The 26th Annual Festival of One-Act Plays - Theatre Three | 3.8.15

Theatre Three is currently presenting their 26th Annual Festival of One-Act Plays from March 8th to April 5th at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, located just downstairs of the mainstage theater. The production features 7 different one-act stories that were selected from over 1,000 submissions, with themes ranging from challenged relationships to the end of the world - and somehow each one of them struck emotion in me. Each one-act play is selected and directed by Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel, who is certainly no beginner in understanding how to make a piece connect with an audience.

While there are no “duds” in this year’s festival, one of my favorites was “Too Much Fondant” written by Theatre Three regular Melanie Acampora. She has written two other plays that were featured in previous festivals and has also appeared on the mainstage in a number of different shows - so her involvement in this year’s production feels extra special. The play features real life couple Brittany Lacey and Evan Teich, which likely adds to the emotion in this piece. Being that these stories are shorter I am hesitant to share too much because I wouldn’t want to take away from the experience, but these two absolutely took my breath away. Between the raw emotion in this story and their performance, I actually felt uncomfortable at times. I felt like I was watching a private moment in a relationship that I was not supposed to see - but I also couldn’t take my eyes off them. I absolutely *love* when a story and performance can make you feel that way! So much credit is due to the writing and the actors…I just cannot say enough good things. Just amazing.

Brittany Lacey and Evan Teich in "Too Much Fondant"

Photo Credit: Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions Inc.

Thankfully, perfection does not end with them. This year’s opener - “A Happy Child” written by Melinda Gros - was another standout. Linda May and Jae Hughes master the art of silence and pacing which makes you focus on other things, like their facial expressions and movements. Everything is done with such *intention* that you’ll find your eyes darting around…these two are super engaging to say the least! I felt a connection to “Final Dress, or Places For the End of the World” by Mathew Green as well. Featuring Hughes, Jason Furnari, Will Brennan, Samantha Fierro, Phyllis March, and Steven Uihlein - as the title suggests, it harkened back to March 2020 when the entire theater community was shutting down and what was to come tomorrow was unknown. You’ll love this one for the performances in it but for the feeling that it brings back to you.

Phyllis March, Will Brennan, Steven Uihlein, Samantha Fierro, Jason Furnari, and Jae Huges in "Final Dress, or Places For the End of the World"

Photo Credit: Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions Inc.

This year’s festival closes with “Cliff”, written by Teri Foltz. The description in the program very simply states “the waiting room of a doctor’s office. The present.” but I feel like this is an understatement. Starring Doug Quattrock and featuring Julia Albino, May, Brennan, Fierro, and March - this play will have you recounting some of the events and interactions in your own life and question the impact you’ve had on others. The night is rounded out with “Monster Love” written by D.L. Siegel (starring Steve Ayle, Julia Albino, and Samantha Fierro), “Where Illusions Go” written by Mark Mulkerin (starring Jason Furnari & Evan Teich), and “Sinergy” written by James McLindon (starring Brittany Lacey, Steven Uihlein, and Steve Ayle) all which contribute to the central theme of challenging emotions and strained relationships with though-provoking dialogue. Not one of them disappoints!

This was one of my favorite years to attend the One-Act Festival at Theatre Three and I’m confident you’ll agree. Whether you have attended these annually or not, you will undoubtedly walk away pleased. It is so refreshing to see original works being produced with such care and talent! This isn’t one you want to miss. The 26th Annual Festival of One-Act Plays will be playing at the theater until April 5th and tickets are extremely limited - they can be purchased in advance by calling the box office or by visiting their website at www.theatrethree.com *or* you can roll the dice and attempt at the door.

Full Company

Photo Credit: Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions Inc.

Cast:

Julia Albino

Steve Ayle

Will Brennan

Samantha Fierro

Jason Furnari

Jae Hughes

Brittany Lacey

Phyllis March

Linda May

Doug Quattrock

Evan Teich

Steven Uihlein

Creative Team:

Director - Jeffrey Sanzel

Stage Manager - Ally Humanitzki

SOUND Design - Tim Haggerty

LIGHTING DESIGN - Steven Uihlein

Technical Direction - Steve Barile, Jr.

Costume Design - jason allyn