Review of Bud, Not Buddy by Katie and Beth

Bud, Not Buddy – engaging play, great script!



In order to avoid writing about the complicated initial plot developments in CTC's "Bud, Not Buddy," we arrived very fashionably late. The atmosphere in the theater was dark and confusing, reflecting the psychological state of the brave, intrepid ten year-old orphan/hero of the play. We both recognized the actor from a workshop that we had participated in last year at CTC's open house for its new stage. He seemed a LOT taller and had turned from a kid working on his acting to an actor acting like a kid. Katie declared the acting to be good, overall, since the actors made a "sad story not so sad," but at times "a little cheesy." I think the actors showed a brightness of spirit and human affection designed to shine a light on the poverty, racism and social inequity that was the story's backdrop. The irreverence and humor of the "jazz age" was reflected in music, physical humor, jokes and dialogue richly intertwined.



The play involved layered stereotypes – our own of a homeless, orphan child- and that same child's fear of the strange people looming through his uncertain life. A good example is the portrayal of Hooverville, with actors sitting in the dark, huddled and with their backs to the audience. At first Bud didn't trust this group with the suitcase containing his few precious belongings. As the evening unfolded, these struggling people provided true hospitality and earned Bud's, and our, admiration. The stage lighting set out the emotions of this story, with a dark, muted look. Spots turned to the eloquence of the characters. A random end note - we really liked how the strobe lights showed a train coming down the tracks, really conveying the weight and speed of the train.

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