Description

Boy Gets Girl uses the story of what happens when a blind date turns into a living nightmare to examine stalking, sexism and the nature of the idea of romantic pursuit.

Credits

Reviews

'Boy Gets Girl' is creepy, quality theatre
- Mike Cook, Las Cruces Bulletin

A play has to be really good before it can be really creepy. Black Box Theatre's current production of "Boy Gets Girl" is both, as a very strong cast explores the subject of stalking in a production that is good theater and terrifying reality.

Playwright Rebecca Gilman's title really says it all. Theresa (Tiffany Tyson), a magazine writer in New York City, meets Tony (C.S. Rede) on a blind date for a drink. She realizes when they get together a second time for dinner that it is a mistake and tells him so. But Tony hears a completely different message and is immediately obsessed. He sends flowers, makes unannounced visits and calls Theresa incessantly. That escalates into following Theresa and one of her coworkers, sending obscene letters, leaving threatening phone messages and even trashing her apartment.

I don't want to give away any more than that. You need to see this show and find out for yourself how director Autumn Gieb and her very strong cast translate Gilman's script into an unforgettable evening. If you have busy weekends ahead, here's a thought: Go see "Boy Gets Girl" during the production's only Thursday night performance, which is Oct. 31. I can't think of a scarier way to spend Halloween. If Freddie Kruger reviewed plays, he would give it five slashes.

Rede may have the biggest challenge of any cast member in this show because he has to demonstrate Tony's creepiness in just a few scenes. He does that and does it well.

You feel his presence throughout the entire play, and he's the one you're thinking about at intermission - what will he do next?

David Edwards is Howard, Theresa's editor at World Magazine, and Joshua Taulbee is Mercer, a fellow writer at the magazine. In sharp contrast to Tony, Howard and Mercer are compassionate and caring men, but there is little they can do to protect Theresa from what is unfolding. These are two very strong performances that add a lot to this show. Taulbee continues to impress in his long string of solid work at Black Box.

It's Edwards' first play there in 10 years, and it is wonderful and refreshing to see him back and as good as ever.

Elli Hernandez is delightful as Theresa's secretary, Harriet. This also is an important part because Harriet has all the best intentions toward her boss, but unwittingly abets the stalker. Jamie Bronstein plays veteran police Detective Beck, who is familiar with and sympathetic to Theresa's situation, but, like Howard and Mercer, can do little to stop what is happening. Bronstein is strong in this important role, adding to the wide range of characters she has played at Black Box.

Norman Lewis is blue moviemaker Les Kennkat, the subject of one of Theresa's magazine articles. This is a complex character because, like the stalker, he willingly exploits women. But Kennkat is so upfront about what he does (and loves) and about his own shortcomings that you can't help loving the old coot.

Like Edwards, Lewis has a very long acting resume and he adds another outstanding performance to the list.

You will see the good, the bad and the very scary in this show. Don't miss it. Remaining performances are 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 25-26 and Nov. 1-2; 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.

Black Box Theatre is at 430 N. Main St. downtown. Tickets are $15 regular admission; $12 for students and seniors over age 65 and $10 for all seats for the Thursday night, Oct. 31 performance only.

For tickets and more information, call 575-5231223. Visit no-strings.org.

Seating

No seating plan has been posted.