Straight plays as a statement. Theatre is not only an art form…
Cygnet Theatre presents Southern California premiere: Sons of the Prophet.
Article by Alejandra Enciso Guzmán
January is launching 2015’s theater season in a very direct and strong way. With works that have to do with true stories, things that have happened or are continuing to happen such as San Diego REP’s Steal Heaven and Moxie Theatre’s Trouble in Mind. I am loving how the written word is being used out there, making us think and also reflect as we are entertained. But are we being entertained?
Cygnet Theatre is also in this statement flow. Their latest play, Sons of The Prophet by Stephen Karam, (Speech and Debate) performing now until Sunday February 15th was inspired by an actual news story about a high school prank gone wrong; this group of kids use a stuffed dear in a road out on the woods of Nazareth, Pennsylvania. A man trying to not hit the ‘dear’ has a severe car accident and dies two weeks later of a heart attack. Two brothers are left alone to take care not only of themselves but their elder uncle Bill (Navarre T. Perry). Joseph (Alex Hoeffler) and Charles (Dylan James Mulvaney) are half Lebanese and are used to living around questions, stereotypes and lack of judgment. Starting with Joseph’s boss Gloria (Maggie Carney), a wealthy and depressed book editor that uses his assistant as a therapy couch. Carney’s portrayal as the cookie letters entrepreneur, is spot on. Faeren Adams and Li-Anne Rowswell in different roles as part of the ensemble, bring the laughs full circle with this funny in tune trio.
Joseph as the older brother, innately adopts the role of taking care of the family when he is the one that needs to be taken care of the most. A former athlete with run down knees and in search for meaning (as well as health insurance). Alex Hoeffer will make us understand how it is to feel like an outsider and not really –fit-. The portrayals guided by the hand of Director Rob Lufty, will in fact take audiences to the lives of these people in Pennsylvania, referencing chapter titles of the book ‘The Prophet’ by Lebanese artist Kahlil Gibran, as the scenes change: Love, Law, Good and Evil. A very cool touch ‘illustrated’ by Sean Fannings set design. Vin (Xavier Scott) is the ‘main’ person responsible for the accident, a football star in his high school; there is a trial in which, the playing fate of Vin will be decided. As the story gets hype, ambitious reporter Timothy (Austin Vaccaro) wants the exclusive report and will go as far as needed to get it.
There will be mixed reactions about the plot, sometimes understanding Joseph and others just plain out asking ‘what is he doing?’ All in all, Sons of the Prophet is a wonderful piece of work that in between laughs and very politically incorrect remarks, will bring thought and consideration to the meaning of taking a decision, having a choice, actions and –consequences-.
The show premiered at New York’s Roundabout Theatre in 2011 and received the Drama Critics Circle Award in 2012. It was also a finalist that same year for the Pulitzer Prize.
The Cygnet Theatre production is now playing until Sunday February 15th at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town. Ticket prices start at $32 dollars. For more info click HERE.
