'Fiction' creating waves at the Capital Stage

2010-01-31T03:10:56Z

Trust and betrayal took the stage Friday with the opening of "Fiction" at the Capital Stage.

The play by Steven Dietz, follows a dramatic love triangle that took the audience on a trip through the characters pasts.

"Fiction" is about married writers Linda and Michael and how their lives were not what they seemed. Linda finds out she is dying and at her request, is allowed to read her husband's journals since he will read hers once she is gone. From there, the plot twists and turns, and as it moves between the past and the present their diaries reveal bits and pieces of their lives.

The play keeps the audience guessing, unfolding the truth with each scene.

I was expecting a more serious play but was caught off guard when the opening lines had me laughing. The humor throughout the script made "Fiction" enjoyable. But the play did have serious parts, including those regarding a women named Abby who emerged from the pages of Michael's diary. They made the action gripping and on the edge of your seat.

The language in "Fiction" was sophisticated while the lines were witty and thought provoking. It was written from the viewpoint of two published writers, so the metaphors and quotes from famous pieces of literature represent their creative world.

"Fiction" was directed by Peter Mohrmann. Janis Stevens and Eric Wheeler portray Linda and Michael, and Stephanie Gularte plays Abby. The actors show the struggle of reliving the past. The chemistry between the performers, especially between Stevens and Wheeler, made the play's themes of truth, betrayal and suspicion tangible.

In addition to "Fiction" being funny and entertaining, it provides a good look at relationships and human nature.

The play runs through Feb. 28, Thursdays through Sundays, at the Capital Stage, aboard the Riverboat Delta King at 1000 Front St.

Recommended for mature audiences.

Tickets are $12-$32.

Advance purchase recommended online or through the Box Office (916) 995-5464

Photo Credit: Charr Crail

Actors from left to right: Stephanie Gularte, Eric Wheeler, and Janis Stevens.

'Fiction' tells the truth about relationships

2010-01-27T02:09:48Z

Capital Stage is testing the boundaries of trust and suspicion in its new provocative drama "Fiction" by Steven Dietz.

The theater's description of the play tells of two married writers, Michael and Linda, who decide to read each others' diaries and find that their relationship is not as open as it seems.As a woman emerges from the pages, the realization that trust and betrayal both exist begins to change the way they understand the past and the present.

Production designer Jonathan Williams describes the twists and turns of "Fiction" best with a line from the play: "The lies begin when we lift the pen."

Dietz has written over 20 original plays since the 80's, many of which revolve around the theme of betrayal.

"Dietz is a vibrant voice in modern theater" Williams said

The play was selected for the Capital Stage because it falls into the theater's long-standing tradition of bringing newer works to Sacramento.

"'Fiction' is a highly theatrical piece told from the present, reflecting," Williams said.

Capital Stage's production is directed by Peter Mohrmann and performed by Janis Stevens, Eric Wheeler and Stephanie Gularte.

The play opens Friday and continues through Feb. 28 at the Capital Stage, which is aboard the Riverboat Delta King at 1000 Front St.

Performances are Thursday through Sunday and recommended for a mature audience.

Tickets range in price from $12 to $32 depending on the show's date and time.

Purchasing tickets beforehand is recommended.

Picture from Capital Theater

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'Fiction' creating waves at the Capital Stage

'Fiction' tells the truth about relationships