And I was glad I did.
Let me start off by saying I am not a theater reviewer. You name it in journalism and I've probably done it during the past 15 years - except play reviews, movies, etc.. I just like what I like, and don't like what I don't like. But in doing Shelby on Stage, and going on and on about The Last Night of Ballyhoo and and Big Love, for example, and now having gone to one of the plays (Ballyhoo starts next weekend at SCCT), seems I should at least mention somethin'... Well, melikey Big Love. A lot.
I was struck with just about every emotion during Big Love, written by Charles Mee and directed by Amanda Simmons. I laughed (hard, especially when Bella (Greylyn Burk) threw tomatoes in anger thinking of her 13 sons and Guiliano (Michael Sheehy) exaggeratedly strutted his Italian, sweet, Barbie-doll-collecting self across the stage). I got a little teary during a Nikos (Sam Bowersox) moment, and was ready to go up there and throw chairs right along with him.Big Love is a story of a war between men and women-- understandably. Despite their wishes, 50 Greek women are being forced to marry 50 of their cousins.
It was at times amazed these were high school students on stage - acting out such profound love-power struggles. Thyona (Bri Esposito) had me thoroughly convinced she knew - and believed - everything about men. Bravo to her for an outstanding performance of a hard-edged feminist. Same for harsh-talkin' Constantine (Zach Gallagher) and his take on women. My oh my, he is going to have to rest his voice a bit before the gang takes the show on the road to Morehead for the Kentucky Theatre Association (KTA) competition.
With its heavy message, but constant humor, Big Love was serious -- and dripped with honey. I wanted to go home and yell at my husband, and then laugh hysterically.
Hats off to the cast and to Amanda Simmons for bringing this show to the high school - and to KTA next weekend!
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