Achilles at the Skylight

Playwright Chris Collins's "Achilles in Arcadia" is a World Premiere.  It is always a tempting to see a brand new play. Director Kiff Scholl's production takes us to Arcadia, California and into the  world of student   film making..  Sort of. 

The film's director, George (Krit McClean) is a disabled vet from his time in a foreign war. His pal,  Pat (Timothy Willard) is sweet on George's sister Rose (Yulia Belyaeva). They all assemble to rehearse Geoge's film.  Lilly (Devyn Kohl ), George's partner completes his cast.

Side tracked by Aunt Amy (Gloria Tsai).. things start to go sideways and then.. more sideways. A gun?

A "prop" gun provides some tension.  The motive for it is obscure. 

Gloria Tsai and Jeff LeBeau

As we move further and further from the goal of rehearsing for George's student film, Scholl and Collins guide us through a miasma of circumstances that expose  a darkness that portends an odd climax. The title, "Achilles in Arcadia" foreshadows the hurdles that George faces as a wounded veteran with family issues that impinge on his goals to succeed in the arts.

Joyce Hutter's beautiful set:  a Chinese restaurant that may be part of George's family business is lavish.

Scholl's direction has his characters on high octane and acting styles are varied with the swing of the story .. sideways again.. as George and Rose's father, Chuck (Jeff LeBeau) returns with a limp similar to the injury that George has received in battle. The metaphor of "Achilles", the mighty warrior who met his fate becaused of a flaw may be at work.  

Collins' story builds to a confusing  climax. The denument of Rose's interpretive dance is enigmatic and moving.

When anyone opts to take a new project and invest time and cash for art, this deserves applause.  My confusion with the motivations of the characters may be in the text and I just missed it.  This leaves questions, but the cast's dedication is on the stage and deserves to be acknowledged.

 

Black Bough Productions 

presents

ACHILLES IN ARCADIA

by Chris Collins

A World Premiere

Directed by Kiff Scholl

Scenic Designer -Joyce Hutter 

Lighting Designer -Matt Richter 

Sound Designer -Jerry Buszek 

Costume Designer -Freddie Patrick 

Casting Director -Lucky Weaver 

Marketing Director -Sé Marie Volk 

Press Agent -Philip Sokoloff

Stage Manager -Conner Moody 

General Manager -Frier McCollister 

Photos by Christopher Mortenson

Cast

George - Krit McClean

Lilly - Devyn Kohl

Pat - Timothy Willard

Rose - Yulia Belyaeva

Aunt Amy - Gloria Tsai

Chuck - Jeff LeBeau 

August 9 - September 21, 2025

Run time: 1 hr. 25 min.

No intermission.

There is no late seating.

LOCATION:
Skylight Theatre
1816 1/2 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles

ADULT TICKET PRICE:
$25 Saturdays & Sundays
$20 Fridays

SENIOR/STUDENT TICKET PRICE:
$15 (at door sale only)