Jason R. Villarreal (left), Paul T. Taylor and M. Denise Lee attempting to climb into a helicopter in “Solstice” playing at Theatre Three through Dec. 30.
Photos by Mike Morgan
By Shari Goldstein Stern
Take a cozy little picnic in the middle of a forest in the dark of night and then within moments go on a shopping binge at NorthPark Center, and you’ll get a surprising little Christmas present tied with a bow of TV sound bites.
The unique holiday gift is “Solstice,” and it can be opened at Theatre Three (T3) through Dec. 30.
Lucky patrons will get a kick out of the offbeat comedy/farce with music. According to Jonathan Norton, who wrote the play, the music reflects “Paulette’s life.”
Paulette, as played by actor M. Denise Lee, looks like a stay-at-home in front of the TV getting caught up on “Law & Order,” “Criminal Minds,” “CSI,” and other crime series kind of gal. The show’s titles somehow work their way into unrelated dialogue throughout “Solstice,” like a casual reference to “Law & Order SVU’s” 19th season. “SVU’s” iconic musical theme humorously accompanies scene changes.
The affable Norton becomes animated when talking about his work. This is not his first play staged at T3, and it is only one of his “artistic homes,” as he fondly refers to theaters. He has plenty of houses around town, including South Dallas Cultural Center, Kitchen Dog and Undermain.
Lee said: “Jonathan is a genius. I think he speaks in an authentic voice for people who normally don’t have a voice. I love being able to express the thoughts from his beautiful imagination and bring his characters to life.”
The character of Paulette leads the audience through a fantasy world created by T3’s Artistic Director Jeffrey Schmidt. Schmidt took over the role left behind by T3’s late co-founder Jac Alder.
Schmidt is an actor, director and designer who has been an engaging figure in the Dallas’ theater community theaters for years. His design for “Solstice” is pure fantasy. From Raymond Nasher’s metal sculptures, which adorn NorthPark Center, to the deep forest, he created a world of pure fantasy.
Paulette, as played by Lee, is selfless, engaging, giving and humble. Lee said: “Paulette is confident and still full of hope. I think she is a representation of women of a certain generation that still have lots of life to live.”
As animation designer, Sid Curtis gives patrons a magical and unforgettable thrill. Overhead projection tells the audience through animation that Paulette is jaunting through the forest, and then more animation helps further the content. Landing a helicopter is brilliantly staged. As a rope ladder works its way down from the rafters, the landing animation is awe-worthy.
You can tell that Rhonda Gorman had fun with this show as costume designer. For her first work with T3, she was able to create forest-people whose wardrobe defies description, and you will want to see them.
There’s no stopping Cherish Robinson. She brings the house down with her portrayal of the late Johnny Taylor, who was a flashy recording artist, songwriter and DJ for Dallas’ KKDA Radio. Her humor in this role is over-the-top, as is her gold-sequin jacket. For “Solstice,” Robinson was also music director and composer. According to Lee: “Her talent is amazing. I’m looking forward to working with her more.”
“Solstice” director Vickie Washington is also an actor, producer and teacher at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. She earned the Dallas Observer Best Director recognition in 2015 for the world premiere production of Jonathan Norton’s “Mississippi Goddam.”
“Solstice” runs through Dec. 30 at Theatre 3, 2800 Routh Street in Dallas. For tickets, go to theatre3dallas.com or call 214-871-3300.
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