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REVIEW: “Exit, Pursued By a Bear!” at Restless Artists’ Theater (Subscriber Content)

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Image: Jake Steinman 

If you’ve never seen a show at Restless Artists’ Theater before, now is the time to go. “Exit, Pursued By a Bear!” is the last show of their season and, arguably, the best show of their season.

Nan has finally had enough with her abusive husband, Kyle, and conspires a plan to teach him a lesson. Tying him in a chair and enlisting the help of a couple friends, Nan shows her husband how he behaves by acting out moments from their relationship. The final show is to cover Kyle with meat and honey in order to lure a bear to him.

Although this play has dark themes, it’s all handled with lightness and humor. I was nervous that some offensive moments may appear, but I didn’t feel any awkwardness from the performance and felt a good job was done of capturing all the character’s motives and feelings.

This production was also done non-traditionally, with the characters often breaking the fourth wall and pausing the main performance to speak to the audience. I liked this change of pace and found the moments hilarious.
Every actor did an incredible job, but the most hijinks came from Cody Canon who played Simon. He dressed up in a literal cheerleader outfit to help support Nan and always had a quick-witted remark to every situation.

The production also uses projection and sound effects to create unique and goofy moments. The humor in this play is definitely ridiculous, but it suits the theme and subject matter perfectly. One of my favorite special effects moment was the PowerPoint presentation on bears. I was laughing the whole way through.

If you’re new to theater, this show is especially for you. It’s only one act of 85 minutes, so it’s a quick show to see if you wanted to give live performance a whirl. But, this is your last chance to see the show, so grab tickets quick!

The Details

  • Web: http://rattheatre.org/
  • Written by: Lauren Gunderson
  • Directed by: Dave Zybert

Dates

  • Evening Show Dates: 7/5, 7/6, 7/11, 7/12, 7/13, 7/18, 7/19, 7/20 @ 7:30 PM
  • Matinee Show Dates: 7/7, 7/14, 7/21 @ 2 PM

Tickets

$15 online through rattheatre.org or brownpapertickets.com
$20 at the door
Senior, student, & military discounts available

Cast

  • Rachel Douglass as Sweetheart
  • Sara Mackie as Nan
  • Kameron Watson as Kyle
  • Cody Canon as Simon
Kylie Burns
Kylie Burns
Kylie Burns has been living in Reno for over two decades. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and an MFA in Creative Writing. Her non-fiction work can also be found in Broadway Baby. When she isn't reviewing art and culture events in Reno, she's hogging the spotlight in karaoke or trying her hand at mixology.

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