Starman

WTFunk Productions—Pantages Studio

Co-written by the performers, Starman, is an examination of fate or preordination, and whether or not it is pertinent to our lives. The play creates a fable that says that when we are in the neverland between life and death, a star falls from the sky, assumes human form, and guides us through, either to continue life or die.

The antagonist, wrestling with his homosexuality, compounded by his strict Catholic upbringing, has tried to commit suicide. The antagonist, the Star, whose job it is to guide him through the process and ultimately recommend his “fate”, is wrestling with her prohibition from humanity, dictated by unnamed powers beyond her. I won’t spoil it, but both characters do come to a resolution.

Ferro Montantino, as the keyboard player, did add to the ambience of the show. I’m not sure if all the music was original but I did enjoy it.

I understand using the convention of a contemporary dance (early in the show), to express an emotional journey, but it did kind of bug me. I appreciate the effort, but I’m not a big fan, and, from where I was sitting, I couldn’t see most of it. Even though it was paired with some lovely choral work, I kind of zoned out until it was over.

A solid show, with dedicated performances and careful attention to detail.

Michelle Cook