Written by Annie Baker
Directed by John Heimbuch
February 12 – 27, 2016
Red Eye Theater
“The state of just having lost something is like the most enlightened state in the world.”
Jasper & KJ spend their days behind the coffee shop, writing songs and planning novels. The young barista Evan needs them gone. But when the duo begin to initiate him in the ways of tea, music, and Bukowski, their uncomfortable friendship blossoms into an unlikely transcendence. A captivating drama by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker.
Cast
Jasper – Paul Rutledge
KJ – Paul LaNave
Evan – Spencer H. Levin
Production Team
Director – John Heimbuch
Set – Erica Zaffarano
Costumes – E. Amy Hill
Lighting – Paola Rodriguez
Sound/Music – Katharine Horowitz
Props – Abbee Warmboe
Dramaturg – Jeff Turner
Stage Manager – Topaz Cooks
Asst. Stage Manager – Beth Ann Powers
Asst. Director – Bryanna Vinge
Pyrotechnics Supervisor – David Pisa
ASL Interpreters – Claire Alexander, Katie Johnson, Tiana Boskovich
Audio Describer – Laura Wiebers
Reviews
“…from start to finish Walking Shadow’s production makes all the poetry in The Aliens sing.”
– Mari Wittenbreer, How Was the Show
“It is between the psychic cracks and in the silent pauses – words unstated, histories imagined – in which Baker’s well-observed characters find their power… Director John Heimbuch spins all this together in a production that creeps up and grabs our heart… So take your time, as Baker helps us to appreciate the quiet desperation of everyday life. It’s worth the effort.”
– Graydon Royce, Star Tribune
“Baker has a fine eye for detail, capturing how her characters speak (or don’t speak; the playwright builds long, organic, not-at-all uncomfortable pauses into her dialogue) and how they define their world… Director John Heimbuch allows the play to take its leisurely pace, and has found a trio of fine young actors to populate the roles, each of whom feel acutely comfortable in the skin of their characters… The Aliens is a sweet, smart, funny/sad piece of theater, executed by a skilled company filled with faces you’re likely to see more of in the future. It’s time well spent.”
– Dominic Papatola, Pioneer Press
“Heimbuch and his cast give this material a strong staging, with all three actors delivering disciplined performances that strike the right notes of levity and pathos.”
– Jay Gabler, City Pages
