Drama Dock’s next production, “New Short Plays, Vol. 1,” will bring audiences into the world of five new works by playwrights Lisa Peretti, Anne Brady, Jennifer Dice, Kelleen Conway Blanchard and the team of Mariah Lee Squires and S.W. Jones.
Performances will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, May 29-31, with matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 31-June 1, at Vashon High School’s theater. The production features a broad lineup of playwrights and genres — from gothic mystery to musical storytelling, domestic drama, and even an apocalyptic comedy with a philosophical twist.
Why short plays? Because, simply, “some theatrical ideas are best expressed briefly,” according to festival curator Steven Sterne, who likened the five pieces to “etudes and sonatas, rather than symphonies.”
Those short-but-sweet works span the human condition. “I Can’t Go Home,” by Jennifer Dice, explores what it’s like to live inside a strange, old song. Kat Eggleston pulls double duty as music director and an actor in the play, which also includes actors Kenny Alton, Susan Lewis, Gretta Stimson and Brooke Osment. Steven Sterne and Maya Krah are director/assistant director.
”I have been working on this short piece on and off for almost 10 years, and it’s a challenging one,” Dice said of her play. “The play requires great musicians who really understand the power of traditional songs, and actors who can comfortably inhabit a mythical place, and who can bring forward some deep experience with few words.”
“Biter,” by Kelleen Conway Blanchard, is a modern gothic tale set near a playground where secrets lurk in the shadows. Directed by Samantha Sherman, it stars Amy Broomhall and Kaycie Alanis.
“Seven Down,” by Mariah Lee Squires and S.W. Jones, is billed as being about “the end of the world, the final word in the crossword puzzle, and a goldfish who may be God.” Directed by Janet McAlpin, the play features Sierra Tinhof, Amy Broomhall, Kaycie Alanis, Brooke Osment and Maya Krah.
Following the intermission is “Pressed,” by Anne Brady — a domestic scene built around an ironing board, revealing the quiet drama of everyday life. It is directed by Chris Boscia and stars Erika Strandberg and Michael Wishkoski.
Finally is “Burlap,” written and directed by Lisa Peretti, her first play since her hit musical, “Winghaven Park.” Phoebe Boroughs, Mila Jones, Mateo Grey and Brian Palermo star in this thriller set in a derelict Vashon barn.
Thanks to 4Culture, the production will have some new greatly discounted and free options along with its standard $30 general admission pricing.
Anyone can buy a $9 plus tax “4Culture Public Access” ticket, less than the cost of a movie for a live performance. Those who want to see the show but would rather not pay anything can find a 4Culture Public Access free ticket on the Drama Dock web site. Find out more and get tickets at dramadock.org.
Audiences who come early will enjoy a special musical treat. Ten minutes before curtain time, a string trio will play a short set of traditional folks songs.
Mila Jones (left, seated) and Phoebe Boroughs (right, seated) and Mateo Grey (standing, left) star in Burlap, written and directed by Lisa Peretti (standing, right.) (Steven Sterne photo)
