The play CHAPATTI by Irish Playwright Christian O'Reilly

Last night was the premiere of the play CHAPATTI by Christian O'Reilly which also marked the inaugural  theatrical production at The 222.  O'Reilly is an Irish playwright and screenwriter works known for the play, "The Good Father" and "The Doctors" series on the BBC.  CHAPATTI ran at the Galway Arts Festival (2014) starring John Mahoney (of "Frasier" Fame).  The introduction marking this illustrious occasion was made by Aldo Barrington, the 222's new theater director in his resplendent, stentorian voice.  Aldo's auspicious welcome portends promising future productions.  We were informed the play was a two character, one act with no intermission.  The two actors, Michael Elich (Dan) and Robin Noodle (Betty) are members of the prestigious Oregon Shakespeare Company.  The play is a take on Thorton Wilder's classic, "Our Town" which spouts its major life affirming motif "to wake up and smell the coffee" while utilizing a sparse set and predominant pantomiming.  Dan and Betty are two middle-aged individuals living alone; Dan with his dog Chapatti, a.k.a. Chap and Betty with a slew of cats including a litter of kittens.  The lonely essence and kindhearted nature of both Dan and Betty are established at the onset of the play endearing us to them.  Dan maintains an ongoing jovial banter with Chap.  Dan walks Chap to the local vet where he's known for frequenting, more for social connection than legitimate canine concern. Betty starts her days caring for the cranky, elderly woman living next door despite her constant berating.  As Dan heads out of the vet's office, after being slightly admonished by the doctor, Dan collides with Betty causing slight mayhem as the kittens escape the box in which Betty brought them.   Both formidable actors generate convincing scenes bustling with activity and other people.  Being skillful at their craft helps to bring zest to the play that turns mawkish and over sentimental.  Dan and Betty's paths cross again due to a macabre and sheepish shenanigans involving the beloved, dead cat that belonged to Betty's nasty neighbor.  Dan and Betty both yearn for human companionship.  Dan has decided to end his life once he finds a home for Chap.  Betty, now that she's met Dan, is not going along with that.  I quibble with the incredulous storyline that Dan has spent 30 years loving Martha despite the fact she never left her husband for him.  I suggest Dan's character is better suited as a widower.  Dan bemoans Martha's passing that he intends to join her - wherever it is she's at now.  The charm exuded by Dan and Betty carry this light hearted and life-affirming play despite its pithy pandering.  I enjoyed the show but you know - it won't fly in Peoria or land on Broadway anytime soon.  Nevertheless, I'm very much looking forward to what The 222 will have to offer our local thespians.