Theater Review: A Bench in the Sun

by Mark-Brian Sonna of MBS Productions

Absolutely delightful.

Ron Clark’s trifle of a play A Bench in the Sun is one of the most smile-inducing plays I’ve ever seen. This simple story of two old fogy’s in a retirement home bickering about the mundane life they lead only to find a new topic of bickering – an aging movie star that “moves” - provides many a hearty laugh. The play is funny because anyone with an older parent, or that is of “age” can relate to the conversations about bodily “mis”-functions, frustrations of not being as young as one pictures oneself in the mind, and how boring life’s excitement is when it is now mainly in the past and not in the future. This is not heavy philosophical theatre, it is light social commentary, but done in an emotionally bucolic way. No, this play won’t change your life, but it will sure leave you with joy in your heart.

The staging by Charles Ballinger is simple and brilliant. These old “poots” mainly sit on a bench throughout the play, yet the action never feels static. The twosome – later the threesome - create an array of simple yet wonderful pictures that express the inner characters thoughts, longings, and desires. At times the compositions are picture perfect, such as when the three get caught out in the rain. Umbrellas are opened to much comic emphasis, and for a second the action freezes creating a hilarious yet beautiful picture. The image has seared into my mind, and still makes me smile.

To say the acting is terrific would be an understatement. Larry Randolph as the slovenly Burt is one of the strongest actors in town. He is such a comedian he’d turn reading the phone book into a riotous exercise. Cliff Stephens’ physical comedy is stupendous. Yes, we know some of the sight gags are coming a mile away, but he is able to deliver them with such panache we still laugh and guffaw at his absurdities. Gene Raye Price as Adrienne hits the most amazing balance of aging actress glamour, coy-flirt, and bitch, all at once. I won’t spoil the punch line but it follows a comment of “I slept like a baby.” She so shocked us with her delivery the entire cast had to hold for the audience to recover. She is quite the comedienne.

Larry Randolph doubled up as the set designer, and he proves his talent in this area. The set is deceptively simple yet it works wonders for it keeps the focus on the actors. The darkened cut outs of the trees and garden make the action in front “pop” visually. The lighting by Cory Leugemors gave the effect of dappled sunshine. It felt fresh and outdoorsy. M. Grame Bice was responsible for the sound design. I enjoyed every moment of recorded madness between the scenes. And lastly, the costume design by Illusions truly hit the mark.

This is about as flawless a production there could be had in North Texas. One Thirty Productions is responsible for this genius. This is now the third show I’ve seen from this nascent theatre company and all I could say is: “wow!”

A Bench in the Sun runs through March 28 and tickets can be reserved by calling 214-532-1709.