REMNANT • Mustard Seed Theatre

Mustard Seed open its 11th season with a revival of the theatre’s debut production, Ron Reed’s Remnant. It’s a post-apocalyptic Christmas story that takes place 75 years after a catastrophic plague has forced civilization to hit the restart button. Even the language is in tatters. The vestiges of families that remain fortify as clans, and arm themselves with weapons and guard dogs. Bikers are good to trade with, but not much else, and loners are to be avoided at all costs. Mustard Seed’s production explores the core Holiday sentiment through the eyes of the Wilkin clan, who have decided to celebrate “Christ Mass” for the first time in memory.

Kristn Taler (Michelle Hand),

Barlow Sho’r (Ryan Lawson-Maeske)

and Delmar (Marissa Grice).

Photo credit: John Lamb

With makeshift presents and only shreds of knowledge left over from the “old ones”, Barlow (Ryan Lawson-Maeske), his wife Delmar (Marissa Grice), his sister Annagail (Katy Keating) and cousin Kristn (Michelle Hand) come together to celebrate Christmas. Encircled by the audience on three sides, Kristin Cassidy’s scenic design and Meg Brinkley’s props of "the time before” residuals -- old televisions, film canisters, candles, an old generator and Christmas lights are beautifully set. It gives a sense of a civilization that relies on combing through what’s left of the world, thanks also to Jane Sullivan’s costume design and Zoe Sullivan’s sound design of arid landscapes and dogs, all adding to the dystopia.

Barlow Sho’r (Ryan Lawson-Maeske),

Annagail Booker (Katy Keating)

and Delmar (Marissa Grice).

Photo credit: John Lamb

Once everyone arrives and settles in, including a loner (Adam Flores), who’s hidden from the Wilkins, Kristn highlights the gathering with descriptions of "the three bornings”, slipping a ceremonial wrapping around her neck for the cherished telling. When the loner is discovered, Barlow sees an interloper’s presence as a sacrilege to the ceremony, while others see the loner’s presence as an opportunity for education and acceptance. It’s an age-old tale, but the surroundings the story is couched in gives it a freshness that’s well suited for the season.

Lawson-Maeske’s erratic temper as Barlow provides the foil for the lesson, and Keating’s optimistic sister, Grice’s tentatively open Delmar and Hand’s sage Kristn come together for a nice counter-balance. As the loner, Flores shows just enough menace to make him unpredictable, but winningly open and honest.

It’s got one more performance! Check it out before it’s gone.

Incidentals

• Annagail's jacket has a "JC" on it. Nice.

REMNANT

Loner (Adam Flores)

and Barlow Sho’r (Ryan Lawson-Maeske).

Photo credit: John Lamb

Written by Ron Reed

Directed by Deanna Jent

Mustard Seed Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd.

through December 23 | tickets: $15 - $35

Performances Tonight at 8pm

Cast

Barlow Sho’r: Ryan Lawson-Maeske

Delmar Nu1: Marissa Grice

Annagail Booker: Katy Keating  

Kristn Taler: Michelle Hand

Loner: Adam Flores

Kristn Taler (Michelle Hand),

Barlow Sho’r (Ryan Lawson-Maeske)

and Delmar (Marissa Grice).

Photo credit: John Lamb

Creative

Lighting Design: Michael Sullivan

Sound Design: Zoe Sullivan

Scenic Designer: Kristin Cassidy

Props Master: Meg Brinkley

Costume Designer: Jane Sullivan

Assistant Costume Designer: Lindzey Jent

Technical Director: Jon Hisaw

Assistant Technical Director: Tom Stevenson

Executive Director: Bess Moynihan

Production Stage Manager: Traci Clapper

Assistant Stage Manager: Chelsea Krenning

Performing Arts Liaison: Morgan Fisher

Assistant Master Electrician: Justin Chaipet

Stage Management Assistants: Ariella Rovinsky and Merlin Bell