by Carilyn Rome
Daily Lobo
For those of you who felt a little woozy after leaving "Trainspotting," the Vortex Theatre's last production, "Spike Heels" might just be your Pepto Bismol.
A quick-witted, well-acted and thoroughly funny play, "Spike Heels" touches on a lot of gender issues in a very real way - and not a toilet bowl in sight.
Award-winning screenwriter Theresa Rebeck wrote Spike Heels. Her works include "Harriet the Spy," "Gossip," "Third Watch," "LA Law," "Law and Order: Criminal Intent" and "NYPD Blue."
The original cast included Kevin Bacon, Tony Goldwyn, Saundra Santiago and Julie White. The raw talent that went into the original production partially explains why the live version was so appealing.
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The play itself is extremely well-written, with just the right amount of both drama and comedy. The story, which revolves around the chaotic relationships between women and men, provides colorful examples of the processes people go through when discovering themselves.
Director Brandon Scott Jensen, had originally selected another play for his directorial debut at the Vortex. He chose "Spike Heels" because he was drawn to the strong female characters in the play. Both lead female characters are identifiable through their potency and brawn.
Georgie, played by Tristana Gonzalez, has the faáade every woman wants. She seems to have a quick answer for every situation, which helps her stay in control, especially when it comes to men. It doesn't take long for anyone watching to figure out there is more to her character than how she acts. Her true beauty emerges when she decides to be herself.
Lydia, played by Sarah Escobedo, spends her time on stage fighting the stereotype of a spoiled rich girl. Escobedo says she enjoys playing Lydia because of the challenge she faces in trying to dispel her character's stereotype within her short time on stage.
The male characters were also thought-provoking. Andrew, played by Thane Kenny, is a classic depiction of the "nice guy." He follows all the rules and as a result makes almost everyone he comes in contact with a better person. On the surface, Andrew does not seem to have much to offer as far as dramatic effect, but that's the point.
Watching Andrew put everyone before himself affects the audience powerfully. Kenny says despite the fact his character is quite different from his real personality, Andrew is a welcome departure from the rough characters he's used to playing.
Gonzalez and Jensen say the Vortex Theatre's intimate setting allows the audience to see the chemistry between the actors.
"Spike Heels" is also the perfect play for the end of the theater's 25th season. It is full of conflicts everyone - male or female - can identify with.
