Between the Lines Studio Theatres production of "Stupid F**king Bird" is sublimely smart and unexpectedly hilarious.
The play at Between the Lines Allentown theater through Sept, 25, is a modern day adaptation of Chekhovs 1896 play "The Seagull" and is written by Aaron Posner, co-founder of the Arden Theatre Company in Philadelphia. The script crackles with insight as it ponders the complexity of relationships, the cruelty of love, and the drive to create art.
The ensemble cast are all excellent in this dark, funny and occasionally profound piece.
The play follows Conrad, a struggling playwright who is trying to write a play. Jon Riker embodies Conrads extreme intensity. Riker makes Conrads misery palpable with trembling hands and piercing gaze. Conrad has a troubled relationship with his actress mother Emma, is obsessively in love with his muse Nina and frets he will never create art that will "make a difference."
The play frequently breaks the fourth wall and the intimate black box stage at Between the Lines theater is an ideal setting to bring the audience right into the action. In fact, Rikers Conrad begins the play by exhorting the audience to yell "start the f**king play." (And yes, the f-bomb is used frequently.)
At one point Riker asks the audience for advice on Conrads love life and engages an audience member in a brief discussion of her suggestion. Riker delivers Conrads monologues that touch on everything from climate change to politics, with fiery passion and finesse, and he makes Conrads rumination on the word "thwart" sidesplittingly funny.
As Nina, Jamie LeRaye is focused, though flighty. LeRayes Nina is honest but self-serving.
Also intense, but more fatalistic, is Ash Miller as Mash. As a musician who pines for Conrad, she sings humorously depressing songs accompanying herself on the ukulele. With a punk rock vibe, Millers Ash is prickly and unapologetically emanates her anger.
Julia Urich makes Conrads overbearing mother Emma a desperate control freak. Urichs Emma is determinedly strong but unable to connect with her son.
Justin Larson is smug and self-indulgent as the famous writer Doyle who beds both Emma and Nina.
Jacob Schippell is Conrads friend Dev, who describes himself as the boob of the play. However Schippels Dev is appealingly affable and a needed counterpoint to the sustained intensity of the other characters.
Also providing relief from the intensity is Pat Kelly as the amiable Dr. Sorn who makes detached and bemused observations on the overpowering emotions of the other characters. His bit with a lifesaver as he tries to comfort Mash is a hoot.
Director Nicole Anderson sustains the pace and uses the space well. There are plenty of little touches that add to the show, from the amusing on-stage eating of fruit to truly of-the-moment modern references.
Even if you arent familiar with the source material, "Stupid F**king Bird" is a fun, intelligent and
entertaining work of art. If you are familiar with Checkov, even better.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17, 23 and 24 and 2 p.m. Sept. 18 and 25 at the companys theater at 725 N. 15th St., Allentown.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors and students.
For information, go to betweenthelinestheatre.com/.