A gym, a bar, and four unattached adults who are perhaps just a bit lost and LOOKING, set the stage for the plotline of the show currently running at Old Academy Players. Humor looms large, as the four actors deliver a smart script that presents the foibles of finding friendship and romance when they are each at an age past the mid-century mark. There are plenty of jokes and familiar ‘senior moment’ scenarios presented with honesty and humor.
Jim Golden is Andy who has distinct trouble relating to women and remembering song lyrics. Golden gives Andy the necessary quirks to make his character believable. Bonnie Kapenstein is Val who is a woman who likes to take her time getting to know people. Kapenstein portrays her character with grace and honesty. Norman Burnosky is Matt who is a radio personality and homebody. Burnosky makes his character sympathetic and sincere. Terri Bateman is Nina who is a police woman who knows what she wants, until she finds it. Bateman is believable and funny as a female cop who makes her decisions with haste and certainty. The actors’ reactions to one another bring out the maximum level of humor. All four actors make sure to bring fluid transitions, well drawn characters, multidimensional and believable realism to the stage. The comic timing hit the mark with the audience who thoroughly enjoyed the evening and laughed with great gusto throughout.
Norman Burnosky and Terri Bateman in a scene from LOOKING.
The evening was dedicated to Shane Montgomery, during a heartfelt pre-curtain speech delivered by director Christopher Wunder. In attendance were members from North Light Community Center’s Community Food Drive. The playhouse is giving back to the community with a food collection to serve North Light Community Center’s Community Food Drive during this production. To donate, bring non-perishable food items to the theater.
The direction, costuming, set design and lighting all added just the right aspects to the performances. Flexible set design allowed for multiple scene locations with the least fuss and disruption possible. Music played before the show and during intermission that added to the themes and allusions made by the characters. The show is meant for those who appreciate what it is like to try to find love at any age, but with adult themes may not be appropriate for the youngest theatergoers. For an evening of poignancy and laughs don’t go looking any further than LOOKING at Old Academy Players.
LOOKING
by Norm Foster
Directed by Christopher Wunder
January 9-25, 2015
Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM
Sundays at 2:00 PM
Old Academy Players
3540-44 Indian Queen Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19129
215-843-1109
oldacademyplayers.org
