Two Shows Closing This Sunday

Two shows are currently wrapping up this weekend. One is about the incredibly meaningful life of a dog – and how, in the end, he reincarnates himself as a human. The other, about the incredibly tragic life of a woman – and how, in the end, she turns it around. (Your Hedonista recently accepted media invites to both productions.)

First, there’s The Art of Racing in the Rain – a play adaptation based on the 2008 book (and New York Times best seller) by Seattle author Garth Stein, currently playing at Book-It Repertory Theatre from April 17th to may 13th, 2012. Set in Seattle, this play is an adaptation by Myra Platt and directed by Carol Roscoe. It tells of the human-dog bond between Denny Swift (Eric Riedmann) and his dog – a mutt likely with part terrier in the genetic mix – Enzo (David S. Hogan). Enzo seeks reincarnation as a human; but, to obtain it, he must remain heroic and true … all the while keeping Denny on the same path. WARNING: This one just may make you shed a tear or two.

Four performances of The Art of Racing in the Rain remain: 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. performances both tomorrow and Sunday. Tickets range from the $20s to the $40s, but according to their ticketing website, all performances are sold out. Book-It’s 23rd season is now out and features five plays for its upcoming 2012-2013 season.

Next is the world premier of Exit, Pursued By A Bear at ArtsWest, running April 18th to May 13th, 2012. Produced jointly by Synchronicity Theatre (Atlanta) and and Crowded Fire Theater (San Francisco), this is a play by Lauren Gunderson, author of last year’s ArtsWest production of another strong female protagonist – Émilie: La Marquise Du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight. Although I didn’t enjoy Exit as much as Émilie, protagonist Nan Carter (performed by Sara Coates, who was, interestingly enough, also Soubrette in Émilie as well as in Theater Schmeater’s An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein) is a convincing “victim-turned-victorious” heroine. The victim of domestic violence at the hands of her red-necked husband Kyle Carter (Jonah Von Spreecken), Nan (with the help of a couple of friends) takes things into her own hands and doles out her own form of poetic – well, at least Shakespearean – justice. Disturbingly dark and comedic at the same time, this is definitely a revenge play.

Only two performances remain of Exit: tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $34.50. This play is recommended for those 16 years of age and older. The 2012-2013 season at ArtsWest is also prepped and will run from September 19th, 2012 to May 25th, 2013. The five plays will be: Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson; The Winter Wondrettes; Shirley Valentine; Next Fall; and 33 Variations.

Although very different, a clear central theme exists between these two plays exists: that the power to change and improve oneself really lies within.

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable coverage, of the given venue/meal/performance/product/service.