By Liz Eichler
Cincinnati’s Ghostlight Stage Company held its second annual One-Act Festival October 21. Almost every seat was full at the Playhouse in the Park, as Ghostlight partnered with Playhouse’s admirable Arts & Culture Incubator Program.
Ghostlight Stage Company Mission
It was evident that there’s a lot of buy-in to Ghostlight’s mission by surveying the room. Professional equity actors, burgeoning professionals, passionate audience members, and adoring fans support this theatre. Focused on “accessible, affordable art for all to enjoy, mentoring and fostering young talent, unique community-engaging art experiences and theatrical productions with inclusive storytelling” the diverse crowd shows that both the Playhouse and Ghostlight are onto something with this incubator program. Theatre Director Aiden Dalton reminds us that they are “building the ship from the bottom up,” connecting the right people and right place. I applaud their tenacity and drive to keep asking, and finding open doors. Along with Producing Artistic Director Alyssa Batsakis they are audaciously driving this venture forward.
The two one-act shows were staged readings. Authors and directors spoke and shared the behind the scenes process, and the “going forward” hopes. It was a great “behind the scenes” look at the process, and the designers also showcased their work, should the shows ever be in full production.
Esther Made Me Do It
First, is a rework of Esther Made Me Do It which premiered at the Cincinnati Fringe in 2024. Written by BFFs Nell Adkins and Elizabeth Sacktor, it is a glimpse at high school besties, who are preparing to audition for a Purim Spiel, the annual re-enactment of the story of Esther. The role of Esther is coveted, and can lead to bigger things. One bestie is outgoing, pseudo-confident, and slightly unhinged, the other is the grounded daughter of a rabbi. Both idolize Barbra Streisand and (mostly) follow the instructions of their teachers. The added bit is that they are, in different ways, coping with their sexuality and curiosity as it bubbles up, finding ways to express or contain it.
With new actors (Faith Gingrich Goetz-Isaacs and Rachel Kobernick) and director (Beasley) we see a somewhat improved script, which is still going through the process of change. The new script strengthens the character of Ruth, but still captures the girls’ teenage angst and questionable choices. I enjoyed both iterations. This audience saw the truth in their actions and reactions, and seemed to relish their choices. It is evident in this script what bonds the friendship, and allows for the push and pull of teenage friendships.
Artists and Vandals
After a brief intermission, the second show, Artist and Vandals, premiered. Written by Erin K Considine, it is the story of a former throuple. After 15 years of “silence” Daniel (Douglas Fries) shows up on Lyla’s (Kate Stark) big gallery opening, and is not well received by either Lyla nor Knox (Montez O. Jenkins Copeland). Daniel left, but wanted her/them to chase him. He is now married…to a woman, and with a 2-year old. His sudden arrival is not to congratulate them on their opening, but to connect with his now 18-year old eldest son, to ask if he would be a bone marrow donor.
Directed by Tamara Winters, she explains this show is ready for more workshopping. I agree. There’s a strong and interesting story here, but stakes can be even higher. We need to care equally about all three. (For example, follow up on why the son has no match in https://www.nmdp.org/. Explore the feelings between the stoic “he is sick” and “help me.” Is there a connection between the ages of the son who may be leaving him and a son he left? Should we feel empathy for him? ) Artists and Vandals does have one of the best delivered lines of the night: “I missed you like FIRE.”
Conclusion
Keep an eye on Ghostlight, as it continues to make a mark on Cincinnati Theatre and performers. Their Shining the Light Series includes Taxes for Artists (February 10), Teaching Transitioning Voices (March 10), and more.
Picture below clockwise from left: Erin K Considine, Nell Adkins, Tamara Winters, Aiden Dalton and show poster.
