Sticks: A New Play at Akron Civic Theatre

Sticks: A New Play now performing at Akron Civic Theatre (inside Wilde Oscar's) is an insightful evening into a world that is under threat and needs protection from within and outside of the community.

Disclaimer: This piece will be full of bias and 'team spirit'. I'm not really a reviewer, I just love seeing artists thrive in their creative space. I'm here sharing the good wealth of art.

Photo Courtesy of STICKS World Premiere

The LGBTQIA+ community at large is under a constant threat, now more than ever, and needs to be protected. With suicide hotlines being defunded, laws against trans individuals and women's right, it is so important that allies and members of the community alike take the time to listen to each other, learn, and understand. This play helps us do that.

So what's it about?

Sticks: A New Play by Emmett Podgorski is a show that explores the intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships in a growing and everchanging world. Avery (he/him) and Liz (she/her) have been in a relationship for a very long time and are learning to adjust to Avery as a transman, the man he has always been, the man he is now allowing himself to be. In an attempt to rectify some of the issues they are struggling with in their relationship (even after couples counselling), they decide to explore polyamory which introduces us to Connor (they/them) and Jane (she/her).

So who's in it?

This show features Emmett Podgorski (Avery), Rajah Morales (Liz), Keith Stepanic (Connor), and Katie Baum (Liz). Each actor in this show portrays a strong character, well developed, and well written. In Avery you can see the struggles of coming to terms with his relationship, as well as the discoveries of exploring new aspects of his life that may have been previously closed off. Emmett shows the joys and anxieties of this quite well. Liz, while sometimes harsh, has a hard time. She wants to love Avery, but in reality, loves Avery as who they were, not who they are now in their authentic self. Liz is the one who decides to expand their relationship. Rajah finds the wonderful ebbs and flows of compassion for both Avery and Jane while also being vulnerable and frustrated with feeling unheard in her desires. Connor (quite literally) stumbles into the show and provides a blast of color in a world that for Avery was very black and white. Keith navigates the semi-teacher role for Avery in a beautiful way - having fun, being tender, and bringing silliness to a serious situation. Last, we have Jane who has suffered a huge tragedy in her life but also shows a darker side of transphobia within the LGBTQIA+ community. Katie's performance is heartbreaking and infuriating and she really invests in both aspects of the character so well. Again, this cast did an amazing job bring these characters and their stories to life.

So what's it look like?

Wilde Oscar's (the venue) was a little confusing to get to, but it is a cute, small space. There is minimal lighting available, but it is effective for the space and show and done well. The designer is unlisted. Sound Design was under actress Katie Baum's lead, and the songs were perfect to fit the show. The internal cues helped to set the mood as well. There were very few video cues, but all very cute, again pulling us farther into the world. The designer is unlisted. Stage Managed by Kameryn Roubanes, the show stayed on track well. You know I'll always shout out the stage managers. :) Last but not least, the whole thing came together under the direction of Lauren Lash. She put together and excellent production. Round of applause to all.

So what's the hot take?

GO SEE THIS SHOW! There are very few chances left as this is a one weekend performance. You can find information via Akron Civic Theatre, Sticks by Emmett Podgorski on Facebook, or any of the links I have included in this article.

I can honestly say I think this is one of the best shows I've seen this year. I often refer to how the conversation on the car ride home is, once you've seen a show. My fiancé Rob and I spoke about it for the entire forty-minute ride home. We discussed what we didn't understand because we couldn't relate, we discussed what most resonated with us. We discussed how each character had struggles and even if we didn't agree, we can still understand why the struggles were there. We took great inspiration in seeing an insider look into the struggles of a transgender person living in today's world. It was important.

Whether it's professional, community, college, high school, or your best friends basement - you should do and see live theatre! It is in intricate art form that people dedicate so much time and energy to, often for free. Whether you're a patron or a fellow artist, take a few hours and go see a show to help support the thriving art scene in Cleveland (and Akron!).

Sticks: A New Play is running this weekend only at Akron Civic Theatre (inside Wilde Oscar's) as a part of Akron Civic's Arts Inclusion Incubator program. Get tickets: here.