The Milwaukee Post

By JULIE MCHALE Post Theater Critic SPRING GREEN — Edward Albee, probably best known for his controversial, scathing por- trayal of marriage in his "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf," has written a gentler, more whimsical piece called "Seascape," presently playing in the Touchstone indoor the- ater. Though it is thought-provok- ing and philosophical in typical Albee fashion, it is more play- ful than most of his works. It is delightful fare. The story portrays an aging couple on the cusp of retire- ment relaxing on a beach, con- templating the rest of their lives and how to best spend their remaining years. Of course, they disagree; the woman wanting to travel from one beach to another and the man wanting "to do nothing." In the midst of their banter, two human-sized lizards sud- denly appear, and here's where the true fun begins. Of course they regard each other with curiosity and some fear, but it turns out that this young couple, who surprisingly can speak English, are con- fronted with some of the same problems experienced by humans, although their differ- ences also create a good deal of interest on the part of both cou- ples. Here's where Albee's pen- chant for the absurd holds cen- ter stage. The unusual encounter between these two couples is helpful for both because it forces each to experience a dif- ferent perspective. The lizards, Sarah and Leslie, are looking for change and a reassessment of their lives as well, and in their foray into the world of humans, they force Nancy and especially Charlie to take another look at their lives, too. By the end of the exchange, both pairs find some enlighten- ment. Besides the clever dialogue and the unusual situation, the extraordinary acting accounts for much of the success of this performance. Jonathan Smoots as Charlie, the disengaged husband want- ing to rest for the remainder of his days, is engaging to watch as his world becomes a chal- lenge again. His wife, Nancy, well-rendered by Sarah Day, is a bit braver and more imagina- tive than her mate and is petu- lant and nagging at times, but still lovable. I think many a retired couple can relate to their life-altering challenges. The lizard couple, played by LaShawn Banks and Christina Panfilio, are quite adept at managing their rather un- wieldy costumes (Devon Paint- er) and combining human and animal qualities. Banks' facial expressions are especially meaningful. I liked the clever set designed by Jeffrey Kmiec as well. Their discussion about par- enting is especially amusing, and the deep attachment that Leslie and Sarah have to each other is touching. The refer- ences to evolution and to the questionable nature of progress also are fascinating. It's not surprising that Albee was awarded his third Pulitzer Prize for this very imaginative piece. I'm sur- prised that it's not played more often. Ably directed by Laura Gordon, "Seascape" runs through Oct. 18 at the American Players Theatre in Spring Green. A trip to the "Best classical theater compa- ny in America" is always a memorable one. Cristina Panfilio and Sarah Day (background), LaShawn Banks and Jonathan Smoots (foreground) in Edward Albee's "Seascape." 16 • Milwaukee County Post • September 11, 2015 ENTERTAINMENT At a glance "Seascape" The playful drama runs through Oct. 18 at the American Players in Spring Green. Call 608-588-2361 or visit AmericanPlayers.org. Photo by Carissa Dixon What do lizards, people have in common? Little-produced 'Seascape' sheds enjoyable light on our problems THIS SATURDAY AT THE 6TH & HOWARD OPEN 1PM-5PM 246123004 Bell Ambulance • Culvers Jet Intermodal • Nowak Chiropractic THIS WEEK AT THE GARDEN DISTRICT FARMERS' MARKET What's Fresh This Week With tomatoes in full vigor we have canned our first 16 quarts of soup! Everything you need is all here from the finest tomatoes, beets, beans, cabbages, carrots, cucum- bers, garlic, kale, chard, pattypan, potatoes, peppers, tomatillos, kohlrabi, onions, and more! We're also joined this week by Clock Shadow Creamery, Elsen Orchard, Golden Eggroll, Log Cabin Orchard, Magpies's Gourmet Dog Treats, Soap of the Earth, and gorgeous flowers. Follow us on Facebook for updates. Featured Grower: Cream City Canning WIth the advent of the school year, owner Catherine Moore has resumed her work with MPS but we will enjoy her Cream City offerings this weekend and October 10th. After enjoying success at the State Fair in 2013, she began production under the "pickle law" and is often joined by family members promoting her cranberry salsa, peach sriracha and blackberry sage jam among others. She cans with homegrown and locally sourced fresh ingrediants and can also be found at the Brookfield market in summers. Mark Your Calendar On September 19 the Garden District hosts its Fall Perennial Exchange from 10am-noon at the Farmers' Market site. Bring your labeled and divided perennials and seeds and exchange with others. On October 3rd The Garden District Fall Fest will include a 2PM performance by Kohl's Wild Theater, face painting by Colleen, crafts and games. More information coming. Meet Us at the Information Booth Weekly 50/50 Raffle Come to the information booth, meet our volunteers, join the email list. Learn about all the wonderful things happening in the Garden District and help us grow – with free seeds! Vendors Welcome 10 x 10 spaces at Half Season or daily rates of $25 are available. Contact Jenn at (414) 212-5215 or visit our website for more information. Market updates and schedules are online at gardendistrictfarmersmarket.com and our Facebook page; http://facebook.com/gardenDistrictFarmersMarket The Garden District Farmers' Market is presented by the Garden District Neighborhood Association and sponsored by;

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