backpack and backtrack

"Backpack? Well, I know you aren't talking about hiking... right?"

 

You got that right! I'm talking about that musical, "Backpack of Power", over at the Savannah Children's Theatre.

 

"What? They're doing it again? Didn't you see that last year?"

 

Yes, I did, but that was during its premiere performances. This was a little different. They've streamlined it and shortened the stage because they're taking it on the road! Rather, they're taking it to the middle schools, since 6th graders are their target demographic for the lessons of being strong, powerful, bold, and brave. I think it's wonderful that they're following in the footsteps of Savannah Stage Company with that program.

"Most excellent! And how did it go today?"

Well, the actors were wonderful, with the same cast as before in some of the roles, like for Kevin, the new kid on his first day of middle school, and The Backpack, a family heirloom that allows him to travel back in time a few minutes and have a second chance at his response to a tricky situation. Like when a black girl in his class is hassled by a white bully, but the teacher misinterprets the altercation and blames the girl, as does the principal. It's up to Kevin, on his second time around, to stand up for the girl and tell what he witnessed.

"Good for him! I know those tween years can be tricky for kids."

Actually, those were good lessons for adults, too. Sometimes what we think we see is not what actually happened. That's the premise of a new show I've been watching, "The Irrational". Jesse Martin plays a psychologist whose powers of perception are repeatedly called upon by the FBI and the police. It's a very smartly written show.

"He's a good actor. I remember him from "Law & Order". He was partnered with Jerry Orbach, wasn't he? Yeah, good actor."

For sure. And the ones in this play were good, too, and will be even better once they've had more time in front of an audience. The three performances this weekend are all free, to encourage folks to come and to give them practice. I went to the matinee at 3 PM today, which was fairly well attended. I'm glad that Savannah Repertory Theatre have put up some money to take this show to the schools. That will be a big help.

"SavRepTh is helping with funds? Very good! I guess being in their new location on Broughton Street is helping their cash flow. Hey, how was their last play? You never did say."

Oh, I guess I didn't, did I? I was so overwhelmed about the damage to my car afterward.

"So... how was it?"

Actually, "Empanada Loca" was a one-woman show, peopled so descriptively that it seemed that they were right there with her. "Her" is Dolores, recently released from prison, doing time for her boyfriend, Dominic, and his drug trade. She was still in high school when she went in and she was still wrapped up in love with him, as made plain by her graphic sexual details of time with him. She felt sure he had waited for her, as she did the right thing and didn't rat him out - which is what she told the rat that had wandered into her space in the lowest level, dead end, subway station.

"She was talking to a rat?"

For real. At first, we all thought it might have been someone who was lost. We were all just along for the ride, listening intently as she poured out her story, nonstop, for almost 90 minutes. Talking about Tabitha, the inmate who taught her massage techniques; Luis, the boy who took her in after prison, giving her a place in his dad's empanada store; Jonah, the landlord who was schtupping the underage hired help there and threatening to evict them. So, "magic hands" Dolores tells us, she gave the landlord a massage, to relax him and make him chill... only she ended up killing the pervert. No worries, as Luis took the body out. Then, next thing you know, Luis is marketing "carne loca" and drawing in lots of customers!

"Oh, nice! Shades of "Sweeney Todd", right?"

Exactly. In fact, this play was inspired by that one. Ah, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street!

"All it needed was Johnny Depp to make it complete!"

Well, Diany Rodriguez was mighty fine as Dolores. So much energy she gave to that role! She never stopped moving during the play, and she never stopped talking, either.

"That makes two one-person plays, back to back, for you, doesn't it?"

That's true. "Every Brilliant Thing" was not quite two weeks before this one. That had been hard on me; this was not. I guess it's because I couldn't personally relate to a murderous masseuse providing meat for Mexican meals.

"Just like you couldn't resist a bit of alliteration there."

For real! Okay, got other things to do today and I'm burning daylight. Bye!