After the big Greek mythology, The Odyssey and the deep thinking, The Beams are Creaking, Taproot Theatre Company in Seattle turns to somewhat lighter fare with West Coast premiere of Brownie Points. I say somewhat lighter because at its’ core, the play is just as deep as the first two, but it’s really, really funny.
Brownie Points, written by Janece Shaffer, tells the story of three girl scout leaders and two mothers-of-scouts on a journey that none of them will ever forget. Just like it only takes a spark to start a fire, it also only takes some misunderstandings and quick judgments to create a blazing inferno.
In short, a small scout troop is out in the middle of the woods in Northern Georgia for an overnight retreat. Two of the mothers, Nicole and Deidre, decide that they want to help with the outing just two days before the big event. Allison, the harried leader, finds jobs for the two to help with in the kitchen while they take the girls out for hikes or crafts. To make matters worse, Alison and the other leaders are white while Nicole and Deidre are black. Did Allison mean to put the black women in a sub-servant role? Conclusions are jumped and soon a small war breaks out. Issues ranging from racism to mothering to religion are raised as the night wears on.
There isn’t a weak link in this ensemble cast, nor is there any lead character. Each role is fully realized and no two are alike:
- Allison, (played by Casi Wilkerson), is the no nonsense, play-by-the-book leader.
- Sue, (Nikki Visel), is the divorced mother who feels guilt because she has to work all the time.
- Jamie, (Amy Love), is spirited-yet-self-conscious, wanting to say and do the right thing all the time.
- Deidre, (Faith Russell), is a powerful and successful heart surgeon with strong opinions.
- Nicole, (Karen Ann Daniels), is a stay-at-home mom with strong opinions as well, but tries not to rock the metaphorical boat.
Despite the all-female cast, this presentation shouldn’t be limited to an all-women audience. Except for a couple of lines that aren’t usually spoken in mixed company (and made me squirm a bit), men will find plenty to love as well. Just when you think the play will head down a preachy road, suddenly, another punch line is thrown out giving the audience the comic relief they need. Thankfully, not one PMS joke is told.
The characters are all portrayed realistically. With that comes some colorful language. Although I don’t think the play needed that, it isn’t extensive, fits in the storyline and doesn’t really take anything away from the story they are telling.
The set, as always, is incredible. The audience sits with crew in their tiny, yet, well-stocked cabin. There are trees outside the windows and you can actually smell the campfire.
The play ends on a high note proving that maybe we can all get along on this planet if we are willing to talk and listen to each other.
Brownie Points is being presented now through June 18. The play begins on Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. There is also a matinee on Saturdays at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $35 depending on the performance. You can purchase tickets in person, by phone by calling 206.781.9707 or through the Taproot website.
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