Curtain Calls

By Donald V. Calamia

Originally printed 9/23/04 (Issue 1239 - Between The Lines News)

Review: 'Waking the Witch'

No crones here: Femininity explored in season opener at Planet Ant

Smart theater executives generally use the first show of a new season to help "sell" the remainder of their schedule. They do that, of course, by staging the best opening show possible. And the theory goes that if your patrons enjoy that initial effort, they'll be "hooked" - that is, they'll be back again and again throughout the season, no matter whether they are familiar with the shows or not.

Such a concept is especially important to Hamtramck's Planet Ant Theatre, a troupe known for producing creative, innovative and edgy works no one has ever heard of. So if the Ant is going to succeed in whetting its audiences' appetite for more of its unique brand of "cool" theater, its opening better be good. Damn good, in fact.

"Waking the Witch" IS damn good, and if the strong reactions I saw at last Friday night's opening are any indication, Planet Ant should have one mighty successful season ahead!

To be honest, I approached "Waking the Witch" with some apprehension. After all, a play that bills itself as an exploration of "the sacred feminine energy that lives in both men and women" sounds a bit "touchie-feelie" to me, and as my friends will eagerly tell you, there's little of that in my emotional make-up.

But with Kate Peckham as its creator and director - a woman whose work I've admired since her days as a student in the University of Detroit Mercy theater program - I walked into Planet Ant with an open mind. (That IS my job, after all!)

What I left the Ant with, though, was more than that. It was an appreciation of a point of view I hadn't really considered before - and, more importantly, a re-enforcement of something I already knew: Good theater should be inspirational. I only had to look at the faces of many in the audience that night - women young and old alike - to understand that "Waking the Witch" touched them deeply; it seemingly spoke volumes to them in a way most men would likely never comprehend.

Now, THAT'S good theater!

To call "Waking the Witch" a play is actually a disservice to Peckham and her five performers. Rather, it's more of a performance art piece that blends music, song, movement and words into a unique tapestry that vibrantly examines the history of femininity in all its glorious forms.

We watch as femininity bubbles forth as the equal of - yet opposite of - masculinity; we observe as cultural forces strip women of their equality, an act some women meekly accept without challenge; and we observe what happens when women awaken from their slumber and take back control of their lives.

Simply put, there are no old crones on broomsticks here; instead, "Waking the Witch" celebrates the powers and abilities each woman has to shape her own unique destiny.

And shouldn't that ALWAYS have been the case?

For her show, Peckham has assembled a true ensemble of talented women. Each helped write the script, and no one either stands out from the pack or stands back from the rest. All - Susan Berch, Maureen Biermann, Nicole Bowman, Yolanda D. Jack and Kathleen Orr - give energetic, heart-filled performances.

Technical aspects of the production are all top notch, especially lighting by Rachael Nardecchia and sound design by Peckham.

Waking the Witch Presented Thursday through Sunday at Planet Ant, 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck, through Oct. 10. Tickets: $10 - $15. 313-365-4948. www.planetant.com. For mature audiences: contains nudity.

The Bottom Line: If there ever was a theatrical counterpart to a "chick flick," this is it: "Waking the Witch" is a fine addition to the pantheon of today's theater for women that includes "The Vagina Monologues" and "Menopause the Musical."

Tidbits: Theater News from Around Town

More 'Playing Strangers'; Masquerade Ball; costume sale; and what's up in Dearborn

ITEM: Also at Planet Ant this weekend is the return of "Playing Strangers," an original comedic one-act written and performed by Tara Nida and Tim Robinson.

The late night show, which had a brief, but successful, run a short while back, returns again with performances following "Waking the Witch" this Thursday through Saturday nights only.

Because Curtain Calls only reviews shows that run three weeks or longer, "Playing Strangers" was not originally part of this summer's coverage. But since a certain critic wanted to see how well Robinson stretched his considerable talents in something other than improvisational comedy - or a sketch show created through improv - he bravely attended the show's opening night - and walked away impressed!

Not only by Robinson, but also by the talents of Nida and director Nate DuFort.

"Playing Strangers" is a romantic comedy about a couple that is willing to try anything they can to save their relationship - and try they do! It's full of laughs - and even a poignant moment or two - but ultimately, it's an enjoyable look at love and relationships that had the audience busting a gut from start to finish. (Of course, maybe the beer and wine some theatergoers brought in with them had something to do with thatÉ)

So consider this a half-assed attempt to squeeze a mini-review into an already spoken for space when last minute changes wreak havoc with my schedule!

Tickets to "Playing Strangers" are an affordable $5. Doors open at 10 p.m., but don't be surprised if the show doesn't start for awhile. Instead, enjoy the party!

ITEM: Icarus Falling, Lansing's OTHER professional theater company, is getting into the Halloween spirit with the IF Masquerade Ball on Oct. 31 at the Temple Club.

A variety of local bands and DJs will entertain, and guests will compete for prizes.

And if you don't have a costume to wear, don't fret: The Lansing Civic Players' costume shop will gladly assist you!

Tickets to the fun-filled spooktacular are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For details, call 517-290-4375.

ITEM: Speaking of Halloween - reportedly the LGBT community's favorite holiday - Stagecrafters in Royal Oak is holding a costume sale on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. proceeds will benefit the Jennifer DeRita Scholarship Fund. For complete information, call 248-541-8027.

ITEM: Dearborn's Ford Community & Performing Arts Center opens its fourth season with "The Rat Pack" on Oct. 16 and the Famous People Players on Oct. 20. MOMIX, a critically lauded dance troupe, follows in November, after which entertainment lovers of all ages will enjoy an international array of theater, music and dance programs.

{ITAL The Center is located at 15801 Michigan Avenue at Greenfield Rd.

For complete season information, call 313-943-2354 or visit the Web site at www.dearbornfordcenter.com.}