The phrase “community theater” evokes good intentions and bad results, well-meaning artistic ventures of little value to anyone that’s not actually acting in the show. Portland Playhouse seems determined to shake some new vitality into the tired term, not merely via rhetoric about celebrating the “complexity of our shared human experience” (though that quote was pulled directly from their press materials), but by creating a community space that benefits more than just those onstage. The audience is encouraged to relax on comfy couches, snack during the show, enjoy a free beer from MacTarnahan’s—even get up and use the bathroom if they need to. The resulting atmosphere is convivial and low-key, locally unmatched for comfort and lack of pretension.
There’s still the issue of the show itself, of course: Playwright Theresa Rebeck’s Mauritius is about stamp collecting, and sisters who hate each other, and old grudges that fester restlessly but are never aired. As sisters Jackie (Nikki Weaver) and Mary (KB Mercer) argue about the ownership of a valuable stamp collection, their headbutting about family, obligation, and the true nature of value adds up to a more thought-provoking whole than any two-line summary would do justice.
Director David Seitz has an overeager hand, prone to exuberant outbursts where moderation would be more effective—the show is at its best when cast members are allowed to relax into their roles. But so what if Seitz’s direction has all the subtlety of a golden retriever that really wants to play fetch—Mauritius is generally enjoyable, and if you have to go pee after drinking all that free beer, you’re totally allowed.
I was a little surprised a couple of weeks ago to see a home made sign for MAURITIUS, a play that appeared on Broadway last season, outside of a funky converted church on NE Prescott. It’s true that “free beer” enhances cultural events so I gave it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this “community theater” production featured two Actors Equity performers and solid performances throughout. MAURITIUS is a plot driven AMERICAN BUFFALO set in the stamp world. If you enjoy a David Mamet con, you’ll enjoy this. And the top ticket price is $19, a lot more economical than the $91.50 you would have paid to see it on Broadway last season.
It’s unfortunate that this promising new theater keeps getting confused for “community theater,” because I’m certain they are no such thing. It seems that maybe this reviewer let her preconceived notions that Portland Playhouse is a community theater slightly cloud her perception. Although she nailed it when describing the atmosphere as “unmatched for comfort and lack of pretension.” That was my experience exactly. A thoroghly enjoyable show!