Article Last Updated: Thursday, August 07, 2003 - 1:57:59 PM PST

Title shouldn't sway viewers from Renegade Theatre's 'Eat The Runt'

The title to the latest Renegade Theatre Experiment may be audience limiting, but the entertainment value of the troupe's latest production remains quite appealing. Avery Crozier's comedy, "Eat The Runt," is an amusing staged repast touching on two levels.

First, there is the seemingly uncomplicated story of Merritt, the outwardly well-qualified interviewee seeking a position as a grants manager for an art museum in the Windy City. Merritt styles each meeting to what she thinks the interviewer wants to hear. Bounced from coordinator to human resources to various directors, curators and trustees, the interview process trundles its way up to the museum director and back down the ladder. Along the way we meet and greet interviewers, each with a quirk or personality hiccup of their own, who happily join Merritt on the edge.

Second, what makes this production worth viewing, as master of ceremonies Gabriel Esparza noted, this play is, "an actor's worst nightmare!" Each actor must be prepared to play any character in the play, regardless of gender. And the audience decides the casting at the opening curtain. While the play and the scenery remain constant, every night the cast will be different. Eight actors introduce themselves to the audience, give a bit about themselves, then await the verdict of the audience, which selects who does what for the seven roles vacant. One actor remains unchosen.

Directed Peter Canavese may share the casting call with the audience but he holds congenial reins over the entire production. A pleasant experience. Having to cast actors who must be capable of performing any of seven roles at the capricious whim of the audience each evening had to be personally entertaining. The intended intimacy created by the theater in the round added additional requirements for subtle details. I hope you catch them. To strengthen an already strong troupe, Canavese rotated each part during rehearsals to capitalize on experience preparation. The training format worked quite well.

The play wasn't written as an in-depth expos of either a particular character or of the burdensome bureaucratic process of management job interviews. Rather, it's a simple story with a pleasing twist here and there. Knowing the oddity of casting adds mental spice that excites the sense to what is being viewed.

I could tell you how each actor performed in his part, but there are no guarantees that the same actor would appear in that same part when you to see the show. After all, it will be your choice who plays what. I can tell you that I did find the acting strong with revealing characterizations and inviting performances. I can tell you that the simplicity of the set and scene changes were efficient, practical, and as fundamental a part of the show as a live performer. I can tell you that the actors were smooth and knowledgeable of each character played. I can tell you, however off-putting the title may be, that I enjoyed "Eat The Runt."

Renegade Theatre Experiment, with its strong cast and sharp performances, is gaining visibility on local theatrical radar, a theatrical house to keep an eye on for future offerings.

"Eat The Runt" plays through Aug. 9 at the Benson Theatre, Bellarmine College Preparatory, 850 Elm St., San Jose. Call the box office at 351-4440 for more information.

* * *

W. Fred Crow is a local music director and frequent attendee of the arts. Contact him at wfredcrow@yahoo.com.