CAPE COD TIMES – The Glasstown Players’ well-acted and well-directed production of “Oat Squares” may bring back memories of when the kids came home during COVID-19’s long lockdown ― and stayed.
There are some very funny moments of which the quartet of actors make the most.
But playwright George Barnett’s new play, although up-to-date with its’ pandemic setting, depends on the old trope of blustery dad raging against his daughter’s deadbeat boyfriend while her mother tries to keep the peace.
Real-life spouses Steve and Kim Lajoie play the parents, Mary and Ralph. Mary is no shrinking violet and every time she said, “Ralph!” I felt the spirit of “The Honeymooners” TV show haunting the production. She was sharp-voiced and sharp-witted – a long-suffering spouse who is resigned but not bitter.
Ralph is ready to jump all over Justin (Edmond Kenney) from the moment daughter Ashley (Charlotte Green) first brings him to dinner. Not that we can blame Ralph: Justin is annoying on so many levels – from his loud and fractured band practices in the basement to his constantly eating Ralph’s Oat Squares cereal.
Steve Lajoie’s expression is priceless when, after hurting his back carrying Justin’s weights into the house, he battles and finally wins a turn with the heating pad only to realize the cord is too short to reach him. You have to see it.
The program says director Gary Vacon met Kenney, the son of a neighbor, and knew he had found the perfect actor for the role of Justin. Kenney brings Justin to life with a healthy dose of ‘Hey, dude, chill!” that would make you think he was unaware of how annoying he is ― until one scene in which he eats all but one piece of Ralph’s cereal. Picture it: a box on the table with one single piece of cereal. That kind of pettiness takes planning.
Green is adorably innocent as Ashley, a sort of every-daughter in this family comedy. While the show is about a struggling family, the casual profanity may make you keep younger kids at home.
What is the play?
“Oat Squares” by George Barnett, premiered last year in New Milford, Conn. and is now having its second production with the Sandwich Arts Alliance. Produced by Melinda Gallant.
What are high points of seeing ‘Oat Squares’ in Sandwich?
The acting is terrific and it unfolds in a cozy, contemporary cottage with white birches outside the windows, an effect that is accomplished by placing paintings from an alliance artist behind clear windows. Steve Lajoie designed and built the set.
Food, specifically real food at the dining table, is in nearly all 10 scenes. While some of the scene changes are a little slow, it is fascinating to see crew hands clearing and setting the table in the dark.
How to get tickets to ‘Oat Squares at Sandwich Arts Alliance
Showtimes are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 10, at the Glass Town Stage, Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main St,, Sandwich. Tickets, at $30, available at sandwichartsalliance.org/.
By Gwenn Friss
