Review: ‘Ripe Conditions’ entertaining

BARB THOMPSON/special to the Van Wert independent

Off Stage Productions has done it again! This weekend and next, they are offering area theatre-goers an evening of topnotch entertainment, following dinner at 7 p.m. served by Grant’s Catering.

The stage production, entitled Ripe Conditions, depicts a situation all of us have probably experienced at some point in our past, that of waiting for the arrival of a dreaded tornado. I can recall several such events in my 75 years in Van Wert County and each time was a drama-filled event.

The three-person cast of Ripe Conditions has captured the moments expertly, both leading up to the storm’s arrival and afterwards, all the while dealing with inner turmoil of their own. It’s amazing how these three performers can pull off such extreme emotions throughout the entire play.

The cast consists of two middle-aged brothers, portrayed by Ed Eichler and Dan Bulau, and Staci Kaufman as their love interest of many years past. Kaufman’s character had eloped with the boys’ younger brother, Abner, leaving both fellas devastated, but is now returning to oversee Abner’s funeral and back-home burial.

It’s a highly dramatic reunion that not one of the play’s three characters knows how to handle properly, but it’s an amazing treat to watch all three performers handle such an awkward situation so professionally. All three are veterans of local theatre and well-respected in the theatrical circle, so look forward to adding Ripe Conditions to their list of stage triumphs.

Make a point to check out the scenery, along with all the props, which appear to be typical needs of a neglected backwoods/bachelor home-place. I was amazed at Kaufman, Bulau and Eichler’s ability to capture the moods and personality traits of their characters, but I guess that’s indicative of tried and true talent. Great job, folks!

I leave you with this thought: Take your companion out for an evening of great food and acting, not only for the enjoyment you’ll both receive, but as a “payback” to a theatre group right here in our hometown that can compete with the very best theatrical performers anywhere. You’ll be so glad you did!

Performances will be held at The Van Wert County Senior Center, 220 Fox Road in Van Wert, on April 20-21 and April 27-28, all at 8 p.m., with a Sunday afternoon dinner/matinee on April 22 (doors opening at 12:30 p.m.).

Tickets are $22 for the combined buffet dinner and show (due to explicit language, this show is not child-friendly).