Alleyway Theatre’s Wipeout is Authentic, Fast-Paced, and Sharply Directed

Three long-time friends Wynn, Gary, and Claudia take a surf lesson from a young male instructor, Blaze.

The Basics: Presented by Alleyway Theatre, 1 Curtain Up Alley, Buffalo NY 14202. Running from September 6th – 28th, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm. Special Industry Night performance Monday 9/16 at 7:30 pm. For tickets call 716-852-2600 or alleyway.com. Age Recommendation: 12 and up.

Thumbnail Sketch: As the three friends float on the currents of the Pacific Ocean, they contemplate love, friendship, grief, and the unpredictable tides of life. Trading their comfort zones for surfboards, the three women navigate the choppy waters of their changing relationships and identities, balancing on both the literal and metaphorical tides of life. The sun-soaked breakers are no match for these three as they learn to master the waves.

Runtime: 90 minutes, No Intermission

The Players, the Play, and the Production: Wipeout by Aurora Real de Asua is a new play, and one I have never seen or heard of before. I decided to go in cold and not read up on the piece beforehand. First, upon entering the theatre, the incredible set designed by a clearly thoughtful and brilliant Bryce Cutler, coupled with some of the best lighting design I have seen in WNY by Emma Schimminger, transforms the space completely. In fact, my theatre companion, Jill, remarked, “I know I’ve been here before, but it looks and feels completely different.” It truly must be seen and admired; you genuinely feel like you are in the ocean, and seriously, it is worth the price of the ticket alone.

This is not just some wood set with ocean-blue painted waves; it is a beautiful piece of art that allows us to believe the characters are floating in the ocean and riding the waves.

Another multi-talented performer, Josie Divincenzo, takes the reigns as director, along with her assistant director Ryan Adam Norton (who is an accomplished actor himself). I always feel that excellent actors make great directors. Ms. Divincenzo’s attention to detail and loving touch are all over this production. What adds to the air of excitement and beauty is the uncanny and spot-on movement of the players, also choreographed by Divincenzo with stunt direction provided by the extremely talented Anna Krempholtz (who also happens to be a dazzling singer and actress). You can almost feel the ladies on their surfboards as they navigate the water.

This play is very fun and funny; however, what the director has done so well is build up the tension very slowly, amid some pauses here and there. I don’t want to elaborate too much because I truly believe this show needs to be experienced, and revealing more would betray the theatregoer of their own unique experience.

It certainly will resonate with women, but it is a story that most emotionally intelligent people can connect with and relate to, no matter what gender or age they are.

The trio of women are played by the formidable Julie Kittsley (Wynn), the spunky Christina Rausa (Claudia), and the open-faced beauty, Diane McNamara (Gary – short for Margaret). All three are confronting aging and what the rest of their lives will look like in this last chapter. It centers on the moments that make their lives unique as they float in and out of conversations, while waiting to take their turn riding the waves.

I have never had the privilege of seeing any of these ladies on stage previously. I have been told Ms. Kittsley was nothing short of spectacular as Tallulah Bankhead in “Looped.” I believe it – this actor is so striking, and she commands the stage so expertly that you are compelled to hang on every word she speaks. Julie Kittsley as Wynn grabs your attention immediately. Not only is she quick-witted and biting, she is a complex character, and Kittsley as Wynn plays it bubbling with emotions underneath the surface. Christina Rausa as Claudia, who planned the surf lesson and instigates the reunion of the three high school friends (that have not all been together for two years), is probably the most dependable and happiest of the women. Ms. Rausa as Claudia is very likable and relatable.

In our work and personal lives, we are either the Claudia who organizes get-togethers, makes plans, worries about everyone, and gets things done, or we are the Wynn – who breezes in, who sometimes is reluctant or complains about doing things, and she may or may not be there when you need her, but is great fun to have around and never boring. I am a Claudia, but I would love being a Wynn occasionally.

Lastly, Diane McNamara as Gary possesses a face that reflects her character’s strong, defiant, rebel will and coping with the fact that she is facing living in an assisted living facility as she has dementia. When Ms. McNamara as Gary fades out and doesn’t remember who she is or where she is, that amazing face conveys confusion, fear, uncertainty, and then when she drifts back into contemplation, that this girl’s adventure in the ocean may be her last hurrah. McNamara can devastate you with her stunning bright eyes and bring you to tears with her vacant, lost look, or make you giggle and cheer when her gleeful, rebellious spark is employed. The women are raising the bar of excellence here in WNY with their performances individually and collectively.

Jacob Applegate plays Blaze, the hunky surf instructor who tries to wrangle these ladies into a proper surf lesson. Let’s just say, it’s like trying to herd a bunch of kittens into a basket. I have seen Mr. Applegate, who was featured in the recent production of “Airness,” a play written by another young, talented author, Chelsea Macantel, at Lancaster Opera House.

In “Airness,” Applegate played Shreddy-Eddie, a wild, energetic Air Guitar disciple. Immediately, Jacob stood out in the cast of gifted actors. I proclaimed, “Who the f**k is this guy, and why haven’t I seen him in anything before?” He is certainly a rising star. He not only has movie star looks, but there is so much substance there in the vessel of a pretty face and sinewy physique. In one scene, that was probably the standout for me, Jacob Applegate as Blaze talks Gary (Diane McNamara) down off a ledge or surfboard in this case. Gary is spinning out and having an episode on the water, and we as the audience genuinely fear for her safety. Blaze (Applegate) diffuses the situation and intuitively changes his tone to a calm, serene voice that lulls Gary back to a safe space. It was sincerely a beautiful moment and one I instantly recognized as I was a caregiver to my friend’s octogenarian parents for nearly two years during the pandemic. I know what it is to have to utilize extreme patience in delicate or even life-threatening situations.

There was an authenticity that ran through this fast-paced and sharply directed production, and in that scene between Blaze and Gary in particular.

Great theater is informative, reflective, and escapism. It can teach us and heal us. We can see in these characters that this special day on the water was meant to give each woman what they are seeking. While yes, it is a play about surfing, it is so much more. It’s about overcoming fear, the value of longtime friendships, and provides us with a poignant look at the human experience as a whole. It holds up the mirror to our own fragility, waning youth, and yes, our cognitive decline. This reviewer and his longtime childhood friend were reminded last night that there is no more crucial time than the present, the now, and we are better for having attended this superior production.

HERD OF BUFFALO RATING SYSTEM

FIVE BUFFALO: Universal Appeal! This production is pure theatrical magic – a crowd-pleaser. No prior theatre experience is necessary. Whether it’s a laugh-out-loud comedy or a heartwarming drama, this show offers an unforgettable shared experience. You’ll laugh, be touched, or amazed (depending on the genre). Grab your tickets before they disappear!

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