Play review
‘Loose Ends’ includes comical commentary
D.Dietrich
Of The Print
“Loose Ends” opened Friday night at
Portland State University in Lincoln Hall, to a
small but appreciative audience. Michael
Weller’s episodic drama tells the story of the
growth and decay of a young couple while mak
ing social commentary on the ’70s setting.
The title alludes to the unresolved love affair
carried on stage as well as the role of the less-
than-politically-traumatic ’70s in tying up the
dramatic changes that overtook America in the
’60s. After the search to find oneself is over,
decisions have to be made and the guilt of
materialistic wealth dealt with.
Paul and Susan are a young couple who met
on the shores of Bali while traveling abroad in
their youth. Paul, played by Daniel D. Perkin,
has just finished a stint in the Peace Corps only
to find it all boiled down to a few funny stories.
Susan, played by Melissa Karlson, is on her way
to India with her friend Janice. The two lovers
part with the hope of meeting someday back in
the states but neither feels sure about ever see
ing each other again.
See each other they do, though, and in the se
cond of eight scenes Paul and Susan are dating
and currently visiting another young couple.
Apparently, Paul looks Susan up in Boston and
things are rolling. Doug (Steven Purvis) and
Maraya (Judith Branham), whose home they’re
visiting, portray a contrast to the style of Paul
and Susan. Doug is crude and content as a com
mon laboror while Maraya is happy as the
epitome of barefoot, pregnant, and in the kit
chen. Maraya becomes a sounding board for
Susan who shows more of a commitment to
Paul than she feels from him. Thus is the begin
ning of their problems.
The play follows the couple through their
nine-year marriage, in which they can’t seem to
cope with the fact that they love each other so
much. Neither one is particularly found of
dependence. Real problems arise with the suc
cess of her photography career, which she is
happy about, and then the success of his film
making career, which he isn’t happy about.
Seems that Paul can’t feel comfortable with a
“dress for success” type of life and would
much rather concentrate on raising a family
Susan is not ready for a family, as she points
out to Paul, “Would you want people like us
for parents?” Yes, he would, and the bottom
falls out of their marriage on just that issue.
Without revealing the ending, it suffices to say
that Ann Landers gives good advice when she
tells a young couple to talk it out before mar
riage.
Perkin gives a staid but refined performance
as the aesthetically motivated Paul. A bit tight
at first, he loosens up and carries the weight of
the climactic scene with strong drama. Karlson,
who gave a good performance in the recent
“Talking With” at the Storefront Theater,
shows a developed sense of her character and
true conviction with a precious few schmaltzy
lines. Her gravelly voice adds to her down-to-
earth personality to give you the feeling that
you know her from somewhere.
A stable line of supporting actors take the
couple through their paces, including the ever-
sensible Selina, played by Lakshmi Pratoury,
Paul’s film editing peer, and the schizophrenic
Janice. Janice, played by Vickie Walker,
changes her character smoothly, with a hint of
air-head for consistency. The comical character
arrives in the form of Susan’s flamboyant boss
Lawrence, played by Charles Daniels. Daniels
has the moves down pat and doesn’t miss a beat
in the short but memorable scene.
Director Susan LeClerc, who was also in
“Talking With,” tries to do a bit of the story
telling with a rather artsy slide show during the
many scene changes. The effect is successful in
giving glimpses of their off-stage lives as well as
combining visuals with the well-selected music
of the era. The result is a strong feeling of the
couple as real people, although the script might
need a few rougher edges for complete congrui-
ty.
“Loose Ends” will continue through May 18
at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
General admission is $3.50.
Artist’s society gathers ‘Come hell or high water’
Amy LaBare
Of The Print
Artwork done by members
of the Paul Kane Society is on
display in the Pauling Gallery
this month.
Leland John, a member of
the society and an instructor at
Clackamas Community Col
lege, said that the society
meets the second Sunday of
each month to paint. “It’s
useful to us to have a day to
paint to set aside time,” John
said. He emphasized the
group’s dedication, noted by
what has become their motto:
“Come hell or high water, We
go out no matter what the
weather.”
The society was formed
from the need of local area ar
tists who take their art serious
ly and want to have quality
time to paint, John said. He
added that many people look
at painting as a hobby,
“something you do after you
mow the lawn,” but said
members of the society believe
art is much too important to
them to put it off.
Kane traveled with the Hud
son Bay Co. on their explora
tions of the Northwest.
The society was named after
Paul Kane, one of the first ar
tists to paint scenes of the
Pacific Northwest, John said.
the society now from the
Oregon City area and from as
far away as Silverton, John
said.
The society began in 1970,
but “drifted away,” John
said. This spring the group
began meeting again. There
are approximately 12 people in
C.C.C. Cafeteria
Daily Specials
Wed., May 8
Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes
Thurs., May 9
Mexican Casserole
Fri., May 10
Pizza Slices
Mon., May 13
Beef Tips with Noodles
$1.50
Tues., May 14
“Duke of Foxworthy” is the title of painting by Timothy Per-
rigoue. The local artist’s work is among collection from
members of the Paul Kane Society currently showing in the
Pauling Gallery.
Wednesday, May 8,1985
Tacos
$.65
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