Every performing art has a term for a transcendent theatrical “moment.” In flamenco, it’s called “duende,” when the dancer disappears and there is only the dance. In the world of competitive air guitar, it’s called “airness.”
Airness is also the name of Left Edge Theatre’s latest production, currently running at The California in Santa Rosa through June 23. Written by award-winning playwright Chelsea Marcantel and directed by LET executive director Argo Thompson, it is a hard play to pin down.
The simplistic plot involving Nina, a sheltered girl (Brittany Law); David “D Vicious” Cooper, a “bad boy” (Danny Bañales); and a loveable group of misfits contains no surprises. Everything plays out as neatly and as unearned as a John Hughes film. But then again, the plot isn’t really the point. The script is more of a love song—sorry—rock ballad to the world of competitive air guitar. Yes, that’s a real thing, and like lip-synching or mime, it takes training and talent to get onto a national stage.
There is certainly training and talent on display in this production. The set (by director Thompson) is a simple, creative design and makes good use of the limited space. Dance/guitar choreography is energetically entertaining (though no choreographer is listed). The costumes (Tracy Hinman) are an exuberant representation of the stage personas. All actors obviously loved and put a lot of their hearts into their characters, most notably Jesse Lumb, with his surprisingly tender portrayal of Ed “Shreddy Eddy” Leary.
Unfortunately, the Sunday matinee at the end of opening weekend lacked a large audience to help with the energy, and everything sagged. Scene shifts took too long. The choreography robbed actors of breath and, often very noticeably, their lines. Costumes were sparkly, but the wear and tear on wigs and wings started showing, and the cast looked tired. Of course, the show a reviewer attends is just one in a full run, but the show as a whole felt under-rehearsed. That’s ironic since one of the critical points the guitarists stress is that in air guitar, one has to be prepared.
All in all, this is a frothy, sparkly show that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is. For those who, like rock goddess Joan Jett, are “only doing good when I’m having fun,” then this might be the show for them. Just remember that true airness is exceedingly rare.
Left Edge Theatre’s ‘Airness’ runs through June 23 at The California Theatre, 528 7th St., Santa Rosa. Thu.–Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 1pm. $22–$36. 707.664.PLAY. leftedgetheatre.com.
