The Studio Theatre is a bastion of unbounded originality and professionalism in a city of expanding, edgy theater, and there is no seat for the creatively stunted. Sunday evening's performance of "All That I Will Ever Be" embodied the Studio Theatre in every way.
The play, written by Academy Award-winner Alan Ball - the man behind "American Beauty" and "Six Feet Under" - revolves around a Middle Eastern male prostitute named Omar who falls for one of his clients, a stoner named Dwight.
The first act settles into characterization, dismissing central conflict for social commentary, and using shock - nudity, language, etc. - to keep the audience involved. Themes of racial stereotyping and self-definition are weaved in as Omar (Carlos Candelario) and Dwight (Parker Dixon) find their way into love.
Driving conflict arrives in the second act as Omar is forced to pour out truths about himself to the shattered Dwight. His dishonesty breaks them. The play ends with Omar and another client, as Omar uses his experiences to batter the theme line home: He is not here to hurt you - he is here to love you.
The more than two-hour show passes quickly due to the stunning professionalism of the cast and crew. Even set changes were awe-inspiring and seamless, like a choreographed dance. The lighting and sound design were outstanding, and the direction by Serge Seiden was simply correct, a tough aspiration for a play done in the round.
The performances by both leads were complex and successful, but the supporting cast was most impressive, particularly the work of McKenzie Bowling (Beth) and Danny Gavigan (Bart/White Guy).
The Studio's 2ndStage, where the show was performed, is known for its forays into risky, edgy theater. Ball's play is a characteristic work. The style supports the story but would be a lot to ask of any lesser theater company. It implements a sprawling cast and a constant stream of pithy dialogue and is understandably cinematic, bouncing from place to place. Set designer Luciana Stecconi miraculously achieved this feat, with the stage even opening up into a hot tub for a scene.
The Studio Theatre's highfalutin reputation may be true, but it is filling a necessary niche in Washington's theater community. It has a style that cannot be found elsewhere. You will be shocked, impressed and overwhelmed, but the experience and the atmosphere are completely fresh. It has grasped the front of the expanding theater experience and mastered it at every step of the way.
"All That I Will Ever Be" is a racy experience tinged with comedy and wrought with the desire to voice the unvoiced. It is definitely the cutting edge of theater today, but would not be recommended to anyone who strongly opposes profanity or nudity.
"All That I Will Ever Be" is running through March 9. Tickets can be bought online at www.studiotheatre.org or by phone at 202-332-3300. Prices start at $29.
