The story is wonderfully paced with a cast of talented ELAC theatre arts students.
Jean, played by Lorena Ruiz, discovers a whole new side of life when she picks up a dead man's cell phone.
Getting to know the dead man, played by Michael F. Venegas, through the calls that come in, meeting his brother Dwight, played by Anthony Li, mother Mrs. Gottlieb, played by Jordan Don, widow Hermis, played by Sue Montoya, and mistress/other woman, played by Natalie Wong.
The one wallflower Jean begins to experience and live life, even if the majority of her experiences may be a work of fiction from her imagination.
The story magnificently intensifies to a satisfactory ending. It cleverly makes a comment on how society has lost personal communication with each other.
First time ELAC director James Johnson, teacher at ELAC for 12 and a half years, does an incredible job of getting an emotional response from his young cast. After year of being behind the scenes working with students on lighting and sound Johnson triumphantly steps into the director role.
Li is a great match up to the dorky character Ruiz plays. Li portrays a subtle gentle character, Dwight. He stands out in that although a gentle character it's a strong performance full I passion.
With a bit of action the other woman becomes more than just a force to be reckoned with. Wong fantastically plays a femme fatale. A first time actress she takes a minor role but is part of a big fight scene.
Performed in the "Theatre at the top of the stairs," as Director Johnson cleverly calls it due to the entrance being right at the top of the stairs, Performing Arts Complex P2-205, "Dead Man's Cell Phone" runs through May 5. Matinee performances on April 27, April 28, May 4 and May 5 at 2 p.m. Evening performances April 26, April 27, May 3 and May 4 at 8 p.m.
For more information and ticket prices check out www.elac.edu under "Upcoming Events" at the bottom left side of the page.
