"Do any of us really know each other?"
"What have I been doing with my life?"
"Aloha Say the Pretty Girls," written by Naomi Iizuka, is a play that asks questions. More importantly, it makes its audience ask questions. Speak with the people involved with the piece and they might say, lovingly, "Well, it's weird," or "Only a college could pull this off." But this "weird" quality is what makes the piece powerful and meaningful. "Aloha" may be abstract and even confusing, but it'll shake you to your core, because its characters express the emotions that so many of us feel but don't show.
The overall plot of the play involves characters entering and leaving one another's lives frequently and in strange ways. It all begins when Will (Tyler Mixter '06) breaks up with Vivian (Lyndsey Scott '06) because he has fallen in love with Joy (Lisa Smith '09). Vivian, hurt and lost, follows the new couple around bitterly. Meanwhile, after Wendy (Mt. Holyoke College student Kylie Manning), a bold actress, fails to attract Efran (Monty Ogden '09), a dim pet store employee, she tries to woo Derek (Mixter again), a philosophical tattoo salon worker, just for sex. Myrna (Audrey Kim '09), a kindergarten teacher, addresses the audience as if it were her class, interactively educating everyone about exotic animals. Jed (William Cranch '08) is a drunk who orates his obsessive letters to Demi Moore-all of which Rikki (Kelly Rich '08), Moore's assistant and Vivian's friend, throws away. Jason (Michael Chernicoff '09) is mourning the loss of his dog, which has actually been kidnapped by Derek, his roommate. Soon Will disappears, and the other characters leave New York City as well. Vivian, pregnant with Will's child Lee (UMass student Aaron Manier), wanders north to Alaska, while Joy and Wendy end up in Hawaii as lovers, as do Efran, Jason, Rikki and Derek. The characters' various connections soon begin to strengthen and intertwine, clarifying their developments and changes. The various and seemingly unrelated incidents are lent more understanding and meaning.
From its convoluted plot, "Aloha" may sound like a bizarre soap opera, but there is actually much more character development than plot. The characters are always making speeches or ranting to one another and the audience, all the while reflecting on their lives and troubles. As the play progresses, themes begin to form; love, identity, direction and family (or the lack thereof) are the most prominent ones. What results is a tapestry illustrating the multiple dimensions of growing up and evolving once you are an "adult."
Although this reviewer saw a preview of the show-a week before opening night, without costumes, lighting, a full set or props-the piece was already in an impressive state. The acting is strikingly realistic and natural, considering that the characters are often far from easy to understand, much less portray. Scott portrays the off-kilter, very emotional Vivian with an ease and understanding that creates a complex, realistic portrayal. Mixter and Cranch deliver their frequent, emotionally intense monologues with passion and panache. Smith and Manning are incredibly believable and captivating in their performances, both separately and when together as lovers.
"Aloha" is Scott's senior project in acting. A double major in theatre and dance and computer science, she plans to pursue acting in films and onstage in New York City next year. Scott has appeared in student films, plays and musicals, but "Aloha" is different for her in that she has a lead role that she will perform in Kirby Theater, a relatively large space. Scott said she was initially nervous about the show (which director and Assistant Professor of Theater and Dance Manu Mukasa picked). "It's so avant garde, I was worried people wouldn't get it," she said. "But I think that the way Manume directed it really made it work-it's youthful, cool and interesting." Indeed, Mukasa's direction is superb, especially with the piece's unique and poignant staging.
"Aloha" is a riveting piece-not merely entertainment but a work of art. Mukasa, Scott and the rest of the cast do it justice with an inspired, impassioned performance that will open the College's theatre season beautifully.
"Aloha" will run Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. in Kirby Theatre. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended and can be made at 542-2277.