DINNER THEATRE
This season, Dinner Theatre is built
around the story of Goose and Arle Redfern, brother and sister, experts in
the art of falconry, and orphans during the Civil War. When Arle is called
to fight for the Union, he leaves his sister in charge of his sweetheart,
his sweetheart in charge of his sister, both of them in charge of his falcon,
and his falcon in charge of them both.
However, in his absence, the two young women begin to unravel, and by the
time he returns, the flour is used up, the kitchen fire's gone out, and the
falcon has taken to hunting for hedgehogs and piglets. The story of the Redferns
is colorfully told with the company's signature flare for junkyard puppetry,
household magic, and homespun soundscape. The dining room transforms from
a river bank to a town square. The performers transform from hosts to children
to the wicked Vernon sisters themselves. From the unpredictable use of flatware,
to the ferocious storytelling, to the haunting and lovely specter of the Redfern's
loyal falcon, this elegantly served four-course dinner party is sure to delight.
Dinner theatre, Missoula Oblongata-style is performed in people's homes, with
invited guests as audience. Here's how it works:
Someone (usually—though not necessarily—someone with a large dining
room and an even larger collection of flatware) contacts
the company and volunteers to host an evening. The Missoula Oblongata
provides them with plenty of reassuring literature and instructions, and 15
invitations. The host then is responsible for ensuring an audience of between
15 and 20 guests. The company arrives at the host's house at 5:30 on the day
of the show, put the final touches on the meal which they have prepared ahead
of time, and set the stage (or rather, the dining room). At 7:30, the guests
arrive and have a half an hour to mingle and enjoy some wine. The first course
is served promptly at 8 PM and the play begins. By 9:30 PM, all four courses
have been served, and the play is over.
The company takes an hour to return the house to its natural state, and in
the grand American tradition of the Tupperware party, there is no cost to
the host.
Dinner Theatre patrons enjoy themselves
