Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe Presents 'One Act Wonders'

Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe (CAST) is performing “One Act Wonders,” an engaging production of four distinct one-act plays, which blend comedy and drama together.

The idea behind staging multiple one-act plays is to create an exciting experience for both performers and audiences. “Each play is a complete work, but it happens fast,” said Mark Efinger, one of the directors. “Audiences will find that their attention is easily held, and quickly rewarded.”

Mark Efinger, Billy Lewand, and Gerard Roy direct the four one-act plays. Two auditions were held, allowing auditionees to experiment with different scripts. 17 performers and two understudies were cast for the four individual shows. “There are literally no small parts!” Efinger remarks, emphasizing the exciting appeals and challenges for actors to work with.

This also encourages new actors to get a sense of theater and the rehearsal process. “Being a community theater group, we strive for maximum inclusion and want to create opportunities for different kinds of artists: actors, directors, writers, tech, production staff, etc,” said Billy Lewand.

Mark Efinger directs two of the one-act plays, titled 4 AM (Open All Night) by Bob Krakower, and Bed and Breakfast by Richard Dresser. Efinger has studied these plays for a while and finds them profoundly funny, but in contrasting lights. He says, “Both (shows) take a tongue-in-cheek look at the world.”

Rehearsals for each 15-minute play consist of actors memorizing lines, blocking, and figuring out how to push characters to new heights. This is Efinger’s favorite part, citing how they discover hidden gems between the lines.

David Lee Vincent, who plays Doc in 4 AM, notes that the story has four angles of love: opportunities taken and missed. Do you take a chance or let the opportunity escape? Vincent says, “I love being that guy who interjects himself into the conversations of others with his observations. He verbalizes what the audience is thinking.”

Billy Lewand directs the comical show, The Actor’s Nightmare, by Christopher Durang. As a fan of Durang’s work since he was in college, Lewand fell in love with The Actor’s Nightmare script as soon as he read it. He relates to all the situations in the story, attesting that we’re all hoping to say the right thing when on the spot.

Rehearsals have run smoothly. Lewand holds respect for his cast, who are always willing to experiment. Still relatively new to directing, Lewand always assures that everyone tells the same story and makes choices that feel right for their characters.

“One Act Wonders” has the privilege of premiering local writer Ashley Skeffington’s moving, anti-war play, The Menders: A Vietnam Vignette. “Although set in 1969 against a violent conflict, this anti-war play is very appropriate for today’s world conflicts,” Director Gerard Roy said. “And peace and freedom of expression in the USA today.”

Roy felt a deep connection with the play, having grown up in a poor Boston neighborhood, where most of his neighbors, as well as his older brother, went to Vietnam. Rehearsals have been going great as Roy has provided blocking, character work on channeling emotions, and letting the actors interpret their roles.

CAST is thankful for Gloucester Stage Company’s support in allowing the use of its stage for rehearsals and performances. It makes visualizing and blocking easier for the actors. The theater has also allowed the group to use props and furniture, help from the technical team, and much more.

Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe performs ‘One Act Wonders’ at Gloucester Stage Company on April 17-19. It’s an excellent chance for audiences to see the world outside of the theater a little differently. Tickets are available online and at the door.