Ensemble Actors Studio’s “All Things Pittsburgh Play Festival n’at” takes a delightful, satirical, loving look at the idiosyncrasies that belong to the “Burgh” and its residents.
Parking chairs, Pittsburgh potties, sandwiches with French fries, rabid sports fans, pierogies running foot races, Hunts versus Heinz Ketchup, what we think of Ravens fans, Kennywood and chipped ham, are just some of the unique Pittsburgh oddities providing the fodder for this clever parody.
The ten 10 minute original plays are all wildly entertaining, comedic, and distinctly different from each other. Works by several well known local playwrights including Gayle Pazerski and Jaime Slavinsky are directed by Chris Clavelli and Cynthia Dallas among others. The actors are students of Ensemble Actors Studio.
“Seasonal Effective Disorder” by Brian Pope, directed by Jaime Slavinsky lampoons Pittsburgh’s unpredictable weather. Each season is represented by an actor who jockeys to control the greatest number of calendar days for their season. It’s a very entertaining comically presented premise. Alauna Gipson is impressive as Winter. She has a confident, commanding stage presence and loads of charisma. A star in the making!
Tammy Ryan’s “The Cookie Table” directed by Justin Zeno, kids about the pressure to have a spectacular cookie table at every wedding. It’s a funny yet poignant piece. Krista Graham (the future bride) has great comedic timing. Her exceptional countenance and expressive eyes convey excitement about her upcoming nuptials. She glows from within, radiating love and contentment.
“Where Are All My Yinzers At?” by Kim El, (directed by Wali Jamal) is a hysterically funny look at a classroom in the future. The teacher (Andrew Lasswell) is doing his best to keep the dying Pittsburghese dialect and language alive by instructing his students on the finer points of both. He has the students perfect the distinctive accent by practicing phrases such as, “I took a shower with Bill Cower and he bought me flowers.” So funny! Lasswell is terrific in his role as he earnestly pursues this ludicrous goal. He has a great sense of comedy.
There are many surprising and laughable moments in all of the plays. It is nearly impossible to include all of them in this overview. Everyone involved in producing this wonderful night of comedy is to be commended. It is a truly pleasurable diversion away from today’s weighty matters.
There is some bad news and some good news. First, the bad news. This festival runs just one short weekend ending August 3. The good news is, this is a continuing, ongoing project. It will be back with a rash of all new plays humorously razzing Pittsburgh. This festival is a wonderful gift to Pittsburghers that keeps on giving.
The “All Things Pittsburgh Play Festival N’at” gives Pittsburghers a chance to laugh at the city and the people they love.
– LtTL
Learn more about the Ensemble Acting Studio right here.
