Theater may be a writer’s medium, but even the best scripts aren’t worth squat without actors capable of pulling them off.
Daniel MacIvor’s 2000 award-winning play “In On It,” which is being presented by Theater Alliance, is a particularly clever exercise in theatrical illusion that requires the talents of two exceptionally skillful actors. Fortunately, Jason Lott and Jason Stiles are perfectly suited for the task.
Initially, the audience seems to be watching a play staged by characters identified as This One (Lott) and That One (Stiles), about a man named Raymond King, who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. (Which actor is playing Ray depends on who is wearing the suit coat that is the show’s sole prop.)
Eventually, it becomes apparent that the real story is the relationship between the two characters who turn out to be a gay couple, one of whom will die in a freak auto accident. As they debate how Ray’s story should be told, we learn how they first met and became emotionally attached to one another.
» The Cast
Lott and Stiles are two of the Washington area’s most accomplished comic actors. The chemistry between them (This One is uptight and self-conscious, That One is laidback and relaxed) couldn’t be better.
» The Crew
Colin Hovde’s understated direction keeps things moving at a brisk pace and makes excellent use of Andrew Cissna’s lighting and Mark K. Anduss’ sound designs.
» The Highlights
The highlight of the show is easily the moment toward the end when, for reasons too complicated to explain here, Stiles and Lott enthusiastically dance and lip-synch to Leslie Gore’s “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.”
» The Bottom Line
MacIvor’s “In On It” is constructed like an especially intricate puzzle requiring the full attention of the audience in order to keep track of exactly what is taking place. That the Theater Alliance production works as well as it does is no small tribute to the abilities of its two actors.
If you go
Theater Alliance’s production of “In On It” runs through May 27
» Venue: The H Street Playhouse, 1365 H St. NE, Washington
» Performances: 8 p.m. Monday, Thursday, May 25 and May 27;
2 p.m. Saturdays
» Tickets: $26
» More info: 866-811-4111,
www.theateralliance.com
