Coffee Soothes the Savage Succubus
Photocredit: Debbie Ruegsegger Creative
Flexible Grey Theatre Company's production of Cherry Muffins: A Demon Play at Union Coffee on Cedar Springs Road strikes the perfect balance between humorous and heartwarming; no mean feat for a play about a succubus doubting the benefits of her "drainer demon" lifestyle. Elizabeth A.M. Keel is to be commended for writing this clever, hilarious story, and Flexible Grey brings a needed, progressive tale to the "stage" by producing it.
I use scare quotes here because Union Coffee boasts no real stage at all, except a small, raised platform with a couch. This play is performed quite literally around and in between the audience. Director Seth Johnson makes the best use possible of Union's space, which is dominated by its coffee counter—essential to its real-life existence as a working coffee shop by day. Audience members of Cherry Muffins are encouraged to buy a drink or treat from a special menu served by the employees of "Keep Going" Coffee; the central location of the play. What can muffins and coffee shops possibly have to do with a sex demon? You'll have to see the show to find out.
It's a clever choice and seemingly an optimal one, to stage this show in a real-life, combo-coffee-shop/church, but the choice does have drawbacks. It can be difficult to see around the many small pillars scattered throughout the house. With the cast dispersed around the venue, it's sometimes difficult to decide where to look. I found this choice particularly taxing when the stellar Emily Burgardt delivered an exceptional scene in the front, while John Garrard hilariously and fascinatingly stayed right in character only a foot or two from my seat. I can't complain about a fantastic cast who makes me want to watch them all at the same time, but it's true that this venue stole from me the option to split my attention in the way I wanted to.
Excellent writing by Keel was supported by a wonderful cast. This story could easily have been rather "churchy" with a few different narrative decisions, but instead it nails every progressive, sex-positive point. Further, it manages to add a new flavor to the age-old story of angels vs. demons—is that a hint of cherry syrup I'm detecting in the mix? Nah, I'd better leave the comedy writing to Keel.
Emily Burgardt was a standout performer in this ensemble, playing the role of Loreliar, a succubus-turned-coffee shop owner. Burgardt is a natural performer and her work was engaging, engrossing, and believable. I look forward to seeing her in future productions. Also of note was the fantastic John Garrard (Maxwell) who brought energy and attention to every detail of his performance.
Caitlin Duree (Nicold) commanded the stage exactly as a succubus in her prime should—I enjoyed watching this character take control of those around her, while quietly grappling with her own internal battles. Alongside Burgardt and Duree, Caleb Graves (Shaden) rounded out the sex demon trio with strength. Scott Bryan (Noah) brought a naïve earnestness to his character that was refreshing alongside the emotional guardedness of the other characters.
Tevia Loeser (Kitty), Mandy Reichelt (Kat), Ellen Eberhardt (Wendy), and Janae Hatchett (Wanda) were engaging and fun as the employees of Loreliar's coffee shop. They brought a grounded humanity to a play filled with immortals, and kept the scenes lively and charming. Alongside them, Cameron Casey, who assisted with the direction of this play, and Azucena White (Customers) filled out this lovely cast.
I was glad to see that this play relied on formal intimacy choreography given the content and staging—I'm thrilled to find this more and more in DFW-area productions. Mandy Rausch and Stephen Steele created a believable and safe environment for the actors and the audience members in this tight, extremely physical play. Costuming by Kristina Miller struck the right casual, light-hearted tones. Clever lighting (Johnson) and sound (Jason Monmaney) made the best use possible of this tiny space in an expansive show split between heaven, earth, and hell.
In light of this week’s news on the COVID-19 front, please don't go see this show if you're sick, and please wash your hands as often as is humanly possible regardless, but DO consider getting out to see this play this weekend or next in this tiny venue. Tickets are Donate-What-You-Can, making this play accessible to all.
Giving a little extra, though, is especially important in a time when the arts and small businesses are facing more than their fair share of economic hardship. Don’t miss this opportunity to support this show, and even if you don’t feel comfortable leaving your home to attend in person, consider donating to this wonderful company.
Cherry Muffins: A Demon Play closes on March 28, 2020. Reserve your tickets here.
