. Major problems arise when actors aren't able to create reality on stage. This is crucial for any show, but particularly in "Valentine at Bellevue," which leans so heavily on reality, its absence sticks out like a sore thumb. Some of the actors don't seem to understand their characters fully; rather, it appears that they are merely playing themselves onstage. This play is very specific in nature; it deals with the interactions of these particular characters. If we can't see these characters come to life on stage, then the effect is weakened.

Overall, though, "Valentine at Bellevue" is a refreshing experience. It is engaging and very funny, and it is wonderful to see student-written work on stage — work that is unexpectedly different while remaining genuine. See this show before it closes. It's a lighthearted, fun dose of reality that will make you leave the theatre in a good mood.

"Valentine at Bellevue" runs at Theatre Intime March 1-3 at 8p.m., and March 3 at 2p.m. Tickets available at Frist or Intime before the show.

Pros

Well-written Good acting Very funny

Cons

Some weak acting Comedy strained at times

4 out of 5 paws