Theater Review: A strong debut for Urbanite Theatre with 'Chicken Shop'

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If the involving production of Anna Jordan's “Chicken Shop” is a true indication of what we can expect at the new Urbanite Theatre in downtown Sarasota, then the area's busy theater scene just got a bit more exciting.

Lauren Wood and Joseph Flynn perform in the American premiere of "Chicken Shop" at Urbanite Theatre. Cliff Roles Photo

Lauren Wood and Joseph Flynn perform in the American premiere of "Chicken Shop" at Urbanite Theatre. Cliff Roles Photo

It’s a provocative, well-staged and mostly convincingly performed new play involving “touchy” subjects related to a 16-year-old boy trying to prove his manhood with a prostitute who is held hostage by a Hungarian sex trafficker.

And it is presented in a brand new, intimate yet comfortable theater space with leg room and nicely cushioned chairs.

Founders talk about starting Urbanite Theatre

The theater was started by Brendan Ragan and Summer Dawn Wallace, two graduates of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory, and their partner, Harry Lipstein, an occasional actor and entrepreneur who introduced himself at Friday's opening as the pair's formerly silent partner who built the new theater space for the operation. After the performance, the trio led a champagne toast, about the only traditional touch to the evening.

There are no programs, but cast and crew bios and lists of donors are flashed on a screen over the stage.

What is on stage is often gripping. Though Jordan may try to push too many buttons, the play has an impact in the production staged by Barbara Redmond. There is a naturalness to the performances by actors who may be familiar from past area performances.

Joseph Flynn and Lauren Wood in a scene from "Chicken Shop" at Urbanite Theatre. Cliff Roles Photo

Joseph Flynn and Lauren Wood in a scene from "Chicken Shop" at Urbanite Theatre. Cliff Roles Photo

The one Sarasota newcomer is a performer to watch, 19-year-old Joseph Flynn in the central role of Hendrix, who is being bullied and called gay at school because his mother is a lesbian. He comes home with bruises and can’t get the support he wants from his concerned mother, Hilary (Lauren Wood) because her attention is distracted by her much younger new girlfriend, Katie (Lucy Lavely).

Hendrix finds an ad for Luminita (Ashley Scallon) in a newspaper and visits her in her tiny room above a fried chicken shop, guided by her controlling handler , Leko (Jason Bradley).

There are frank references to sex, frequent cursing and a momentary flash of naked breasts, and there are some plot elements that may leave you wondering at Jordan’s points. But the strong content serves a play that deals with important issues about sex slavery, how men view women, how young men perceive sex before they are introduced to it, and gender stereotyping.
Flynn gets all the awkwardness and embarrassment of Hendrix, who is adorably charming and wise. He is more in touch with himself than most teenagers, which tests his relationships at home.

As Luminita, Scallon has the challenge of playing a human robot with a heart. She goes through her daily routines detached to save her life and her family back home. She answers questions simply to avoid harsh treatment, at least until she meets Hendrix.

Ashley Scallon, left, as a prostitute, and Jason Bradley as her handler in "Chicken Shop" at Urbanite Theatre. Cliff Roles Photo

Ashley Scallon, left, as a prostitute, and Jason Bradley as her handler in "Chicken Shop" at Urbanite Theatre. Cliff Roles Photo

And you can understand her fear in the performance of Jason Bradley, who played friendlier characters in his three seasons at Asolo Rep. As Leko, he uses his charm, a strong grip and threatening tone to make points.

Wood successfully plays Hilary as a woman trying to cope with the ever-changing moods of a teenager, while pursuing her own happiness after an apparently bitter loss.

Lavely has the play’s most troublesome role, an often smart but also irritating woman who acts like an attention-starved child. Katie has no sensitivity to the problems of others. She wants to be Hendrix’s friend or a big sister, and taunts and teases him like a sibling in uncomfortable ways. In the intimate black box space, Lavely comes on a bit too strong even as she captures the essence of the character.

Rick Cannon’s simple set and Monica Cross’ costumes serve the play and the small but adaptable space. They help draw us in to “Chicken Shop” while we start to anticipate what comes next at Urbanite.

THEATER REVIEW
CHICKEN SHOP
By Anna Jordan. Directed by Barbara Redmond. Reviewed April 10 at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second Street, Sarasota. Through May 3. Tickets are $20, $5 for students. For more information: 321-1397; urbanitetheatre.com.

THEATER REVIEW
CHICKEN SHOP
By Anna Jordan. Directed by Barbara Redmond. Reviewed April 10 at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second Street, Sarasota. Through May 3. Tickets are $20, $5 for students. For more information: 321-1397; urbanitetheatre.com.
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Jay Handelman

Jay Handelman is the theater and television critic for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, where he has worked since 1984. He also is President of the Foundation of the American Theatre Critics Association and a two-time past chairman of the association's executive committee. He can be reached by email or call (941) 361-4931. Follow him at @jayhandelman on Twitter. Make sure to "Like" Arts Sarasota on Facebook for news and reviews of the arts.
Last modified: April 24, 2015
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