Bricolage's Speech and Debate gets people talking 26 April, 2010

Salem: home to judgment, no second chances, innocent victims burned for being different, and scandal. No, I'm not talking about Salem, Massachusetts circa 1692, known for their infamous witch trials. I'm talking about the setting of Bricolage Theatre's new production, Speech and Debate: North Salem High School. Forget about being picked last in gym class and sweaty palms.

 

Three teenage pariahs in Salem, Oregon find their worlds turned upside down by a sex scandal that's sweeping their community. The three teens find their lives intertwined with the sex scandal at the center. As more and more secrets are exposed and truths are set free, the stakes get higher for teen outcasts Diwata, Howie and Solomon.

Speech and Debate boasts many strong points: the set is phenomenal, utilized swiftly to allow for short break periods in between scenes. A chalkboard becomes a girl's poster-adorned bedroom wall, a school calendar serves as a boy's bedside window. A projection acts as a chalkboard as well as introduces scenes, and lets the audiences get a sneak peak at some raunchy chat-room talk. However, the best thing about Bricolage's new show is the incredible depth that each of the three main actors brings to their characters.

Solomon, played by Seton Hill University Senior Matt Henderson is the exact depiction of every nerd who kept your class late after the bell because of his annoying questions. Solomon is inquisitive as all hell, and isn't afraid to get answers, no matter who he has to annoy, or for how long he has to annoy them. Asking question after question, Henderson's portrayal of Solomon is spot-on, making the audience roll our eyes but sympathize with him simultaneously.

Out and proud Howie, played by Point Park University Sophomore Paul Victor provides a cynical touchstone with a hint of sarcasm and dash of reality to the odd threesome. From his dance moves to George Michael's "Freedom," to his touching characterization of a confused youth, Victor is perfection as a new high school transplant just in time for senior year.

And then there's Diwata. No words I can type could accurately portray all I want to tell you about this character, and how fantastic Point Park University Freshman, Laura Melchiorre is in this role. The character of Diwata first charms the audience through her drunken video podcast, as she sings" Casio Keyboard," an original song where she proclaims undying hatred for Mr. Healey, the high school theatre teacher who refused her a lead role in the school show. Although Diwata's obsession with The Crucible, Idina Menzel, and relentless passion for the Speech and Debate Club may seem silly, she, like Howie and Solomon, holds her own serious secrets. Don't let the nude stocking body suit and spontaneous rapping fool you, Melchiorre's Diwata is a heartfelt character that every theatre geek in high school (myself included) could easily relate.

Speech and Debate is really all about getting people talking; the teens in the show, their community, the audience, and the world at large. And isn't that the point of any great performance - to get people talking, and establish an open dialogue with one another? That is exactly what Bricolage does with their new play. The intermissionless 90 minute show has an innovative set, a strong cast and crew, and still manages to address hot topics that are both relevant and controversial: homosexuality, abortion, religion, sex chat rooms, and of course, "bathing suit areas."