Philadelphia Dramatist Center is back for their first live theatre performance since before the pandemic. Their Guaranteed Overnight Theatre was an amazing performance of collaborative work.
The Concept
The actors/actresses had 24 hours to write, produce, and rehearse their plays. The fact that they were able to do this under the time limit was nothing short of brilliance at its finest. The productions came together quite beautifully. Each production as there were 6 total plays covered various themes. From unlikely friendships and courage to hilarious comedic pieces every play was wonderfully crafted.
Safety First
The plays took place at 233 Federal Street which looked like from the outside as a garage was an amazingly crafted stage. Having it have an outdoor element was genius. Everyone was asked to wear their masks the entire time. I personally didn’t feel as it was bothersome. No one gave off an air that they had issue. To be honest it was one of the most safest theatre productions I had been in quite some time. Tickets were bought ahead of time. There were a hand sanitizing station as soon as you walked in. Overall a sense of love for the theatre rushed back as soon as I took my seat!
Acting Bites
The actors/actresses ranges from all age ranges, stages of life, as well acting levels. Every last performer was engaging. With the fact that there were at least 2 per production it sometimes is hard to carry. Also I have to say each play has elements of comedy in it. To be honest we were there an hour and a half and it could have gone longer. Each actor/actress carried their parts well and drew the crowd in!
Giving Back
If you have never gone to a play with Philadelphia Dramatist Center you might not be aware that they collect a raffle every production. Half of what is collected is given to the winner who is drawn. It’s like a win win for the Philadelphia Dramatist Center and the audience. So far they are the only ones who I’ve ever seen do it in Philadelphia. I also want to say that theatre always need support so if you’re looking to donate, consider them! They are a teaching organization that helps individuals learn the process of acting, writing, producing, etc.
Variety of Shows
With the 6 shows there were different themes presented! From “Billions Served” which was about two young ladies who were calling on the goddess of destruction but got the god of sexual pleasure to “Citizens Volunteer Fire Company” which was about citizens who set fire to rambunctious neighbors. Citizens Volunteer Fire Company was the most interactive as the audience became apart of the production. I laughed so hard because both actors definitely engaged us.
Billions Served was one of the most explosive and I mean that by all accounts. It was the first production but it set the tone for everyone to enjoy the symbolisms and the fun that was about to have. The productions had so much energy, flare, as well as personality. I loved seeing each actor/actress show their personality while they brought their characters to life.
Train to No Where
One of my favorites was “Train to No Where.” The unlikely meeting of two individuals who don’t realize how much they need one another in the midst of what could be deemed a moment of anxiety was so good. It’s just like life, we have these moments where we cross paths with others and don’t realize how aligned we are!
House of Egypt
I liked this because it had a quirky feel as someone who is always trying to stay positive while one is dealing with what the next chapter will be I thoroughly enjoyed the exchange! Realizing how encouraging listening to someone can be to help them sort out life-we need more of that!
Falling Upwards
I enjoyed the interactions between both actresses. The jarring on memory and what someone sees, remembers, or knows. The use of animals to speak on two different viewpoints had me leaning in.
Break
This one was super unique. People don’t realize that actors/actresses are characters who have lives outside of the stage. As my mom would say, every actor has to lay down their part. You will never know the pain, hurt, or trauma that they bring to the stage because they are taught to go into their characters and give it their all. I loved how real that felt.
To put into perspective of how thorough the productions were it was compromised of 6 Playwrights, 6 Directors, 11 actors present, and 3 producers! This was not small by any meals. It’s impact with everyone coming together was a well oiled machine and an amazing welcome back to theatre.
Thank you to the entire case, directors, producers you ALL did an amazing job! There’s a beautiful exchange every time I am invited by Philadelphia Dramatist Center.
