Justin Scheuer of Sonoma portrays more than 40 characters in the one-man show “Fully Committed” presented by the Ross Valley Players through Aug. 19 at the Barn Theatre, located at the Marin Art & Garden Center in Ross. Photos by Ron Severdia
Meet Sam, and 40 other various characters, who take the stage in an one man/one act play called “Fully Committed.” Yes, that’s right, over 40 characters in an one man show. The actor, who plays the main role of Sam, a restaurant reservationist/struggling actor juggling calls from cell phones, land lines, and the restaurant intercom, must also portray the other characters on the other end of the lines. It takes an exceptional skilled performer to attempt this feat. Ross Valley Players has the good fortune to have cast two qualified gifted actors.
Dan Saski and Justin Scheuer, perform alternate shows. I attended opening night with Saski’s performance. Saski received a huge standing ovation. He masterly transformed from character to character seamlessly, in split seconds. I had the opportunity to interview the alternate actor, Justin Scheuer, that evening. I inquired Scheuer to explain the major challenge on performing Fully Committed. He replied “that the moment to moment transitions from Sam to the other character, while dramatizing Sam’s journey, was the most difficult challenge.” Saski made the job seem so effortless as he magically changed his physicalization and dialect.
RVP’s production was directed by Argo Thompson, an accomplished North Bay director, who had previously filled the role of Sam. The playwright, Becky Mode, had worked in New York City as a waitress and coat check girl after graduating from American Repertory Theatre. She details the real life of a struggling actor who must make ends meet by working in a high pressured atmosphere of a top trendy New York restaurant. The main character, Sam, comes on stage with a shoulder bag, which is a trademark for your average young aspiring actor in New York. He works in a seemingly makeshift basement office, which was well conceived by set designer, Patrick Kroboth. Saski dons a blue tooth ear piece and makes reservations on a lap top. He converses with his father, his boss, his acting agency, the restaurant help, a Sony executive, a demanding regular, a flamboyant assistant for Naomi Campbell, and a myriad of others.
Director Thompson notes that “it’s about a young man who has to learn when to say yes and when to say no.” The audience rides along with Sam as he maneuvers through each interaction. The audience eventually shares Sam’s triumph at the end. The text sculpts each character with great detail. It is up to the performer to deliver the text fully. Saski colors each character vivaciously while managing the transformation of Sam. His performance is riveting.
I anticipate that Scheuer would do the same justice. As I recently reviewed his performance in Napa Valley’s Dreamweaver’s production of “Laura,” I find Scheuer to be the most promising male actor to have emerged from Dreamweaver’s past few seasons. I look forward to returning to Ross Valley Players for Scheuer’s take on Sam.
Special applause should go to stage manager and sound operator, Rusty Taylor. Taylor ensured that numerous sound cues for the various cell phone, buzzers, and land lines operated accurately. Taylor’s hard work was vital to the show.
Justin Scheuer stated to me that he sees himself as Sam. I believe that most people would relate to Sam as the everyman, who must seize the reigns when the course of events changes in his favor. “Fully Committed” is an evening of comedy and poignant inspiration.
Dan Saski: 7/12, 7/13, 7/20, 7/28, 7/29, 8/9-8/12, 8/16-8/19
Justin Scheuer: 7/14, 7/21, 7/26, 7/27, 8/2-8/5
WHEN: July 13 to August 19, 2007
8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
2 p.m. Sundays (July 26, Aug. 5, 12, 19)
7:30 p.m. Thursdays (July 29, Aug. 2, 9, 16)
WHERE: The Barn Theatre, Marin Art & Garden Center
30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. at Lagunitas,
Ross, CA.
COST: $16-$20
General $20; Seniors (62+) and teens (ages 13-18) $17; Thursdays all tickets $16
Friday, July 20. ?ÄúPay What You Will?Äù with a limited number of tickets available
at the box office between 7-7:20 p.m.
PHONE: 415-456-9555
WEBSITE: www.rossvalleyplayers.com
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