“I just feel the need to express myself with the abstractions of the world.”
If anything were to be described as abstract, it would be “The Robertassey.” Kathleen Cahill’s sixth produced project as a playwright, this show opened its world premiere on Salt Lake Acting Company’s (SLAC) stage on Feb. 5.
“Artificial American Sparkle”
Co-directed by Penelope Caywood and Hannah Keating, this play was one of complexity, vulnerability and most of all, hilarity.
“The Robertassey” story follows the lead character, Roberta (Anne Louise Brings) as she tries to rediscover herself in Ireland. While away, she loses her suitcase, holding a valuable artifact: her father’s ashes. Throughout the show, she is in a state of fretting and begins to uncover truths about her late father. From skunks, witches, sparkly shoes, luggage handlers and poets, Roberta’s path leads to a new goal.
As the story unfolds, Roberta runs into several faces, including Aemon (Eric Sciotto), Fiona (Heidi Hackney) and the hiker (Darryl Stamp) — later discovered to be her father. Each personality has its own Irish charm, adding comedic elements from all angles. Aemon’s charisma, Fiona’s sarcasm and bluntness and the Bartender’s slyness all guide Roberta to a new goal of not only finding herself, but her newfound longing for a relationship with her father.
A Magical Mystery Tour, and No, It’s Not the Beatles
Many of us are left to be lost, not knowing what our path is leading to. “The Robertassey” — Roberta’s Odyssey — exemplifies these feelings through Roberta’s experience in Ireland. She is even referred to as mysterious. The plot of the show was incredibly campy, poking at the cultural differences between Ireland and America. While some of it may have been exaggerated for comedic effect, the audience was with it throughout. Especially the performance of Sciotto. He brought a sense of life to his character, falling on Irish stereotypes. These included philosophical spirituality, drunken dad, sexual language and hating the British.
“You are the most poetic baggage hand in the world,” Roberta said in a romantic scene between the characters. The one thing that was consistent throughout the show, was the douche-esque style Sciotto brought to the stage.
In between set changes, there were bits shared between characters which showcased the closeness of the cast. Being a four-person show, each actor had their own set of range to bring to the table. Some may have outshined others, but it was enjoyable to see their navigation through this new work.
Series of Dots
As the show came to an end, we were left with a moment of reflection as the actors looked out towards the open lake. The end monologue from Sciotto’s character closes with the line, “series of dots,” which adds to the mysteriousness of what’s to come next in Roberta’s story.
Salt Lake Acting Company will partner with Caring Connections, a grief program of the University of Utah College of Nursing, throughout the show’s run. “The Robertassey” will play through March 2. You can purchase tickets for the next show here.
