Measuring the Circumference of a Squirrel at PACA
One-man act ranges from lighthearted to tragic
FRIDAY, APR. 9 - 10
What is the circumference of a squirrel? If you'd attributed the question to Monty Python's Flying Circus, no one would have blamed you. But in this instance, it's American playwright John Walch framing the absurdity, although in a far more tragic fashion.
Circumference of a Squirrel recounts the life story of recently divorced microbiologist Chester, a man who one might be accused of chasing his own tail. Although there are no live squirrels on stage, they're certainly living rent-free in Chester's head — owing to the psychological fallout of an unfortunate squirrel attack suffered by his father. That squirrel is a catalyst for 75 minutes of alternatively lighthearted and dark introspection, particularly into Chester's complicated relationship with his father and the circumstances that unraveled his interfaith marriage — which of course transcend a mere rodent.
Portraying Chester in the PACA production of this one-man act is Stephen P. Kovacs, equipped with only a chair and an inner-tube. That inner-tube doubles as a symbolic framing device for several of Chester's anecdotes — LifeSavers candy, a holiday wreath, a tire swing, the cycle of abuse that started with Chester's anti-Semitic father, and of course the circle that fateful squirrel ran around Chester's life and damaged mental state. Directing the PACA production are Lisa Simonian and JR Fabin.
If acting chops, affecting tragicomedy, and a tinge of weirdness are your thing, you should have no trouble circling back to PACA online or in-person for any one of six performances on Friday and Saturday nights throughout April. Reservations must be made through the PACA website to attend the live performance; no walk-ins will be permitted. BYOB, normally a perk of PACA performances, will be disallowed as well in light of COVID.
Squirrel away some time this month to support local theater.
Fridays and Saturdays through April 24, 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.) // PACA, 1505 State St. (2nd Fl.) // $15 in-person, $10 online // paca1505.org
