Urban Stages, under the direction of Frances Hill, works to discover new artists and their works. They also have an outreach program that presents free plays and workshops throughout the five boroughs. The presentation, Dynamic Duos – Double Bill, showcases two plays that were selected from over 300 submissions. The comedy, The Audit, and the drama, The American Dream, are very different works that highlight the power and talents of new and upcoming writers and actors.
The Audit, by Lynda Crawford, tells the tale of an IRS tax audit. The auditor, played by Disnie Sebastien, is a returning veteran. Joel Ripka portrays an aging hippie songwriter. The auditor is trying to deal with a stoned, totally disorganized person. As they respond differently to the demands of the audit, both characters reveal various aspects of their personalities. The two actors’ comedic timing displays their talents and the strength of the play. Both characters have been shaped by war and family suicides. Often, the best comedies include tragedy, and this is true of The Audit. Lynda Crawford has created a comedy that shows two flawed people coming to understand and appreciate each other.
Juan Ramirez Jr. has written a drama, The American Dream, which tells the story of an immigrant, Corina, who is trying to enter the U.S. under the guidance of Efren, a smuggler. Both characters are shaped by the idea of the American dream—the belief that anyone can become free and successful. Efren, played by the playwright (Juan Ramirez Jr.), has found that there is no American dream. Corina, played by Libe Barer, is sure that she will achieve the American dream once she crosses the border. For Corina, the first step to gaining freedom is escaping from the room where she is being held by Efren. She is willing to do anything to achieve her freedom. She presents various scenarios, such as needing to urinate or using another person’s sonogram to assert that she is pregnant—lying to persuade Efren to allow her freedom. Efren, betrayed by the American dream, constantly reminds her that he simply follows orders—even if this means killing people. He has surrendered his freedom. Presented on a stark stage—the set consists of a desk, chair, and flattened cardboard box—the different views of the American dream are clearly portrayed by both actors.
The placement of the two plays, a comedy and a drama, showcases the talents of the authors. Each play features two characters, one male and one female, and each actor shines in their role. Urban Stages is to be congratulated for its selection of plays and the compelling productions that were presented.
