What do angels, pigeons and scientists all have in common? They are all taking the stage in “Bite-Sized,” a fresh and imaginative showcase presented by Theatre Fairfield! Featuring a mix of comedy, drama and heart, “Bite-Sized,” is a series of seven one-act plays written by American Playwrights and acted out by Fairfield students.
The first short play is titled, “Two Chair,” and is written by Lauren Gunderson. Samantha Learson and Zack O’Connell star as Gretchen and Jake, two friends who grow up together. This one-act play follows a simple set-up: two chairs, two people, as they narrate their lives from childhood to adulthood. It’s honest, comical and endearing, a great start to the seven short plays.
Samantha Learson and Zack O’Connell star as Gretchen and Jake. (Photo Credits Cortney Wood)
The next play is “A Mother’s Love,” written by Craig Pospisil. This is a standalone play starring Sophia Papp as Melissa, an extreme mother who is trying to protect her daughter from the harms of the world. Melissa addresses the audience directly, carefully explaining her natural instinct to protect her daughter, Theresa. Her unsettling honesty and humor shines in this monologued play, as Melissa speaks in spelled out words. Her southern charm and fierce parental devotion is alarming but e-n-t-e-r-t-a-i-n-i-n-g.
The third short play is called, “Ragnarok,” and is written by Don Nigro. Katharine Gutkoski and William Young star as A.N. and Y.G. These two scientists are debating the ethical morals of experimental jobs. A.N. has trouble experimenting on the less-intelligent creatures, and she begins to feel empathy and guilt for those “subjects.” In less than ten minutes, this play unpacks themes of dehumanization, power and boundary between the oppressed and oppressor.
“The End of All Things,” written by Lauren Gunderson, is the two short-play. Maddie Rufino, Katie Cash and Clancy Molloy star in this play, following the lives of angels at the end of the world. Rufino plays archangel Gabriel, who is just trying to get her trumpet back. She meets Uriel and Michael, who are also at the end of the world. This dramatic play highlights the intensity of the world and roles that angels play.
Sophomore Katie Cash expressed her love and appreciation for Theatre Fairfield. She said, “The best part about the shows are the people in them.” She explains how dedicated every student is to their work and how she met some of her best friends through Theatre Fairfield.
Katie Cash and Clancy Molloy star as angels in “The End of All Things.” (Photo Credits Cortney Wood)
The fifth play is titled “A Singular Kind of Guy”, written by David Ives. Jacob Chaffee plays Mitch, a seemingly normal guy who just wants to find love. What seems like a quirky, romantic monologue turns into something more when Mitch reveals his secret. This witty play explores the ideas of what it means to feel like a machine, when you just want to be happy in life and find yourself.
The next play of the show is called “Two Pigeons Talk Politics,” written by Lauren Gunderson. Kylie Faulkner and David Ilagan star as Gary and Paul, two pigeons. Perched on a ledge in New York City, Gary is filled with anxiety and guilt from the world around her. Through witty banter and hilarious storytelling, the two pigeons try to navigate life with conversations of human politics and ideals. The ending of this one is unexpected but a hilarious watch.
The final play in “Bite-Sized,” is titled “Two Muses Slumming It.” Written by Youseff El Guindi, this play follows the Muse of Comedy (Tessa Collins) and the Muse of Tragedy (Rebecca Almeida). They pay a visit to an actor named Sam, played by Samuel Enriquez, as he is trying to find his life’s meaning. He experiments with his craft of comedy and tragedy, as the two muses attempt to push him in the right direction– it doesn’t work out so well. The Muse of Dance (Cassie Arena) makes an appearance, in hopes to get Sam on the right track. This last play is hilarious, ambitious and inspiring. A great end to a night of short plays and storytelling.
Cash explains that,” The plays are funny, romantic and sad, but they all address something that’s important in the world right now.” She encourages everyone to come see the production.
“Bite-Sized” opens Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Quick Center. It will run daily through Sunday, Nov. 9. You can purchase tickets at quickcenter.fairfield.edu/box-office. Don’t miss your chance to see this one-of-a-kind production presented by Theatre Fairfield!