Look no further than ‘Looking for the Pony’

By Susan Hall Liang | Special to The Tico Times

Every once in a while the Little Theatre Group puts on a play that is smooth as silk, and the current show, “Looking for the Pony,” is a great example.

Director Annette Hallett has attended to every detail, from the remarkable music to the well-timed sound effects, the multi-level set and to the gorgeous lighting, the complex and fast-paced blocking to the excellent acting. Hallett has pulled together a very good show, indeed.

The plot explores the relationships of two women (Silvia Schneegans and Bethany Skipper) who come to face complex challenges. With courage, love and humor, the two women share trials and joys leading up to life’s ultimate test: its end.

The women are supported by talented cast members who take on an impressive number of roles. With the slightest costume change, the actors seem to slip into completely different skin.

Responding to open auditions, the cast includes mostly newcomers to the Little Theatre Group but not to the stage. Vanessa Arcia studied acting at the Academia de Teatro Giratablas and in Mexico. She also studied screenwriting in Cuba.

Mati Seth Bertucci, who calls himself a “wandering musician,” acted in a Christmas pageant years ago. Calli Brennan hails from New Mexico and acted in “The Crucible” and “My Fair Lady.” Giannina Esquivel majored in drama (and economics) at Swarthmore. Jexi Keith, the youngest cast member, was bitten by the theater bug when she played Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” And James Trollinger insists he is the real Dr. Littleoldman from High Anxiety.

Upcoming events for the Little Theatre Group include the annual Halloween Horror Extravaganza (prizes for best costume) to be held this year at the Tin Jo Restaurant at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3. The restaurant is located at Ca. 11, Av. 6-8. Reserve at 8858-1446.

Auditions for the Christmas show take place Oct. 23, 24 and 25 at the Teatro Laurence Olivier. This will be a variety show based on the live radio shows of yesteryear, to be presented Nov. 23-Dec. 9.

The group welcomes all and is on the lookout for volunteers in every aspect of the theater: actors, directors, set designers, sound and light techies, painters, stage managers, producers, costume designers, advisers and publicity agents. Theater lovers are encouraged to attend open, first-Monday-of the-month meetings at 7 p.m. at the Laurence Olivier for bocas, schmoozing and theater-talk.

The current production, “Looking for the Pony,” was a finalist for the Dramatists Guild Hull Warriner Award and has been produced throughout the United States.

Here it is presented at the Teatro Laurence Olivier, (Av. 2, Ca. 28) until October 28, with 7:30 p.m. performances on Fridays and 2:30 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

For info and reservations, call 8858-1446 or visit www.littletheatregroup.org.