Book-It Repertory Theatre does Racing in the Rain
Book-Its narrative theatre style of presenting novels fascinates me. Last night’s performance of The Art of Racing in the Rain by Seattle writer Garth Stein (adapted by Myra Platt) was powerful and moving. Unusually, I had not read the book before I saw the play, so I can’t compare them yet. The hard part in any literary adaptation, whether it is to the screen or the stage, is what to leave in, what to take out. Two views I have heard from others who had read the novel first were completely contradictory. One couple felt that the central appeal of the novel (which is told from the point of view of a race car driver’s dog, Enzo) was the dog’s thoughts and commentary about his master’s life; and the adaptation gave them too little of what they liked most. They enjoyed the play, but couldn’t help but long for more. The other view, expressed by a woman, was that the novel was “a little too Jonathon Livingston Seagull” for her, and that she liked the play better than the book as a result of the choices made. I’m curious enough to plan on reading Racing. I’ll report back. Meanwhile, the play I saw last night. Carol Roscoe’s direction made for a very physical high energy performance. David S. Hogan’s performance as a (talking) dog carried the conceit without a hitch. His canine body language held character throughout. He was well matched by Eric Riedmann as Denny, and their rapport together as man and man’s best friend, was an excellent recreation of the emotional bond without crossing into saccharine country. Book-It does wonders with minimal staging and props; what little they use is always imaginatively multi-functional, as when twin red leather ottomans can be either living room furniture of the seats of a race car. The Center House Theatre space (set in this case in the round) is framed by 2 massive round pillars that are structural supports for the building. Andrea Bryne Bush used these to good effect, with ramp/risers platforms curving around each pillar and a clear oval area in between for the central action. The Art of Racing in the Rain is sold out for the remainder of the run. You may have missed your chance to see this one, but keep an eye on Book-It. Next Up: Friday May 5 A Language of Their Own by Chay Yew at the Richard Hugo House.