The Robot, the Spy and the Love of A.I. by John Arthur Long
Trevor (Gabriel Rysdahl) runs an AI research program centering on a four-legged, talking, dog-like robot (live, onstage) that not only obeys orders, but has clandestinely tapped into new algorithms, beginning to independently think and even feel, quoting Shakespeare. Second in command, Melanie (Monica Park) works directly with the G5. The two have developed a warm relationship. In fact, Robie is in love. “Why can you not love me – because I have no face, no penis?”
Gabriel Rysdahl (Trevor), Melanie (Monica Park), Robie (himself)
Melanie, or as Robie calls her, MEL-O-DEE, is unaware that Trevor is an industrial spy about to shut down her charge and sell its programming. The dog, who prefers the nickname “Poopy” – don’t ask- has overheard the administrator’s plans which include contingency to harm Melanie. He sets his own system to protect her at all costs.
As Trevor, Rysdahl is overly loud and bombastic stripping any sense of credibility. Park, on the other hand, emerges understated and sympathetic. Interaction with the Robie is droll and oddly sweet; the robot fun to watch articulately move and emote.
Both human characters could be more distinctively developed. Single allusion to Trevor’s having bedded Melanie misses an opportunity. Her reaction to Robie’s declaration is appealing. ‘An almost ran.
Brothers by Lyle Kessler
Chris Cortez Adams (Van)
Lights come up on Van sitting in a chair beside an institutional bed. (It’s a dorm room.) The young man looks beatific. Actor Chris Cortez Adams is so immersed, weather changes in the theater. His brother Mark (Connor Stewart) having been called by the school, has arrived to take Ben home to their concerned parents.
Van is living monastically. He’s given away all his possessions “like Tolstoy” including clothes, rarely leaves the room except for class and has no friends. As we know nothing else about erratic behavior – his philosophy teacher thinks he has a superior mind – one wonders why he’s asked to leave school. Mark loves his brother. He’s extremely worried. They argue. Supposedly unstable, Van is the beginning of an intriguing character and an excellent actor. Playing Mark, Stewart does a yeoman like job. The play unfortunately goes nowhere.
By the Look of Her by David Rabe
Adrienne Acevalo (the nun), Sachi Parker (Helen), Lorna (Christina Perry)
The weakest of the three by the best known playwright, this piece features the dreadful relationship between ordinarily mean, comatose Helen (Sachi Parker), and daughter, Lorna (Christina Perry), in attendance at her hospital bedside.
A helpful nun (Adrienne Acevalo) does what she can but is handicapped by inefficiency in the hospital and dysfunction of the family. The summoned priest administers Last Rites with neither concern nor gravitas. A doctor (CK Allen) is inexplicably missing for some time, then arrives with a chip on his shoulder.
Lorna’s husband Jim, eating a sandwich, aware he’s not wanted by his mother-in-law, is present only in body. Her brother Hank (Brandon Hughes) drives a distance only to be shunned when Helen suddenly, vociferously revives in response to an injection filled with – “sugar!?” Nor is Lorna offered reprieve.
There’s no point. Characters are unlikeable. Acting and direction – except for the nun – are mediocre to poor.
Ah theater, one never knows.
Chain Theatre One Act Festival– February 6 – March 2, 2025
Chain Theatre
312 West 36th Street floors 3 and 4
