Through March 9
NEIGHBORHOOD 3: Requisition of Doom Kavinoky Theatre/D’Youville Kavinoky Graduate Acting Company
Think of this play as an electronic edition of an old theatrical trope of conflict between parents and children, here in some suburban community of cul-de-sacs and possible zombies.
“Neighborhood 2: Requisition of Doom” is on the Kavinoky stage as part of D’Youville University’s grad theater program.
The cast is four grad students, performing the Jennifer Haley play, using an interesting and flexible set from Donnie Woodard (those doors on wheels).
The problem with the production is having only four people, with each playing many roles
Kodi James is Trevor, Ryan, Jared, Blake and Zombiekiller14 (with a headset).
I recognize the need to keep casts small in these economic times but these multi-role productions can be very confusing as a result.
Overall, it’s a parent’s worst nightmare, out-of-control kids obsessed with hunting zombies and parents with their own problems, deep in the heart of some suburb.
Director Katie Mallinson and assistant director Ben Michael Moran have chosen the theatrical gallop as the way to make this work and it does.
Mostly, these aren’t pleasant people, particularly Brendan Didio’s Steve, dealing with daughter Leslie (I think) (Araia Heathcott).
It’s the kind of play where an audience member can be clueless about what’s going on, particularly here with the shifting roles and a relatively short running time.
There are moments, like Zombiekiller14 and Joy, his mother (Heathcott), as they get carried away with a confused parent and a son fighting zombies on his laptops.
“Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom” is a fascinating look at a plot line going back at least to the Greeks and a playwright looking at today, with a production based on actors honing their crafts.
A.W.
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