EVANSTON SALT COST CLIMBING at Rogue Machine

Author Will Arbery 's "Evanston Salt Costs Climbing"...     Rogue Machine's first effort with new Artistic Director, Guillermo Cinefuentes, offers at least a partial  answer to the question "What might happen if Samuel Beckett met Michael McClure's  The Beard?"  In Rogue Machine's West Coast Premiere, the voice of the playwright is heard clearly in each of his four strong eclectic characters whose dialogue turns on suicide, death, exitential angst and the issue of the best way to make the roads in Evanston, Illinois safe when the snows fly and the icy roads become slick and dangerous.  It's a comedy of sorts.

Michael Redfield  (Right)  as Peter and Hugo Armstrong as Basil

 

Brilliant performances by Michael Redfield  as Peter and Hugo Armstrong as Basil with Peter being the guy most conflicted with situations in his life.. considerng suicide.  When the 'FUs' start flying, we see the loving comradery that Peter and Basil share. They are  the salt truckers who spread salt on winter roads in  Evanston, Illinois and survive the Angst of Life.  

Lesley Fara (Maiworm) is excellent as   supervisor for Public Works and grateful for Basil's attention in the mix. She appears and disappears along with the mysterious woman in the purple hat. 

   

Kaia Gerber  is wonderful as Maiworm's daughter Jane, Jr.  with her glass shattering screams she presentss another of the playwright's voices whose anxiety and dreams congeal in a final loving rendition of John Prine's Angel from Montgomery. 

The basic theme of Salt seems to be the appreciation of   life.. and death... with side trips to angst,  doubt and changes in the confidence of each of the four characters. .

The fundamental essence of Rogue Machine Theatre .. as I've come to appreciate this company over the years, turns on cutting edge theatre that challenges the company as well as their loyal audience.  This is a play to be experienced.

 

Full disclosure.  I have known Michael Redfield (Peter) all of his life and am a fan. The challenge that he and fellow trucker Basil (Hugo Armstrong) share, along with Maiworm and Jane Jr. is to sustain a relentless pace in an existential and slightly loopy scenario.  Director Cienfuegos  boosts the the banter  with appropriate physical movement  choreographed by Myrna Gawryn.  Dan Weingarten's Lighting Design and Chris Moscatiello's Sound Design are spot on.  Mark Mendelson's scenic Desig :  spectacular

  

Arbery's text echoes Beckett occasionally, but it all comes back to the author's own angst and how to deal with it.. The wide stage at the Matrix is  perfect for this piece AND!  the air conditioning for the Sunday Matinee brought the icy chill of Evanston, which prompts an advisory to bring a sweater!

 

Cast

Hugo Armstrong as Basil

Lesley Fera as Maiworm

Kaia Gerberas Jane Jr.

Michael Redfield as Peter 

PRODUCTION TEAM: Mark Mendelson (Scenic Design), Dan Weingarten (Lighting Design), Chris Moscatiello (Sound Design), Christine Cover Ferro (Costume Design), Jenine Mac Donald (Prop Design), Michelle Hanzelova-Bierbauer (Projection Design), Victoria Hoffman (Casting), Myrna Gawryn (Movement Director/Intimacy Coordinator), Rachel Ann Manheimer (Stage Manager), Grant Gerrard (Technical Director)

"Evanston Salt Costs Climbing"

bu Will Arbery

Directed by Guillermo Cinfuegous

 ROGUE MACHINE (in the Matrix Theatre)

7657 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

(street parking)

 8pm Fridays, Saturdays&Mondays; 

3pm Sundays 

(No performances on February 10)

Closing: March 9, 2025

 Reservations https://www.roguemachinetheatre.org/

Information 855-585-5185

 

General Seating on Fridays and Saturdays: $60

General Seating on Sundays and Mondays: $45

Seniors: $35

Students with ID and children under 18: $25

Shows4Less: Mondays, February 17 ($20+) February 24 ($25+)

Photos by Jeff Lorch