When a company restages a play, it can go one of two ways: it can get better, or it can get worse. Even with the presence of the same actors and the same script, it is rare that a play is exactly the same the second go-round, and it's especially less likely to be the same with changes to cast or crew. Such is the case with Shrewd Productions' return of MilkMilkLemonade, surprise hit of the 2010 season and nominee for both the Austin Theater Examiner and Austin Critics Table Awards, which comes to Austin stages with most of the same cast, but major changes in terms of lead performances. Sadly, the piece simply doesn't measure up to the magic that was last year's production, though it still has much to credit it.
Michael Slefinger plays the part of Emory, an effeminate fifth-grader with a love of dolls and his favorite chicken, Linda. While Slefinger does a fine job of portraying Emory's feminine quality, he lacks a sense of childlike innocence (which Xaq Webb brought out so easily in his nominated performance last year). Also unlike Webb's performance last year, the character lacks a bit of doubt or self-consciousness, seeming too sure of himself and his abilities at too early a stage. That said, there are certain elements where Slefinger shines in the role, in particular in his chemistry with Eliot, played with a rough sensitivity by Chris Hejl. When the two get to some of their more intimate moments, we never doubt the authenticity, and are actually able to buy their bizarre little romance well.
The original cast not only returns with a vengeance, but actually seems to have improved within the last year. Chris Humphreys still plays the ailing Nana, shuffling around with a grumpy cruelty that brings some of the best laughs of the work. Also bringing the laughs is Joe Hartman as Linda, who seems born to play the role. He hams it up and seems to be having a fantastic time as he gallivants around the stage bocking and squealing and having a complete conniption. Still, stealing the show more often than not is Shannon Grounds, ATE nominee and winner of a Austin Critic's Table Award for her work last year, who shows amazing range throughout, playing evil, nervous, and even glamorous without ever missing a beat.
Despite some small qualms in casting, MilkMilkLemonade returns as a play that may not be as good as last year's, but is still well worth the price of admission. Joshua Conkel's script is still whip-smart, and Jason Hays's direction is still on point, with some impressive improvements (including a more thought-out ribbon dancing technique near the play's middle). The returning actors shine brightly throughout, and with the intimate setting of the Hideout, get more chances to play off the audience, and even the newcomers have their moments in the sun. All in all, fans of the play's previous incarnation will love the return to the crazy world of Conkel's play, while newcomers will have a lark entering into this whimsically twisted universe.
MilkMilkLemonade is playing through September 25th at the Hideout Theatre. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit Shrewd Productions' website at shrewdproductions.com
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