It's 1923 in rural Mississippi. The sound of cicadas? Cicadas. the seventeen year bugs are awakening as Leroy (DeJuan Christopher) appears at the home of his former love, Berta (Kacie Rogers). Berta is Leroy's paramour from another time. Leroy is desperate.
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| Kacie Rogers and DeJuan Chirstopher Photo by Makela Yepez Photography |
On Amanda Knehans's rustic set the mood is dark with Leroy having been absent from Berta for three years. Meanwhile, Berta has married and has lost both her husband and a child: still birth.
Why director Andi Chapman has the actors open on energy level Nine and shout for most of this production makes me wonder if it's some kind of trend. Why put the pedal to the metal and keep it there for much of the argument of the play.. and mostly, it is an argument. Certainly, there are moments of de-escalation.. but the tension is palpable combined with angst and passion.
There's something about the awakening of the cicadas that protects Leroy and guides him that comes in concert with Berta's belief that with the recurrence of the bugs that her long dead baby will be resurrected.
Lighting and effects are impressive, but the high energy of the characters toe to to was.. mostly very high.
This is a tough 'twohander' with two totally dedicated actors who never once falter or flounder.
There are moments. make no mistake. And again. .the absolute focus of the two actors is intense and clear..
When at a matinee the audience rises enthusiastically and I'm still puzzled, I put that on me. What did I miss? Berta Berta is a labor of love, most certainly.
Creative Team:
includes scenic designer Amanda Knehans, lighting designer Andrew Schmedake, sound designer Jeff Gardner and costume designer Wendell C. Carmichael. The assistant director is Jessica Williams, and the production stage manager is Bianca Rickheim. Chris Fields, Kelly Beech, Marie Bland and Joy DeMichelle produce for the EchTheater Company
Berta Beata
• Written by Angelica Chéri
• Directed by Andi Chapman
• Starring DeJuan Christopher and Kacie Rogers
• Presented by The Echo Theater Company, Chris Fields artistic director
WHEN:
Previews, July 16, July 17, July 18 at 8 p.m.
Performances, July 19 through August 25:
• Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 8 p.m. / Sundays at 4 p.m.
WHERE:
Echo Theater Company
Atwater Village Theatre
3269 Casitas Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039
PARKING:
FREE in the Atwater Crossing (AXT) lot one block south of the theater.
TICKET PRICES:
• Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: $38
• Mondays and Previews: Pay–What–You–Want
HOW:
www.EchoTheaterCompany.com
(747) 350-8066
Crew
LIGHTING DESIGN
Andrew Schmedake
SCENIC DESIGN
Amanda Knehans
COSTUME DESIGN
Wendell Carmichael
Berta, Berta is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of
Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.
Set, Lights, Costume and Sound Designers in this theater are represented by United
Scenic Artists Local 829 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
PUBLICITY
Lucy Pollak
PRODUCTION
STAGE MANAGER
Bianca Rickheim
ASST. DIRECTOR
Jessica Williams
SOUND DESIGN
Jeff Gardner
The Echo Theater Company presents the West Coast premiere of Berta, Berta, Written by Angelica Chéri
• Directed by Andi Chapman
• Starring DeJuan Christopher and Kacie Rogers
• Presented by The Echo Theater Company, Chris Fields artistic director
Previews, July 16, July 17, July 18 at 8 p.m.
Performances, July 19 through August 25:
• Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 8 p.m. / Sundays at 4 p.m.
Echo Theater Company
Atwater Village Theatre
3269 Casitas Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039
PARKING:
FREE in the Atwater Crossing (AXT) lot one block south of the theater.
TICKET PRICES:
• Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: $38
• Mondays and Previews: Pay–What–You–Want
www.EchoTheaterCompany.com
(747) 350-8066
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