The Sock ‘n’ Buskin Theatre Company took the stage on Nov. 12 in front of an in-person audience for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The enthusiasm of the cast and production crew shone through as they conveyed that live performance is something that cannot be taken for granted. Their dedication and versatility combined with immense talent made for an enjoyable evening.
Directed by Max Sandler, Advance Man is part one in Mac Rogers’ Honeycomb Trilogy. The science-fiction epic follows astronaut Bill Cooke and his wife Amelia as they raise their artistic son Abbie and their bold daughter Ronnie. The Cooke family has also taken in Conor, a member of Bill’s crew who supposedly suffered from a stroke during the crew’s last mission to Mars.
When Amelia begins to suspect her husband is having an affair, she hires a detective to investigate. She discovers that all is not as it seems as the family becomes wound up in a truth that is more otherworldly and sinister than any potential space mission.
The cast brought their characters to life on stage brilliantly. Vibrant chemistry between the actors created a dynamic energy that enhanced the complexity of the conflicting family dynamic.
In the role of Bill, Basheer Saleh dominated the stage embodying a sense of paternity that caused his onstage children and audience members alike to cower in his authoritative presence. Grace Smith seamlessly displayed the mannerisms of a distressed mother attempting to uncover the truth while protecting her children in her role as Amelia.
Erin Chappel and Ben Langille, respectively playing brother and sister Ronnie and Abbie, elevated the show’s few lighthearted moments with their sibling banter. Chappel’s witty line delivery combined with Langille’s comedic timing created a believable dynamic of which those with siblings can likely relate to.
Pomerant spent the majority of the play in the back corner of the set often referred to as “Conor’s spot.” Even when he was not the focal point, Pomerant flawlessly stayed in character enhancing the overall tone of each scene.
Although a lighting malfunction caused an awkward transition between scenes towards the end of the first act, the cast and crew adapted to the unforeseen difficulty continuing on as if the setback never happened.
Meanwhile, the vibrant makeup could have been toned down to account for the actors’ proximity to the audience, but the attention to detail in Cora Gardner’s designs was commendable. Matching the female characters’ eyeshadow to their costumes was a unique touch giving each a distinguishable personality that might have otherwise been hidden beneath their masks.
As the lights came on and the actors exited the stage, a cliffhanger ending left the audience desperately craving answers and wondering whether Sock ‘n’ Buskin will return to the compelling epic in part two of the Honeycomb Trilogy.
Sock ‘n’ Buskin’s energetic and well-rounded performance will leave audience members endlessly speculating about what’s to come for this unique bunch of characters long after the play’s run.
*Editor’s note: Sam Pomerant is a Charlatan Live co-host at the Charlatan.
Featured image by Natasha Baldin.
