Review: Theatre Three's Festival of One-Act Plays

It's Long Island's theater version of March Madness: First, a full-length world premiere at Arena Players ("Bring 'Em On") and now five world premieres in one night at Theatre Three's Festival of One-Act Plays. This distinctly original theatrical experience gives voice to five authors culled from 656 who submitted short plays to director Jeffrey Sanzel.

Among them is "The Play About the Menu at Simon's Coffee Shop" by D.T. Arcieri of Blue Point, who wrote "Norman," the first one-act performed at the inaugural festival 10 years ago. This selection, the final among the evening's diverse entertainments, isn't really about a menu, except in the sense of choices we make in life. Simon, played by Heath Cohen with a philosophical matter-of-factness, is a short-order cook in his own coffee shop who cheats on his cat-loving wife (an oblivious snob as played by Sophie Vanier) with a young waitress (Sara Suvak). Meanwhile, Simon's wife is emotionally cheating on him by flirting with her boss (Steve Ayle) who ruminates about what he isn't getting out of their relationship - sex.

The festival curtain-raiser, Philip Dawkins' "Cast of Characters," is also about life choices. The sole stage direction: "An actor ... or many actors recite the following. To be clear, everything ... is spoken aloud, stage directions, production notes, characters' names, etc. Have fun!" Sanzel has chosen 12 actors who line up against the stage's back wall except when they're reciting. Dawkins makes the case in this one-act summary of a sprawling three-act play that every choice leads to where we are now. "Cast" centers on a widow's 80th birthday that may or may not be observed by her three daughters and one son. Lois Goelz as the soon-to-be octogenarian (she doesn't look it) is fittingly stoic in her realization that it's too late to undo her choices.

Similarly fatalistic is Dennis Jones' "A Matter of Days." Linda May plays Mary, a bewildered wife (or is she?) whose husband John (Bob Lingner) has absently dressed for work one Sunday morning. But he hasn't forgotten that this is the day he's leaving her, though he can't recall why. Once he's gone, John 2 ( Brian Smith) returns from work on a Monday evening. He's not going anywhere except maybe to get ready for dinner. Enter John 3 (Jim Lingner, Bob's brother) who claims they're not married, just shacking up. Finally, John 4 (Michael Butera) returns home after a six-month absence, leaving Mary to wonder what day it is and who she is.

Two farces round out the evening. "Rats" by Shaun Raviv explores the trap - literally - of political correctness on those who use it to manipulate others. Stephen Wangner plays Rat, who just wants to eat cheese, while Smith as Tar distracts him with lectures on starving African rodents and bad cholesterol. Sandra Hosking's "The Insured" takes a barely exaggerated swipe at medical insurance, as Dana Bush plays a mother who's been pregnant for three years because she can't afford to deliver.

For something completely different, downstairs at Theatre Three is the place to be this month.

11TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF ONE-ACT PLAYS

Five world premieres at Theatre Three's Ronald Peierls Theatre, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson, on a varied schedule through March 29. Tickets $14, 631-928-9100, theatrethree.com. Seen opening night Sunday.