REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
Hilarity and hypocrisy mix well in Tracy Letts’ latest play “The Minutes” and Stray Cat Theatre mounts a marvelously amusing but thought-provoking production.
Letts wrote “August: Osage County” and his latest piece has the same trademarks of insightful exploration of timely contemporary topics. The play garnered much acclaim last season on Broadway and it is a credit to Stray Cat Theatre for marking the play’s Arizona debut in Louis Farber’s cleverly and divisively staged production that moves along with dark humor. You laugh at the Council’s silly protestations but small-town life is amazingly similar to major political occurrences today.
The cast is perfect beginning with Ron May’s long-awaited return to performing as the trying-to-be-in-control mayor. Katie McFadzen makes the most of a Councilperson who meanders but says little. Tony Latham bustles around as the errant Council person who missed the previous meeting. Tim Shawver is the not respected and chatty Council member while David Weiss bumbles about as the longest incumbent Council member. CJ Mascarelli is the forceful Councilperson who has disappeared and Michelle Luz is the bewildered member. Tanner J. Conley plays a mixed-up Council member and the rest of the cast make each remaining Council person distinctive.
“The Minutes” reminds of the challenging things confronting us each day. It is a scary reflection of daily weirdness. As usual, it is nice to have Stray Cat Theatre provide the area with well staged but pointed dramatic fare that reminds us how challenging it is to view the daily news.
Grade: A