The Playmakers Send a Librarian on a Quest
Do you remember those library cards with the pockets in the books before library circulation systems went digital, similar to most things these days? Do you, perhaps, have a library book laying around the house that still has one of the cards in it, but will never admit it? Be glad that those strict, obsessive librarians aren't around anymore and library fines are either non-existent or at least reasonable.
Except for the one in The Playmakers' winter production, "Underneath the Lintel" by Glen Berger. When he finds a dilapidated Baedeker Travel Guide turned in that is 113 years overdue, this librarian seems to assume a nature akin to that of a superhero, though a very disheveled, confused, and nostalgic one. However, his eagerness and curiosity propel him on an around the world quest that most would never fathom. Messages in the margins become his clues as he collects "impressive presentation of lovely evidences" in his suitcase as he attempts to track down the miscreant who checked out the book, known only as "A." It even takes him back some 2000 years into the past when he is convinced that the myth of the Wandering Jew is real.
Jonathan Elmore takes on this one-man show, opening January 31. ("Ben Butler" switches places and moves to April 17.) "As I read the play, I could see the wide range of emotions that the Librarian had gone through on his world travels. I wanted to bring his joy, eagerness, lament and hope to the stage," he said.
Jonathan has been a Playmakers' leading character in many production, including "The Miser", Dracula, the Musical", "Seascapes", "Dead Man's Cell Phone", "Lion in Winter", "Hitchcock Radio Plays", and "If All the Sky Were Paper," He has also written a number of short plays that have been presented in the Playmakers' Readers' Theatre programs and acted in others. He has designed and decorated sets He is currently developing his skills as a playwright and screenplay writer.
The L.A. Times critic remarked that "Glen Berger's modern fable is a blissfully ludicrous vision quest, outrageously funny, madly literate...a stunner...but with a spiritual sensitivity that extends the Library's search for an alternate truth to Everyman."
The play runs for eight performances on Friday evenings, Sunday matinees, and Tuesday evenings through February 16. (Cancellations due to bad weather will be rescheduled.) Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
There are no paper tickets, but seating is $15 for adults and $8 for students, mid-school and above for this production. Credit cards are accepted.
Reservations are encouraged by leaving a message at the theatre, (918) 786 8950, or emailing [email protected]. A volunteer will contact you