Etcetera: The Late Night Arm Of Live Theatre Workshop

Etcetera certainly brought some excitement to my late night with their over-​the-​top dramatic, yet silly and amusing performance of Persephone or Slow Time. The actors had me wide-​eyed and raising my eyebrows with their outrageous remarks and hilarious encounters – like when the statue, Demeter, is fuming about being crapped on by a paper cutout bird, and she yells «Do I look like a toilet!?»
Demeter’s character is especially humorous, as she’s being created during the Italian Renaissance, yet she’s using our modern day jargon and swear words to express her thoughts. She eventually becomes a metaphor for hope and a reluctant witness to our cruel and chaotic world. In between witnessing numerous horrible events, the audience gets to meet comical characters, like a talking rat who has a hilarious meltdown about his too-​short lifespan [laugh out loud funny].
The show is up close and personal seeing as it’s performed in Live Theatre Workshop. The actors do a great job at transforming the small space into an art studio, and then a New York City Park, with their skillful acting, amusing outfits, and minimal props.
Like I said, quite an exciting night – intense and highly vulgar, with a fair bit of nudity and lots of comic relief.

I, like Jennifer P., saw Etcetera’s performance of Persephone or Slow Time. She took everything I would have said if I had better writing skills. Her use of adjectives puts mine to shame.
As she said it’s not for the faint of heart. If nudity, profanity, violence or anything else that may happen in the Renaissance Period or a New York City park bothers you, this may not be for you. However, if you find yourself daring enough, you won’t be disappointed in the fine acting, humor, and deep thinking the play delivers.
I also got to meet Jennifer P. and Corey for the first time. Thanks Corey for organizing and Live Theatre Workshop for hosting this event.

If the rest of the season is this good, we’re in for a treat Tucson. Some of the city’s most inspiring artists get up onstage late night 3 weekends or so per month to share great stories. Jailbait was the first production I’ve seen in a long time, I wanna say Hamlet was the last thing I saw. Cast did a great job with, as Julia K put it, «hauntingly nostalgic» material.
The intimate space is perfect for very strong character driven shows like Jailbait. The set wasn’t anything to write home about, but that’s what I appreciate about Etcertera. They perform in the same Live Theatre Workshop space and typically cover that set and push parts out of the way. It has to take work to make the set from a completely different show disappear, and I’m actually grateful that the late night series emphasis is usually on the text rather than flashy tech.
Know Before You Go: Unilocalers have the opportunity to win free tix to every show this season. Keep en eye out for details on the event listing.

Saw the latest production, «Jailbait» and loved it. Cast was outstanding and the ending leaves you wanting more. Great source for after theater discussion with significant other or friends. Embarrassed to say I have lived in Tucson many years and did not know this gem existed.

Had an opportunity (thanks, Unilocal!) to see the latest production of the late night Etcetera company last night and it was another home run.
(Hint: The opening night performance is at 7:30 — a blessing for anyone who’s typically asleep by the usually scheduled 10:30 shows. Like me.)
The subject matter: unflinchingly edgy. Called «Jailbait,» it’s the story of a pair of precocious and confused 15-​year-​olds (are there any other kind?) who sneak into a club planning to hook up with a pair of 30-​something guys. The dialogue is whip-​smart. The acting? Simply phenomenal. Unbelievable to me that this is an all-​volunteer theater company.
Tucson, we are so lucky to have Live Theatre Workshop! And unless you are hyper-​sensitive to real life, you MUST get tickets to an upcoming show!