Open-source story gave inspiration for latest show

It helps ‐ or not ‐ to know that inspiration for Buntport’s latest original production came from a non-linear, open-source tale called “Riding Sidesaddle” by musician Miriam Suzanne, published under the name Eric M. Suzanne. It’s printed on 250 3-by-5 index cards to be read in no particular order. Copies of those cards were displayed in Buntport’s entry lobby on opening night, March 4.

Bunport’s four actor/writer/directors ‐ Erik Edborg, Brian Colonna, Hannah Duggan and Erin Rollman ‐ were joined by two accomplished local actors, Diana Dresser and Michael Morgan, who also participated in the company’s collaborative writing process to create “10 Myths on the Proper Application of Beauty Products.”

“We’ve taken the same characters and many of the plot points and built more of the world,” say the program notes. “Like the novel, the play is about memory, myth and these absurd carcasses we all live in” Six characters alternate brushing teeth, applying eye liner, brushing hair and occasionally trying to urinate ‐ combined with subtle actions in the two far corners, which the audience needs to keep an eye on too. The production, carefully staged as always, takes place in a brightly lit, centrally located bathroom, with shadowy action continuing to each side. Three members of the Teacup Gorilla Band are in the bathtub, strumming, playing chords … including author Miriam Suzanne. Actors peer out through the “fourth wall” as they talk and primp.

Diana Dresser (Sam) appears first, looking in the mirror, grouchy, and applying eye makeup. When she’s not in the bathroom, she retreats to a dark corner where she continually changes clothes, getting ready for bed.

She’s joined by Jenny (Hannah Duggan), who enters from the other side, which has a television showing Sam dressing and undressing and a spread of casseroles for snacking. Sam is joined by an androgynous Herman (Erik Edborg) and they merge into the mythological characters of Salmacis and Hermaphroditus, who become “one being of both sexes.”

The audience sees them acting as one being, but a bit of additional explanation in the notes might have helped. (I found Tracy Witherspoon’s interview with Rollman, Colonna and Suzanne online, which spells it out ‐ –there is a brief mention of Hermaphroditus in the script.)

Erin Rollman’s character Jolene carries a “ghost” arm, which we aren’t supposed to see. Michael Morgan, as Edward, is a bit awkward and has some funny lines and a quizzical air.

In the tub are Dan Eisenstat on guitar, Miriam Suzanne on bass and Sondra Eby on drums. They keep a background thrum going and do burst into song on occasion.

The band’s website describes them as “Americana, Indie, Post Punk … A petite and ground-dwelling band that inhabits the china shops of Denver with angular riffs, twisted stories and obtuse stomping.” (You’ll want to hear them perform at a Denver club, which they frequently do.) They were also involved in creating this play.

“There might be something in the water,” Herman observes near the end. Perhaps that’s it!

While a bit harder to grasp that some earlier productions, a clever and skewed picture of a particular world does emerge, inhabited by characters worth meeting.

Technical support, as usual, is by SamAnTha Schmitz, who handles backstage duties with skill.

-Sonya Ellingboe, March, 13, 2016 Douglas County News-Press