Megan Massie, Kyle Ware, Tony Dingman & Mera Kathryn Corlett in Ton of Bricks
Photo-Think Tank Theatre
Ton of Bricks
Written, directed and compiled by members of Think Tank Theatre
Review by Kate Barry
Entire contents are copyright © 2014 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
Have you ever heard the phrase “Louisville is for lovers?” I’m sure you have. That phrase has appeared on t-shirts, bumper stickers and other swag all around the city. That phrase may be clever in its alliteration but is it true? Well you need look no further than Think Tank Theatre’s premiere production of Ton of Bricks for your answer.
Billed as a docu-theatrical musical, this play was created from several in depth interviews with Louisvillians about matters of the heart. Translated and interpreted into dialogue and monologue, the ensemble perfectly replicates the pitch, tempo and idiosyncratic tics of natural speech. This natural way of speaking highlights the intimacy and awkwardness involved with love and all of its pursuits. Recreating the ebb and flow of natural speech resonates the emotional depth within each scene whether it’s the rambunctious girl catcalling a man in a suit or an old gay couple; the strength of speech matches the pursuits of love.
Think Tank Theater doesn’t take itself too seriously in this piece either. The ensemble dances and sings original music and some standard love songs as well. Strong moments in the production involve a passionate tango between Mera Kathryn Corlett and Tony Dingman as well as an energetic swing dance that turns into a middle school slow dance. Megan Massie and Kyle Ware play off each other well throughout the performance. They share cartoonish-shtick as two lovers about to share their first kiss early in the production.
By the end of the production, it becomes abundantly clear that each of the four performers represent a point of view on love ranging from hopeful and giddy, to heartbroken and skeptical. With these points of view derived from a Louisville perspective, it is clear that Think Tank Theatre’s production will be one for the lovers.
Ton of Bricks
Part of the Slant Culture Theatre Festival
Think Tank Theatre
Walden Theatre
1123 Payne Street
Louisville, KY 40204
Thursday, November 13 – 7 pm
Saturday, November 15 – 5 pm
Saturday, November 22 – 9 pm
Sunday, November 23– 3 pm
Tickets $12
http://www.slantculture.com/tickets/
[box_light]Kate Barry earned her Bachelors in English with a Theater minor from Bellarmine University in 2008. She has worked with many different companies around town including Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, Bunbury Theater, Louisville Repertory Company, Walden Theater, Finnigan Productions and you have probably purchased tickets from her at that little performing arts center on Main Street as well. In 2012, her short play “PlayList” won festival favorite in the Finnigan Festival of Funky Fresh Fun. She has written for Leo Weekly and TheatreLouisville.com as well. Thanks for reading![/box_light]