What is theatre? Does it have to take place on a stage? Could it happen in an automobile? How does the nature of performance change when the actors are 18-24 inches away from you? This month’s Off-Center Festival lives up to its name in “The Car Plays,” through Jan. 21 on the Arts Plaza between the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Repertory.
Ever been in a car when the couple in the back seat couldn’t keep their hands off each other—and instead of looking the other way and giving them a little privacy, you were compelled to watch them? That’s just one of the situations you’ll find yourself in during Paul Stein’s ingeniously-devised entertainment (you’ll cycle through 5 of the 15 short plays during any given show) that may permanently alter your concept of theatre. Call (714) 556-2787.
Suzan-Lori Parks is out to take you for a different kind thrill ride next door at South Coast Rep. “Topdog/Underdog” is a seriocomic look at the dark side of sibling rivalry, a potentially lethal game of one-upmanship between a pair of African American brothers. Their parents have jokingly named them Lincoln and Booth, and that’s only the knife-edged tip of the iceberg that is their legacy.
Lincoln impersonates his namesake for a living, while little bro Booth is a master of the card game called 3-card monte. The action heats up when they start hustling each other. Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play is above all a terrific character study, and it’s brought to life here by two first-rate actors, Larry Bates (whom you may recall from SCR’s “Fences”) and especially Curtis MClarin. Seret Scott’s attentive direction is the perfect, uh, match for Parks’ powderkeg. Call 714-708-5555.
More from Jordan:
Best of OC Theatre 2011
“CATS” in Costa Mesa, Disney’s “Beast” & “Nightmare” in Blu 3D http://shar.es/WlYGT
‘Muses’ in Fullerton, Pete Seeger and pals in Laguna & San Diego http://shar.es/Wi6rN
Happy 100th birthday, Spike Jones
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