By Lisa Steiner
The China Shop, Lincoln Community Playhouse, November 9, 2024
Lincoln Community Playhouse is producing the World Premier of The China Shop, written by Richard Manley. This is a part of the American Association of Community Theatre’s NewPlayFest 2024. This festival allows new playwrights an opportunity to get their work from page to stage, and fosters new, high-quality plays for all audiences.
Directed by Jamie Bullins, The China Shop follows a group of neighbors as they all collide with a house-sitter, Derby (like the hat) (Chris Berger), a semi-famous poet. Derby finds his hope to stay secluded dashed when he meets them in the hallway of the building, coming in and out of apartment and elevator doors. Along the way we meet his immediate neighbor Mary (Victoria K. Lininger), her mother Lucille (Sandy Van Pelt), Ernie Frank and his wife Christine (Scott Shomaker and Rachel Barlow, respectively), and Ernie’s uncle and law-firm partner, Max (Scott Glenn). All seem to find a connection with Derby, whether from his past, present, or potential future. This ensemble cast worked easily together and did a great part lending their chops to the story.
The beautiful set filled the smaller studio space well, and was conducive to the needs of the show overall. There were moments, however, when it was a little difficult for audience members on the extreme sides to see and remain engaged with all of the action, with some sight difficulties without straining the neck if action was happening on the opposite side of the stage. No set changes were needed, which helped the pacing of the play.
After the show, there was a talk back with the playwright, Manley, which gave audience members a chance to talk directly with him about their thoughts and questions. Audience members gave specific feedback about the story, and asked about the inspiration for the play. Manley is excited to have it produced in the future as well, potentially incorporating revisions after seeing the play up on its feet.
If you go: China Shop continues at LCP next weekend, November 15 and 16 and 7:30pm, and November 17 at 2:00pm. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at www.lincolnplayhouse.com or by calling the box office at 402-489-7529.
Lisa Steiner is a long-time lover of theater and the arts who enjoys performing, music directing, and filling the role of patron. She has a Bachelor of Music degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she was also a staff writer, layout designer, and production editor for The Reveille newspaper. During the day, Lisa is a paralegal for the Department of Health and Human Services. In her free time, Lisa enjoys trying to keep up with her two cats, Lucy and Francine.