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Match Me

nytheatre.com review by Geeta Citygirl
August 15, 2005

Aurin Squire tackles a number of subjects in his 45-minute play Match Me. The conception of the story is credited to the two lead actors, Kerry-Jane Wilson and Niketa Calame. The story revolves around two characters, Jody and Lisa—both in different positions and yet in the same place. Each character is pushed to the edge—the line between sanity and insanity is blurred. It is a complicated matter that requires a solid play structure in order to keep the audience connected. Unfortunately the script is too vague and without the necessary definitive plot, the piece is hard to make sense of.Earlier this year, Match Me was showcased as part of the Actors Studio Drama School’s 9th Annual Repertory Season. Under The Skin, a flexible repertory company formed in 2002 by students from the Actors Studio, presents this incarnation. I encourage the writer (who is a playwright to watch and whose works you can see at various festivals around town) to revisit this script and add a stronger hook for the audience to latch on to.Another aspect to consider is the extremely comfortable and beautiful Mazer Theater, which opened back in 1889 (a piece of history is part of your experience too). The space, located on the edge of Chinatown, is a 199-seat, air-conditioned theater with a proscenium stage—way too large for this intimate play. This piece would be helped if it were performed in a smaller venue.Kerry-Jane Wilson as Jody stands out and pushes her emotional range to a frightening extreme. Unfortunately and quite suddenly during her performance, an Irish accent creeps its way into the play, which made me stop listening to the story and question why that accent was unexpectedly introduced. Niketa Calame is acceptable as Lisa. Keisha Zollar is captivating in her various roles—none of which has any lines if I remember correctly. And David Spangler, also in multiple roles, modulates his voice and articulates the words with such precision that one wishes to use him as an example to beginning acting students.At one point, the actors move downstage and are completely out of their light. And since there is no lighting designer mentioned, I imagine that explains the lack of proper lighting. Special mention to the director, Denise Owens who along with the set designer, Shawn Lewis, attempts to utilize the vast space as well as possible. Theresa Squire’s costume design, right down to the buttons and on-stage quick changes, is appealing. Costume mistress Iliana Amparo Quander assists her.Match Me does trigger questions—a challenge for the two people to match their wits. My friend and fellow actor, Aly, attended with me and after the show ended, we found ourselves across the street at a cafe discussing the play—both the high and low points. Overall I would say that each member of the production put in their best efforts and for that, they must be commended.