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Written by Harry Cherkinian
Feb 10, 2011
“Becky Shaw” is onstage Feb. 15-March 20. – Photo: Courtesy
Having performed in many productions in the Milwaukee area for years, out local actor David Flores is comfortable on stage. But with “Becky Shaw,” he’s taking a different turn, directing his first straight drama (pun intended) at Boulevard Ensemble Studio Theatre. He’s finding that being an acting veteran onstage helps with directing offstage.
“I come to the project knowing what is helpful to other actors,” says Flores, 46. “I know what it’s like to be in their shoes.”
His day job for the past 16 years has been working with the Milwaukee Housing Authority. But on weeknights and weekends, audiences have seen the talented actor play a range of roles, frequently at the same theater where he’s now directing.
“Becky Shaw” is the name of a character in the play, which focuses on two couples. One of those couples sets up a blind date for the other, with disastrous yet comedic results. While Flores calls the play a “ black comedy,” playwright Gina Gionfriddo makes some serious points regarding social and moral behavior, status, money and the nature – as well as hazards – of love. This is heady stuff, with plot complications that include blackmail, suicide and incest. The play was a finalist for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for drama.
Becky is not the main character, but rather the catalyst who sets into motion a series of events that brings about more questions than answers, forcing the audience to consider their own choices as the characters face theirs.
“In this play, we see people actually taking a real journey, talking to each other, examining choices,” Flores says. “It’s difficult, because the audience has to do quite a bit of the work as these characters don’t address things that are ‘under the surface.’ You think they’re under control when in fact they’re not. And when they try dealing with them, people get hurt.”
But Flores wants audiences to know that this is a “funny” drama, despite the bad karma surrounding the characters. “There are a lot of laughs mixed in with all the pain,” Flores says.
“‘Becky Shaw’ is very much about understanding one’s self, and what choices we can make in the pursuit to attain happiness,” Flores says. “The stakes are very high. I hope that audiences want to experience that journey. Whether they’re ready for that is another question. But at least if they want it, that’s a start.”
“Becky Shaw” runs Feb.15-March 20 at Boulevard Ensemble Studio Theatre, 2252 S. Kinnickinnic. For more information, call 414-744-5757 or visit www.boulevardtheatre.com.
