By Crystal Hayduk
“Smart Love” is a multi-faceted story about parents and children, husbands and wives, intelligence and technology, hard work and miracles, and life and death.
The story centers around a technologically gifted MIT student, Benjamin Wachowski (David Bendena), who is in anguish after his father, Ron (Wayne David Parker), unexpectedly dies.
One could reasonably label “Smart Love” as an uber-modern tale with similarities to Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” but with language and themes that will resonate with audiences ranging in age from teens through seniors. When Sandy Wachowski (Sarab Kamoo) and Victor Sims (Jim Porterfield) discuss jam and coffee, everyone recognizes the underlying problem of choice overload.
Through playwright Brian Letscher’s heartfelt dialogue, the audience not only empathizes with the desires and agonies of the characters, but also marvels at the wonders of Benjamin’s specific application of modern science. While the characters explore the moral and ethical response to the question of whether a thing should be done just because it is possible, audience members can’t help but consider their own answers.
Just as Shelley challenged her audience in 1818, Letscher challenges us in 2017.
Each of the four actors portray their characters with passion, but Bendena is especially outstanding as Benjamin. His part requires strength and stamina, yet his body language, speech, and energy never fades.
Kamoo (Sandy) admirably interprets her maternal role, as she shows the audience a variety of emotions, ranging from love to fear and anger.
The minute details in Parker’s (Ron) convincing performance are unifying and critical to the advancement of the story.
Porterfield gives an honest performance, making Victor a truly likeable fellow.
The play is performed without an intermission, which captivates the audience with the seamless flow. Moments of dry humor and beauty ease the tension created by the subject matter.
The set design clearly represents a modest home in the midst of refurbishing, while the common Michigan references place the home in the Southeast corner of the state. The properties serve a vital, thought-provoking purpose as Benjamin expounds on the personal sacrifices that scientists and creative-types make in order to meet consumer demands.
Lighting and sound effects reflect the story’s mood, as does the choice of music during and after the performance.
Note: the show contains adult language, as well as loud sound effects.
“Smart Love” is a fast-paced, exciting play with a critical message. In the words of Victor Sims, “It’s complicated.”
Brian Letscher
Michigan playwright Brian Letscher wrote “Smart Love,” his second play produced at PRTC, based on the questions in his mind after watching a documentary in the middle of a sleepless night. A graduate of the University of Michigan, he now lives in the Los Angeles area and has recurring roles as Tom Larsen on ABC’s “Scandal,” and as Octo-Man on “Grimm”; with guest starring roles in more than two dozen prime time television shows.
Letscher has many theater credits in New York City and LA, as well as two at PRTC: “Bus Stop” and “When the Lights Come On,” which he also wrote. He will star in the yet-to-be-released feature film “Loners.”
“Smart Love”
What: World Premiere
When: Now playing through March 4; Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings; Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
Where: The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park St.
Playwright: Brian Letscher
Director: Guy Sanville, assisted by Michelle Mountain
Cast: David Bendena, Sarab Kamoo, Wayne David Parker, Jim Porterfield
Crew: Design includes set by Gary Ciarkowski, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Shelby Newport, lighting by Dana L. White, and sound by Tom Whalen. Stage manager – Angie Kane Ferrante with assistance by Thomas Macias; managing director – Katie Hubbard.
Tickets: Available at www.purplerosetheatre.org or by calling the box office at 734-433-7673.
