By Mia Proli Gable
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Life's little trials and tribulations are not unique to each person. As in the case of love, it is not unusual for many people to be experiencing the same pains and joys simultaneously. METAtheatre's latest production "Blue Window" explores what makes humans human and how they are united by common threads of emotions and experiences.
This play centers around Libby (Kiley M. Jones) throwing a housewarming Sunday dinner party for some close friends and near strangers Ä six guests in all. The catch is that she has lived in her New York City apartment for four years. To say she is awkward and nervous is an understatement. Libby's apprehension originates from a traumatic experience which she has kept very secret.
Jones does an excellent job of portraying the shaky Libby, whose life nearly falls apart when she breaks a tooth opening a can of caviar preparing for her party.
As the play opens, the stage becomes five separate apartments and the characters are preparing for the party. In a unique way, what could have been muddled and confusing staging becomes very interesting and exciting. Griever dances around in various stages of dressing while listening to Motown tunes, Libby prepares for the party, Boo studies Italian, Tom writes a song and Norbert tries to put together a puzzle.
What is very interesting about this scene, and the one that concludes the play in similar fashion, is that even though the characters are in different places they appear to be thinking similar things. Calling it fate or coincidence, "Blue Window" makes the statement that people have the same sort of conflicts and usually go through the same experiences simultaneously.
This is where the script begins to falter, because by the end of the play these coincidences become redundant and just plain too coincidental. In the final scene after Libby's party, the play culminates on the experiences surrounding a "blue window." It ranges from television screens to a view of the sunset. Although it is interesting to see all the ways the world can be the same, the point is overemphasized.
Unlike the creative staging at the beginning and end of the play, another of director Robin Aaberg's attempts does not work as well. During the party at Libby's, the very quiet and submissive Emily (Jen Rossiter-Nelson) sits off to the side of the stage and breaks into a song about her childhood and move to the city. This unexpected action disjoints the production.
"Blue Window" attempts to explore the fascination of coincidence and fate, but the script leaves something to be desired. Many people like to know that their experiences are unique and that they are special in some way. Lucas' play loses sight of the individual while struggling to show continuity.
"Blue Window" plays at the Historic "Y" Theatre through April 2. For information and reservations call 882-8446.