the Daily Bruin

L.A. Theatre Works explores modern love in its new radio theater production ‘Completeness’

 
By LEAH CHRISTIANSON
Published October 19, 2011, 11:15 pm in A&E, Theater & Arts
  Email this article  |        Share on Delicious  Share on Digg
Tools
web.ae.10.19.completeness.pica

Jason Ritter and Mandy Siegfried star in “Completeness,” a new radio theater production by L.A. Theatre Works at the James Bridges Theater.

Possibly Related

When a relationship ends, it may be easy to ask, “What did I do wrong? What could I have done differently?” Often feeling wronged or guilty, many people crave closure but instead may be plagued by a series of unanswered questions.

“Completeness,” the L.A. Theatre Works new radio theater production, attempts to answer these questions through the story of a romance between a molecular biologist and a computer scientist. According to Stephen Sachs, director of “Completeness,” the performance will explore the changing nature of relationships and provide a humorous yet also serious look at the complications of modern love.

Sachs said that the play uses the idea of protein connections to dramatize the complexity of two people finding each other.

“Both of the main characters are highly intelligent people, yet they are still flummoxed by the messiness of the human heart,” Sachs said.

Written by Itamar Moses, “Completeness” stars Jason Ritter (“Parenthood”), Mandy Siegfried (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Mia Barron (“The Venture Bros.”) and André Sogliuzzo (“American Dad”). The performances will air as part of L.A. Theatre Works’ “Relativity” science series on its website and radio station KPCC.

“Completeness” will be recorded today at the James Bridges Theater and will be performed six times starting today and ending on Sunday.

Radio theater performances are plays that are recorded in front of a live audience. The plays are read onstage along with a live sound effects artist, then broadcast on public radio and streamed on the web.

According to Sachs, radio theater performances are challenging, as it can be difficult to convey the emotional life of a play via radio broadcast. But Sachs said that “Completeness” has enough charisma to have an impact over the radio.

Ritter plays Elliott, an overly logical but otherwise brilliant computer scientist, who develops a computer algorithm to help with Molly’s research on protein combination.

According to Ritter, the performance is about being overwhelmed by all the choices available to us in our technologically advanced society.

“In our current culture, it’s a lot harder for people to accept any kind of permanence in a relationship because they’re scared of missing something better. You see that in this play, and I like when (the characters) stop analyzing everything and see what’s right in front of them,” Ritter said.

Ritter said he hopes “Completeness” sparks discussion among its viewers and listeners, and that people will look at their own relationships and think about why they are resistant to elements of it.

“It’s always refreshing to hear a young playwright’s take on an age-old issue that is a huge concern to all of us,” said Susan Loewenberg.

Loewenberg is the founder and producing director of L.A. Theatre Works, a nonprofit radio and theater organization, and is responsible for choosing which plays are aired on its website.

She said it is very important to choose plays that impact viewers on both an intellectual and an emotional level.

“Our collection has both classic and new plays, and includes the best work in the American canon. After watching this play the first time, I thought that this was in the category of truly outstanding,” Loewenberg said.

Following Friday’s performance, viewers are invited to share refreshments and chat with the performers.

Loewenberg said that she hopes the talk will draw UCLA students to the play, as she wants to share “Completeness” with as many people as possible.


Join the discussion

You Should Know: Any comments posted on dailybruin.com may be printed in the Daily Bruin. the Daily Bruin reserves the right to remove any comment deemed racially derogatory, inflammatory, or spammatory. Repeat offenders may have their IP address banned from posting future comments. Please be nice.

If this is the first time you've commented, your comment won't appear until you've verified your email address.

Formatting Options:
  • Links: "my link":http://my.url.com
  • Bold: *something!*
  • Italic: _OMG!_

No comments

Be the first to comment on this article!

Advertisement
Featured classifieds »

ADLER WEINER RESEARCH is conducting a study with Male Juniors and Seniors This is a 2 part Study. You will be paid $25 for an 1-2 min video. Some people will be chosen for a follow-up interview on Friday, June 8th, which will pay $75 for 30 min. PLEASE EMAIL awfocusgroups@gmail.com WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION...1. NAME2. AGE3. ETHNICITY4. WHAT YEAR ARE YOU IN? 5. PLEASE LIST WHAT YOU DO TO WORKOUT. 6. BEST DAY TIME TELEPHONE NUMBER!!! WE ARE ALSO ACCEPTING REFERRALS IF YOU HAVE FRIENDS THAT MIGHT QUALIFY, PLEASE PASS ALONG THIS INFORMATION. · 2200 - Research Subjects


CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR/MAXILLOFACIAL: Performing research on maxillofacial pain, Tempromandibular jaw dysfunction, atypical tooth pains, Atypical facial& headaches, bruxism, stress related jaw pains. Collect data, Identify protocol problems, inform investigators& assists in problem resolution efforts. Review patients record to find new treatment methods. Review proposed study protocols to evaluate factors, data management plans& potential subject risks. Send resume to: M.Heikali; F&M Radiology Medical Center Inc., 18065 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316 · 2200 - Research Subjects


C AND C++ INSTRUCTOR. SEEKING AN INTERN who is good at C and C++ coding. Ability to understand pre-written codes and explain to non-technical audience. Please specify the course/experience you had. The position will be all through summer and may be extended. The hours can be flexible. We pay $20 - 70/hr depends on experience. pls send your CV at yjpark09_1999@yahoo.com · 7800 - Help Wanted


CSO OFFICE ASSISTANTOffice Assistant needed to work flexible hours at the UCLA Police Dept./CSO Programs. Earn $9.37/hr. Must be a UCLA student w/at least one YR. remaining. Training provided for clerical duties. For details call (310) 825-5064. · 7800 - Help Wanted


RECEPTIONIST/SECRETARYWestside law firm seeking receptionist/secretary. Mon.- Fri. from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ability to type from dictation and office experience not required, but preferred. Email resume with cover letter to joycparker@yahoo.com with title law office receptionist. · 7800 - Help Wanted


***For Sale- Luxury Condo 2B/2B 90024 - Close to UCLA www.decoratorcondo.com · 8750 - Condo/Townhouse for Sale

More multimedia »