Love Child is the theatrical version of juggling. The cast consists of B Street regulars David Pierini and Gregory Alexander. Between the two of them they play eleven characters of both sexes and varying ages. Changing between characters sometimes at lightning speed.

The play is a television show within a play within a play. It is based loosely on the ancient Greek myth of Ion.

Love Child is written by prolific theater, film and television actors Daniel Jenkins and Robert Stanton. It had two successful Off Broadway engagements. This B Street Theatre production is the first regional premier of Love Child.

Former child actor Joel Fishman is struggling to have a successful opening night of his play far, far Off Broadway in Red Hook, New York. Several of his relatives and fellow actors keep getting in the way. The result had the opening night audience in stitches.

Pierini and Alexander not only play the assorted characters, they also provide the sound effects and music. The lines delivered, the sight gags and the noises are all part of the humor. The result is constant laughter throughout most of the play.  Both actors are truly amazing at switching from one character to another and back.  They are often doing this at breakneck speed.  

Buck Busfield is the director. He is a master working with actors in fast moving plays with multiple characters. In Love Child, it really pays off.

Samantha Reno’s set design is very charming, dare I say "cute." It also functions well as several locations in addition to being the theater in Red Hook.

I have purposely left out information on the plot and not mentioned specific jokes. Much of the humor and enjoyment is gleaned from the surprises that happen. If you want to have a truly fun evening that leaves you in a good mood, go see this Love Child.  It's truly a great start to B Street Theatre’s 2010-2011 season.

Photo credits:

Gregory Alexander in blue
David Pierini in red

Photos by Erin Island.