Zeitgeist Stage
Company has a solid reputation for finding the quirkiest scripts. You’re almost
always in for a surprise. A BRIGHT NEW BOISE by Samuel D. Hunter (playing
through Oct. 20th) starts off like a strange little comedy about
clerks in a hobby supply store---until it turns into NO EXIT.
Hunter’s
characters are a bunch of endearing misfits trying their darnedest to find
meaning in life despite their meaningless jobs selling styrofoam balls and sealing
wax. The new guy (Victor Shopov) gingerly introduces himself to his fellow
workers when one of them announces that “I’m deliberately trying to make you
uncomfortable:” Turns out that’s his mission in life. David Lutheran gives a
hilarious performance as the clerk with an endless knowledge of inventory and
an artistic agenda.
Shopov manages
brilliantly to put a face (and a tortured soul) on Christian apocalyptics who
pin their hopes on the end of the world. It’s his character who drives the plot
into disturbing terrain. Hunter almost pulls off the dark detour but I, for
one, wanted more comedy because of the delightful banter. It’s director David
Miller’s cast that makes the show crackle.
Zach Winston is
perfection as the quintessential prickly teenager struggling with
adolescence/identity issues/everything. Janelle Mills is a scream as the store
manager with the mouth. You can’t wait for her to try another abysmal attempt
at her brand of “conflict resolution.” Dakota Shepard is so sweet and wacky you
wish she had more to do with the story. Her absurd ideas come out sounding
eminently reasonable until you weigh what she’s said. What a rich collection of
oddballs. Don’t miss meeting them in Zeitgeist’s BOISE.
P.S. Wednesdays
are pay what you can (with a minimum of $7). Where else can you find a bargain
like that!
