THE PLAY: A husband builds a house-sized aviary for his wife’s soul. After he dies, the family fights over the crumbling building’s fate.

 

THE PRODUCTION: I couldn’t wrap my head around this play: It’s written more as incidents instead of interactions with several odd side trips (the origin story monologue, the gay relationship, the ballet, 2 bird lectures). That being said, the production has sparks of amusement and a lively pace (until the dramatic turns in Act 2, which aren’t as effective). The cast does a respectable job (standouts include Travis Williams’ comic energy and Terry Menefee Gau’s sharp flair). Director H. Lynn Smith guides most of the interactions with a quick pace and simple, effective staging. The set is pipe and drape with a model of the aviary up front. Alan Armstrong’s lighting is simple but effective. Running time: 1:44  Listen to my interview with Smith on this week’s Curtain Call (after 3pm today).

 

THE POINT: The production is pleasant, but the meandering play lacks focus or closure.

 

(3 / 5)

 

An IAMSHE Production at CAT Theatre thru 7/29