For younger brother Kent, it’s big step, having never lived up to his father’s high standards. But he has already asked Taylor, who will be starting a post doctorate in entomology at Johns Hopkins, to be his wife and his first novel is about to be published, so it’s now or never. For Flip, who never takes women too seriously, this is just a fun weekend with a little twist, his girlfriend is white and the LeVay family is black. Affluent intellectuals, the LeVays have owned their summer cottage for several generations and unlike the other black summer residents of Martha’s Vineyard, this spacious cottage is not located in Oak Bluffs, the established black community on the island where Taylor’s estranged father used to summer. Both father LeVay and son Skip are successful surgeons used to doing things on their own terms. But the women in the household, on this particular weekend, have some other ideas.
[inset side="caption-right" title="Caption:"]Shannon Dorsey as Cheryl (left) and David Ermerson Toney as Joe LeVay(right)[/inset]The name Stick Fly refers to the manner in which a fly is studied by an entomologist. Taylor, explains to her hosts, the fly moves too quickly, so it is attached to a stick so that it can be more easily examined from different angles under a microscope. Everyone is under scrutiny, in this fast paced story that will have you laughing one moment and feeling sad the next as the plot builds in suspense. Playwright Lydia Diamond is a skillful storyteller, mindful of our human frailties. Vincent M. Lancisi does a superb job directing the talented ensemble of equity actors. Each performer, Shannon Dorsey, Kevin Jiggetts, Kevin McAllister, Kaytie Morris, Erika Rose, and David Emerson Toney, all give top notch performances. Erika Rose, a stand-out in last season’s performance of “Soul Collector “, once again portrays her character, with power and passion. The set , designed by James Fourhard, manages to give the illusion of an early 20th century luxurious summer cottage complete with wrap around porches and yard, within the limited confines of this intimate theater located on North Charles Street in Baltimore. Music is used skillfully to transition scenes and moods.
Stick Fly is playing through April 17, offering performances Wednesday through Sunday. It’s a great way to spend a spring evening. Don’t miss it. For more information go online to everymantheatre.org or call 410-752-2208.
