1. 12/06/2009 10:49Blue Window StageCritic.com
Page 1 of 2http://www.stagecritic.com/BlueWindow.html
(Posted October 1, 2005)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Rhubarb Theatre Company has
done it again.
What has it done? Produce a story about people that's
thought-provoking and entertaining.
First was LAST SUMMER AT BLUEFISH COVE in 2003.
Then came BIRDS IN CHURCH in 2004 and THE NORMAL
HEART in June. Now, Julie Alexander and her creative
cohorts have tackled Craig Lucas' touching comedy
BLUE WINDOW with equal success.
The play is set in New York City on a Sunday evening in
1984. Libby (Stacey Shaffer) is having a dinner party, and
there's quite a social mix on the menu: Tom (John
Vasile), a struggling young composer, and his girlfriend
Emily (Carey Kotsionis); Griever (Michael Roark), whose
feelings for Libby conflict with his sexual orientation;
lesbian couple Alice (Arita Trahan) and Boo (Trish
Moalla), whose sharp minds and sharp tongues are often
used as weapons against each other; and Norbert (Clay
Hillwig), the man who may just succeed in getting the
reticent Libby to open up about her painful past.
Alexander's casting is perfect; the look, and feelings, we
get from each actor are perfectly suited to their
roles. They also handle Lucas' witty dialogue in an
unforced, natural way. Special nods go to Kotsionis for
her sad, wistful rendition of the song "The Same Thing
(Office Girl's Lament)" and to Shaffer, who reveals the
reason behind her character's fragile psyche in a heart-
rending exchange with Hillwig's character.
The play's staging makes good use of the Darkhorse
space, allowing us to see characters in different locations
simultaneously without overpowering our ability to focus
on each. Alexander handles the fluid movement of Lucas'
script with a light, quick touch that allows her performers
to bring the story to us without confusion.
Offering technical support worth noting are Shane Eric
Caudill, whose lighting moves smoothly and swiftly to
match the story; and Brian Gordon, whose
professionalism insures that the music for this
production is a comfortable, not jarring, experience.

2. 12/06/2009 10:49Blue Window StageCritic.com
Page 2 of 2http://www.stagecritic.com/BlueWindow.html
production is a comfortable, not jarring, experience.
Yes, Rhubarb Theatre Company has succeeded again.
Other theaters take note: you don't have to spend a lot of
money, or pick a play that's been done to death (this is
BLUE WINDOW's Nashville premiere). You just have to
put good actors, director and crew together with a good
play. Here's hoping that Alexander and her ensemble use
their winning recipe for years to come.
To See The Show...
BLUE WINDOW ended its run at Darkhorse Theatre on
Oct. 1. For more information on Rhubarb Theatre
Company, e-mail jalexlucy@yahoo.com.
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