Character Actors
6 Characters Looking for an Author
Review by Ross Anthony

I was attracted to the surreal and playful implication of this title, as well as the philosophic promise of the blurb. And the play delivers on those accounts. However, one of the two keywords in the title rather quickly gets kicked from the mix: “Author.” Likely, as an author myself, I’m biased, but if you’re an author too, you should know, it’s just stage time these characters are in search of (or at least, that’s what they’re quickly willing to settle for). The opening scene is likely the playwright's way of whining about the types of works that so oft get produced and serves as a nice place/process for these 6 characters to interrupt. Eventually, the happed-upon actors decide to go ahead and “bring to life” on stage these 6 characters who watch the rehearsals and, of course, are very difficult to convince. After all, it is their very personal stories that are being told and their very existences that depend on these portrayals. That’s a cool idea, and at moments the writing and performances capture its brisk mint essence.

But, sadly, good portions of this work are rather bland wordage. Some of the cause is in the script itself. The father’s philosophic dialogue tends toward the formal - “Of that, I have no doubt.” Some cause may have been in the tone chosen for the portrayal. I was left wondering whether I’d prefer that character to have been pushed into the whiny Woody Allen direction or the complete opposite -- the pompous academic. True, he’s meant to be the rather disconnected intellectual, but in the end, this mildly interesting character doesn’t win the audience in any sincere or emotional way. The step-daughter, on the other hand, is written with more fire and brought to life (by the actor playing the character looking for an author) in a far more engaging manner.

Blocking. While I enjoyed the blocking for the most part, there were times when characters stood in front of the action and blocked the audience’s view. That’s not so good. However, the moments when the 5 faced the back of the stage while the 1 spoke (often directly toward the audience) -- this was an effective choice.

Brave also, was the choice to include a couple of audience participants for the odd ending. However, the really weird tone change at the climax made the ultimate conclusion -- well, really weird and awkward, not to mention confusing. “Weird and awkward” are not necessarily bad. In fact, I often like them. Still, I’m not so sure how I felt about them here.

At the end of the day, this short play is an attempt to bring some light philosophic ponderings on identity into the realm of dramatic entertainment at which it succeeds in a mixed way.

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  • 6 Characters Looking for an Author. Copyright © 2012.
  • Review based on the Saturday June 30th, 2012 performance at the Promenade Playhouse, Santa Monica, California. Starring the Promenade Players: Ralph Radebaugh, Mariana Montes, Vincent Lappas, Isel Ahn, Rodrigo Brand, Caileigh Scott, Edgardo Gonzalez, Zahra Zaveri, Alain Washnevsky, Paul Magaletta, Danette Garrelts. Written by Luigi Pirandello. A new version by director David Harrower.


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Jul-2012 11:33:17 PDT