Beasley’s Christmas Party, currently playing at Taproot Theatre Company in Seattle, is pretty “large” in it’s “smallness.” It is a fairly short play with no intermission, a very sparse set and only four actors. It’s a cleverly simple story with a complex message.
When “Booth,” a curious journalist (Frank Lawler) moves to a small midwestern town in 1909, he’s captivated by his unusual next-door neighbor, David Beasley (Don Brady). Beasley is a gubernatorial candidate, and all the neighbors have opinions of the man, and all of them are different. Some say he’s a recluse, others say he has no imagination but one thing is for sure – he is acting quite oddly lately. He appears to be talking to himself, calling for dogs that aren’t there and performing odd stunts in the backyard. The story continues with Booth’s journey in figuring out the mystery of Mr. Beasley and ends up with a Christmas party!
Beasley’s Christmas Party is adapted by C. W. Munger from a story by Booth Tarkington. It is directed by Scott Nolte. Beasley marks Frank Lawler’s debut with Taproot. In addition to Don Brady, Lawler is joined on stage by Aaron Lamb (last seen in Taproot’s An Ideal Husband) and Lisa Peretti.
Beasley is a very creative story and it is fascinating to watch the actors quickly switch characters in a blink. Compared to much of Seattle’s pomp and circumstance with the Christmas season, this is a quiet play. Although it is geared for audiences age 8 and up, I wouldn’t recommend bringing younger children. They won’t understand it. In fact, I didn’t understand all of it myself. Some characters are featured by voice only which added to the confusion. The play is certainly worth seeing, but don’t expect a big holiday production or you will be disappointed.
The best line in the play comes one David Beasley himself, “Christmas time is the best time because it is the kindest time.”
Beasley’s Christmas Party is currently playing at Taproot Theatre Company at 204 North 85th Stree in Seattle 98103. It continues until December 30. Performances are held Tuesday-Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. Matinees are also shown at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. There is no show on December 24. Tickets range in price from $20-$35 and can be purchased online or through the box office by calling 206.781.9707.
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