THEATER REVIEW:OCC students find ‘Voices’

The monologue, whether performed as a solo piece or an excerpt from a broader theatrical canvas, often stands out in the memory, and Orange Coast College students are making their own memories from both categories.

The annual “Solo Voices” program, assembled by OCC’s Repertory Theater Company, follows the traditional wedding format — something old, something new, something borrowed and, in at least one case, something blue. There are a dozen choices on the menu, some of which are quite tasty.

About a quarter of the monologues are taken from published works and, as might be expected, are a cut above the originals in overall quality. One of these, in particular, stands out as the evening’s most accomplished project.

This would be a brief excerpt from Beth Henley’s “Crimes of the Heart,” in which one of the play’s three sisters describes how she shot her husband, then called 911 — after making a pitcher of lemonade. Lindsay K. Morgan spins this tale beautifully in character under the direction of Krystal Dukes.

Dukes also makes an onstage appearance in a lesser piece by Laura Harrington called “Night Luster,” with Morgan switching to the director’s chair. It’s a rambling bit about a woman’s nocturnal fears and fantasies.

OCC’s resident playwright, Sean Engard, has two entries in this year’s “Voices,” the more impressive being “The Imperfect Murder” directed by Samantha Wellen. Here Melissa Maurizi describes in straightforward style the dispatching of her husband, along with several others who happened to intercede.

Similar in style is Engard’s “Accidental Terrorist,” but Raquel Radwell’s presentation is somewhat shakier under Yolanda Mendiveles’ direction. Both monologues involve a woman whose escapades place her outside the law, but Maurizi’s offers more comical clarity.

Mayme Riddle Bitney’s “Making Reuben Propose” is also an impressive offering. As directed by Jessica Maslyar and sweetly performed by Farrell Anna Roth, the rich Southern backwoods flavor of the piece simmers delightfully.

Neither of two published works, “ ‘Dentity Crisis” by Christopher Durang nor Eve Ensler’s “Necessary Targets” fully hit their intended marks under the direction of Courteney Chudleigh and Christopher Vu, respectively. Leslie Ibarra projects the Durang piece, while Laura Palacios interprets Ensler’s segment.

The “something blue” alluded to earlier is a strange playlet called “Writer’s Block,” with both the writer (Zaid T.) and the actor (Jesse M.) identified only by their last initials. It’s an R-rated rant, which spins its wheels but never really takes off, about a scripter trying to find his voice.

The same might be said for “The Taxi Cabaret,” Peter Mills’ slice of New York life under Dukes’ direction. Matt Jensen enacts the sorehead cabby with appropriate urban panache. “Dan” by Roy Williams Jr. is a compelling, but disturbing look at a young, disillusioned college student (Tim Zimmer) under the direction of Amber Latham.

“Clear Glass Marbles,” from Jane Martin’s published evening of monologues entitled “Talking With,” is touchingly presented by Elysabeth Samuelson under Samantha Wellen’s direction.

But the most anticipated offering, the “To Be or Not to Be” speech from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” is the most disappointing. It’s an irritated monotone by Chris Vu, directed by Dillon Hulse, that’s lacking in both clarity and impact.

“Solo Voices” offers OCC’s drama students a unique shot at self-expression, with Morgan and Roth succeeding most impressively with their slightly cracked Southern belles.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “Solo Voices”

WHERE: Orange Coast College Studio Theater, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa

WHEN: Closing performances tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2:30 and 7

COST: $6 to $7

CALL: (714) 432-5880