Theater Review: Determination_The Reboot. By Brian Kirst
A quick and fun homage to “The Terminator”, Bruised Orange Theater Company’s “Determination_The Reboot” appeals to the inner geek in all of us and keeps us laughing at our awkward pasts along the way, as well.
Abandoning his date at the school dance our jittery hero, Connor, races home to continue his crusade to save the world from being overrun by robots. Of course, his stepdad is controlling the only connection to the computer and his frustrated date is soon hot on his trail. Playing on the well known fact that we barely know ourselves in high school, let alone our friends, playwright Clint Sheffer soon reveals some anatomic surprises about Connor’s date, the seemingly exasperated Chrysta, and ultimately caps the show (particularly for the fan boys) with a quirky appearance of a Schwarzenegger inspired robot, as well.
Director John Morrison meanwhile extracts extremely likeable (and relatable) performances from his small cast. While Max Stewart’s dead-on Schwarzenegger may command the most high fives of the evening, Aaron Lawson compels with tremulous hope and heart as Connor and Colleen Elizabeth Miller brings a smoky tautness and crackling sense of compassion to her mechanically inclined Chrysta.
Miller, also, produces some very simple yet incredibly effective SFX make-up, ultimately making this short evening of theater a true treat for horror, comedy and science fiction fans alike.
(Determination_The Reboot has two final performances on Wednesday, April 28th, and Friday, April 30th, at 7:30 PM at the Acme Art Works, 2215 North Ave in Chicago.)
