The 27th Annual Festival of One-Act Plays - Theatre Three | 4.25.26

Photo Credit: Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions Inc.

Theatre Three is currently producing The 27th Annual Festival of One-Act Plays on their Second Stage, the Ronald F. Peierls Theatre – right downstairs from the main theater until May 9th. This year's selections were fantastic, ranging from stories that were either comedic, thought-provoking, or heavy with emotion which is wonderfully unique in this year's presentation. The 8 stories that were depicted were selected from over 750 submissions from playwrights from all around the world, so we’ve got a well-rounded group of great work! 

"A Grove, Again" - Haley Saunders, Linda May, Steve Ayle.

Photo Credit: Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions Inc.

I'll be keeping some comments intentionally vague as to not spoil too much of the plot. One act stories are obviously shorter than your typical theater fare, so we need to tread lightly! 

One of my favorites was "A Grove Again" written by Vince Gatton with Steve Ayle, Haley Saunders, and Linda May playing a family finding their way individually and collectively after a traumatic event. This story resonated with me because I think we have all experienced something in our own lives like this and I believe others will find it relatable as well. The three players in this one were absolutely captivating. "Reconstruction" written by Barbara Kimmel with Jules Greaves, Brian McCready, Antoine Jones, and Steven Uihlein was a treat and it showcased even more talent from Greaves. If you have seen shows at Theatre Three recently you have likely heard her sing, and we know she does that incredibly well and seeing her show off her equally impressive acting chops was lovely.

I found “Diary of Maria” written by Dave Huber featuring Angie Barrientos Gomez and Douglas J. Quattrock to be powerful and timely with a message that is quite appropriate for today’s climate. This one put some tears in my eyes. I feel like this is what theater should be used for. It isn’t just for entertainment - theater is for social commentary as well and this one takes a turn that wasn’t expected, but much appreciated. The story directly after was “Out of the Closet” written by Jacquel R. Tomlin with Haley Saunders, Sari Feldman, and Phyllis March that capitalized on the family theme as well, but with a relatable comedic twist. It was much welcome relief! “The Dry Cleaners” written by Philip Hall with Evan Teich and Brittany Lacey was a quick one but a *great* one! The pair play off each other nicely with amazing chemistry and their rapid delivery of lines was fun and hysterical to watch.

"The Diary of Maria" - Angie Barrientos Gomez & Douglas J. Quattrock

Photo Credit: Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions Inc.

The festival closed with something unique - a story that featured the entire cast of the festival! “The Last Living Quimbly” by Brad White still has me stumped? It featured a dazzling performance from McCready who kept me laughing the entire time with his incredible facial expressions and delivery of lines…but I’m still not 100% sure what was going on here. Is this a satirical story that was too brilliant for me? Is the fun in the ambiguity? I’ll never know and I don’t need to. I still enjoyed it for what *I* took from it and that’s all that matters.

*Thank you very much.*

The festival was directed by Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel and proves why it is in its 27th year. The selections this year encompass many different themes and has a little something for everyone, no matter what draws you to the theater. Tickets are extremely limited, so I suggest visiting their website at www.theatrethree.com to confirm availability beforehand. This is one not to miss!

Full Company

Photo Credit: Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions Inc.

Cast:

Steve Ayle

David DiMarzo

Sari Feldman

Jason Furnari

Angie Barrientos Gomez

Jules Greaves

Antoine Jones

Brittany Lacey

Phyllis March

Linda May

Brian McCready

Ted Moriates

Douglas J. Quattrock

Haley Saunders

Ke’Ashma Simpkins

Evan Teich

Andrew Timmins

Steven Uihlein

Creative Team:

Director - Jeffrey Sanzel

Stage Manager & Properties - Ally Humanitzki

SOUND Design - Tim Haggerty

LIGHTING DESIGN - Steven Uihlein

Technical Direction - Steve Barile, Jr.

Costume Design - jason allyn