LOVE BITES! Raven Short Play Fest

Raven Short Play Fest featuring one act plays was short on things to praise.  But, FAMILIAR by Robert J. LeBlanc gets a rave review.  Lou (an affecting Craig Peoples) an elder gentleman is engaged in conversation with a younger man Jon (Conor O'Shaugnessy).   Lou tells Jon he looks familiar but his memory isn't what it used to be.  Jon listens patiently to Lou's meandering memories of his marriage to his high school sweetheart, his service in Viet Nam, 40 years working the same job and his son he raised as a single parent.  Jon proves a companionable listener to Lou's oral history.  Jon gladly answers Lou's questions and gently prods him when he forgets what he was just talking about.  There's no surprising revelation that Lou suffers from dementia.  Lou's earnest stroll down memory lane is poignant as well as Jon's attentiveness and engagement with Lou. LeBlanc's skill with dialogue and the potent acting by both actors created a moving relationship between a son & ailing father.  It's too bad Jon called Lou dad after escorted away by a nurse.  Ending on an obvious note was the only misstep in a sensitive and heartfelt production.