Crowded Kitchen Players original new play pits business interests against the arts, with a woman dying of a degenerative disease at the center of the debate, for an evening of compelling theater.
"All You Need to Know" makes that thought-provoking argument and challenges the audience to think about what art really is. Even the music played before the show and during intermission examines the meaning of art.
The provocative play runs through Oct. 23 at the Charles A. Brown Ice House, 56 River St., Bethlehem.
Written and directed by Ara Barlieb, "All You Need to Know" takes a critical look at the hypocrisy of how public funding for the arts is distributed, juxtaposed against the creation of difficult art.
The play moves back and forth between a business-like arts commission which is deciding who will get the 10 million dollars in grants, and two filmmakers who are filming the memories of Althea Ruff, who is at the end of her life. The filmmakers also are one of the applicants for a small grant to finish filming Altheas story.
The commission is a mostly stodgy lot as they rubber stamp questionable but lucrative events like a beer festival and a county fair that bring tourists and money to their town, along with traditional arts programs like the symphony and choir that have predictable programming. However, a prior controversial exhibit at the art museum has thrown the institution out of favor with the commission.
At first Sharon Ferrys feisty commission coordinator is the only voice of dissent against Bruce Brown as smug scripture-quoting Pastor Passover who wants to avoid controversy; Darcel Gibson as bland, conflict-avoiding commissioner Loretta and Phuong Tran as strident, self-important and unyielding commissioner Ichabod.
Also weighing in is the unseen commissioner JJ who does all his glad-hand dealings by phone through his initially compliant proxy ChiChi played by David Donado.
Enter new member and artist Arturo, played with fervor by David "Oz" Oswald who champions Altheas project and demands the others at least watch a screening of the film (effectively created by regional filmmaker Vincent Mondillo).
Trish Cipoletti is remarkable as Althea Ruff, whose body is literally wasting away. Often difficult to watch, she gives Althea an honest grittiness that makes the audience (and at least some of the commission) care about her. She transforms before the audiences eyes in riveting fashion.
Pamela Wallace and Barlieb play the filmmakers as detached professionals who quietly get involved enough to improve Altheas situation, something she initially resents, but comes to appreciate.
The play works particularly well in the small, intimate upstairs theater at The Ice House which draws the audience in and gives the play an immediacy. The effective single set has Althea filming in the foreground while the commission meeting is up on the stage.
Performances are 8 p.m. Oct. 14-15, 21-22; and 2 p.m. Oct. 16 and 23.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors and students.
For tickets, call 610-704-6974 or go to www.ckplayers.com.