Short description

By Constance Congdon. A dark, dark comedy disguised as a tragedy. When the apocalypse is no longer an excuse for a lack of a sense of humor.

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Last viewed on March 15, 2010, 5:01 pm
It was last updated on July 9, 2007, 11:16 pm
It was originally posted: 2007-03-05 22:03:28
By Key City Players

DESCRIPTION

Suppose a male-dominated society wrecked the world. Would a matriarchal society be the antidote, or would absolute power corrupt absolutely, yet again?

Internationally produced playwright Constance Congdon explores this question and one family’s warped state of arrested development after the planet is torn apart by greed, war and environmental devastation. The result is “SO FAR: The Children of the Elvi.” In Congdon’s twisted post-apocalyptic world, survivors speak a deconstructed language, question their fragmented sense of history, and have no sense of possibilities beyond their own fence-line.

“SO FAR,” a dark, dark comedy disguised as a tragedy, opens Friday, June 22, at the Key City Playhouse in Port Townsend and runs for four weekends. Key City Players is proud to present the Northwest premiere of this contemporary play and to host the Massachusetts playwright in residence.

Originally commissioned and produced by Congdon’s alma mater, the University of Massachusetts, “SO FAR” has been called one of the “best plays not yet produced in New York” by Tim Samson, artistic director of Playwrights’ Horizons.

This production is directed by KCP Artistic Director Denise Winter. It contains mature themes and is not suitable for children.

The play runs June 22-July 14 at the Key City Playhouse, 419 Washington St., Port Townsend. Performances are Thurs., Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m.; Sun. at 7 p.m. General admission is $12; $10 for students. The pay-what-you-wish performance is Thurs., June 28. Tickets at Quimper Sound Music and Media, 230 Taylor St., Port Townsend; www.quimpersound.com. Also visit www.keycityplayers.org.

User-Submitted Reviews

average rating: - from 1 reviewer
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We’re at the crossroads, Robert Johnson. World-class artists have always lurked in our Victorian seaport yet, until recently, our gaslight theatres have proved beacons of rectitude, comfortably safe from streetwalking progressives. Nowadays our Key City Players and The Paradise Theatre School seem engaged in a talent contest, leapfrogging each other at will. So far, “SO FAR” easily clears our highest bar. Will this Calaveras jump be a green blur over a 2-story alehouse or are we, the audience, being ushered into a golden age of multifaceted theatre in Port Townsend. The play, “SO FAR: The Children of Elvi”, a short-version world premiere by Constance Congdon, sneaks up on us with the subtle deftness of a steamroller. The apocalyptic vision of “Mad Max” or “Pirates of the Caribbean” with seven characters we actually care about. Act One rolls you out flat, wondering what hit you. Act Two is kind enough to flip us over and do it again. The Director (Denise Winter) is guilty of high theatricality. Her uniform good casting and actor guidance forged an unbreakable chain with no weak links. The repertory physicality and carefully staged chaos were exhilarating especially for any retirees in the audience. Her in-person collaboration with the playwright surgically removed over an hour from the play’s original running time resulting in a lean muscular physique. Program Artist/Designer (Jolene Sunding) depicted graphically the play’s essence. Set Director (Brad Mace) painstakingly placed so much early-Alaskan roadhouse junk into one small space, it’ll never fit back in his truck. Costume Designer (Erin McNamara), with her sober eye for Skookum couture, should be his designated driver. Lighting Designer (Ellen Falconer) and Make-up Artist (Angela Brasier-Agnew) both get aerobic workouts during the show’s run. The unpredictability of Chet (David Wayne Johnson) and Beartha (Camille Hildebrandt) easily siphon our attention whenever on stage. Mama (Nancy Muir) commands undying allegiance and gets it. Rainy (Angela Amos), Redmond (Caleb Dearing), and Clovis (Brian Gilbert) highlight the majesty of pidgin English while exploiting their obvious physical beauty. Watch out for Father (Peter Wiant). Father Knows Best. Is Ms. Congdon’s (“Connie” after attending her excellent interactive Master Class) abridged premiere worth crossing Hood Canal for? Is the Pope Catholic? Do I give this production of “SO FAR: The Children of Elvi” all 5 amateur stars? Yes. I think so. Yes.

-Steve Treacy June 24, 2007, 1:14 pm

REVIEWS & PREVIEWS

User-Submitted Reviews

Port Townsend Leader Review by Kathie Meyer Wednesday, June 27, 2007 The making of \"SO FAR: The Children of the Elvi\" -- an interview with playwright Constance Congdon and director Denise Winter. (read article) Port Townsend Leader Review by DD Wigley Wednesday, June 27, 2007 Go see this play right away, because you might just have to see it again....the best Key City Players production I\'ve seen yet. (read article) Kitsap Sun (Bremerton) Review by Michael Moore Monday, June 25, 2007 Profoundly well produced ... meticulously staged and muscularly acted ... as intriguing a play as you\'re liable to see this year. (read article) Port Townsend Leader Preview by Kathie Meyer Monday, June 25, 2007 In Congdon\'s twisted post-apocalyptic world, survivors question their fragmented sense of history and have no sense of what lies beyond their fence. (read article) Kitsap Sun (Bremerton) Preview by Michael Moore Monday, June 25, 2007 Key City pushes the envelope with SO FAR: \"Oh, yeah, I\'d say it\'s the edgiest of my plays,\" says playwright Constance Congdon in an interview. (read article)

average rating: - from 1 reviewer Read complete reviews We’re at the crossroads, Robert Johnson. World-class artists have always lurked in our Victorian seaport yet, until recently, our gaslight theatres h ... -Steve Treacy June 24, 2007, 1:14 pm

COMPLETE SCHEDULE

  Friday, June 22, 2007 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Saturday, June 23, 2007 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Sunday, June 24, 2007 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  Thursday, June 28, 2007 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm   -  
  Friday, June 29, 2007 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Saturday, June 30, 2007 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Sunday, July 1, 2007 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  Thursday, July 5, 2007 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Friday, July 6, 2007 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Saturday, July 7, 2007 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Sunday, July 8, 2007 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  Thursday, July 12, 2007 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Friday, July 13, 2007 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Saturday, July 14, 2007 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

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