Birds of a Feather

By: Darryl Reilly

“If you don’t like olives, why order them?” “I like onions even less.” So, converse a middle-aged heterosexual couple during a blind date over martinis at a cafe in this world premiere of playwright Robert Karmon’s uproarious, Pinteresque one-act play, “The Greenhouse.” Surrealistic flourishes and stylized violence abound during its 20-giddy minutes. Mr. Karmon’s juicy dialogue includes references to dating apps, “I felt naked when I filled one out.” There is a hilarious tangent over an item on the menu; ortolan, a banned French dish. It is an elaborately prepared tiny game bird, the woodcock, where diners ritualistically place a linen napkin over their heads while consuming it. With grand Carrie Nye-style Southern charm, Tish Brandt is vivacious as the woman. Magnetic everyman Steve Quimby is in blustery Master of the Universe mode as the cryptic man. Youthful Cameron Bowen zestfully appears as the whimsical, silent waiter. The charismatic Kim Yancey antically makes the most of her cameo as a second blind date.

“The Greenhouse” is part of a double bill of one-act plays entitled Birds of a Feather. It is presented by the New York City-based Out of the Box Theatre Company, which was founded in 2006. Its primary mission is, “To feature working professionals at their peak and in their prime: seasoned actors, directors & designers primarily past 50 years of age.” That is achieved by this invigorating production, showcasing the considerable talents of its mostly mature cast.

Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist Susan Glaspell’s (1876-1948) 30-minute “Trifles” which premiered in 1916, is the jolting 30-minute opener. The county attorney, the sheriff, his wife, and a neighbor couple, converge at an Nebraska farmhouse, where a man was discovered hanged to death the day before; his wife has been arrested. This eerie Americana is based on a true crime that Glaspell covered as a reporter, she turned it into a short story and then this play. An empty birdcage and a strangled canary prove crucial in this subtle feminist treatise. Ms. Brandt, Mr. Quimby, Mr. Bowen, Ms. Yancey and Jeff Burchfield, all offer rich, homespun characterizations in their Main Street roles.

Artistic director David Edwards conceived this stimulating program. Mr. Edwards’ physical staging of “The Greenhouse” is marked by swiftness, momentum and comedic focus. For “Trifles,” Edwards employs measured pacing, emphasizing the piece’s mystery and its subtext of societal themes. Harlan D. Penn’s sterling scenic design ranges from artfully contemporary for “The Greenhouse,” to evocatively rustic for “Trifles.” Lighting designer Stephen Cornelius steadily provides a variety of appropriate, crisp hues. Zack Dornfeld’s sound design realizes music and effects with flair. Costume designer Katherine Roberson visualizes each character with sartorial distinction. At the performance under review, stage manager Stefania Diana Schramm oversaw the production with efficiency.

Out of the Box Theatre Company usually presents spirited revivals of long unproduced gems, Birds of a Feather is a worthy and novel addition to that roster.

Birds of a Feather (through November 10, 2024)
Out of the Box Theatre Company
Bernie Wohl Center at Goddard Riverside Goddard Riverside Community Center, 647 Columbus Avenue, in Manhattan
For tickets, visit www.outoftheboxtheatre.com
Running time: 75 minutes without an intermission, followed by a talkback