REVIEW: You, Me, and the Woodsmoke at The Ring

Monique Peaslee Foote as Julianne and Kolby Hume as Margot (Photo by Ben Bagley)

WHAT: You, Me, and the Woodsmoke

WHERE: Players' Ring

BLURB: New Play By Area Playwright

HIGH POINT: The Smart Performances

The premier of You, Me, and the Woodsmoke by Catherine Stewart is on stage at the Players' Ring. For those unfamiliar, bringing new works to the stage, where they can find their footing, is key to the Ring's mission.

This contemporary piece, with a dash of the surreal, is set at a campsite. Julianne and Margo have gone tenting ostensibly to rekindle a once strong friendship. 

Monique Peaslee Foote as Julianne and Kolby Hume as Margot (Photo by Ben Bagley)

It's clear they were close during college, but have had little  communication and even less interaction since. Years have passed. Julianne is now happily married with two children, and Margo has become renowned for her art in her new, unexpected illustration career.

Things between the two are fairly testy from the start. Soon enough it's clear that the past is very present. The question is whether the two can or even should address old issues, and how their choice will affect them going forward.

Kolby Hume as Margot (Photo by Ben Bagley)

This production is of an early-stage script, which makes it  more a work-in-progress. There's enough intrigue to move you through, but also some early stage concerns.

Playwright Stewart, who also directs, has a great ear for conversation, the script's dialogue is natural and easy, giving the viewer a real sense of listening in on the characters. 

The drawback is editing. The script/dialogue needs tightening, and the story more through-line and intent early on. 

The script's faults are exacerbated by the production's slow pacing (opening weekend). What carries the viewer through is the natural dialogue, and the show's top-notch performances. 

Monique Peaslee Foote as Julianne and Matt Recine (Photo by Ben Bagley)

The strong portrayals by Monique Peaslee Foote as Julianne, and Kolby Hume as Margo give the show life. Matt Recine also lands each of his multiple roles. 

Both Peaslee Foote and Hume are thoroughly believable as their characters. Julianne's and Margo's awkward, sharp exchanges, and questionable reactions read authentic even before the script grounds them with a source reveal; not an easy feat. These are two strong performances to behold. 

Monique Peaslee Foote as Julianne (Photo by Ben Bagley)

The show's supportive arts are outstanding: the artful, detailed set design by Rachel Taylor; the moody, dramatic lighting by Tayva Young; the puppet by Carol Fisher, and sound and original music by CJ Lewis - all enhance the setting and climate perfectly.

"You, Me, and the Woodsmoke" is a workshop piece with lots of promise. Stewart is a smart writer, and undoubtedly will give it its due. Till then, there's lots of strong nuggets, super dialogue, and truly strong, and interesting performances. 

WHERE: Player's Ring, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth NH

WHEN: through Jan. 14

COST: General $28, Student and Senior $25, 12 & under $15

CONTACT: 436-8123, and PlayersRing.org

IMPORTANT NOTE: buy tickets DIRECT from the venue's website.  Outside ticket resellers are adding exorbitant fees to tickets prices.

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