Little Triggers Review - Visually Fascinating Storytelling

Little Triggers, written by Daniel Caffrey and directed by Allison Shoemaker, is a visually interesting and surprisingly tense play.  At times gritty, occasionally sweet, Little Triggers keeps the viewer unbalanced for almost the entire play.  Motives and personal histories remain muddled right through the end and if the ending is a bit ambiguous, it nonetheless feels actualized.

The play opens with Martin (Kevin Lambert) absorbed in a classic black and white horror film while waiting for a printer repair man.  Mr. Bahnson (Rob Grabowski), Martin’s boss and mentor, startles Martin and then presents him with a five year work anniversary gift.  It then comes out that Martin may have an opportunity to enter into an MBA program.  Mr. Bahnson leaves and although it is Christmas Eve, Martin volunteers to continue to wait for the repair man.  The repair man’s later arrival (referred to in the program as the “Man in Coveralls” and played brilliantly by Neal Starbird) begins an odyssey that involves sinister puppets and strange visitors from Martin’s past. 

Although these events occur on Christmas Eve, the holiday does not play a major part in the story.  Rather it is probably a nod to Charles Dickens for one aspect of the story does resemble A Christmas Carol.  Other happenings in the story, especially the ending sequence of Act 1, remind me more of Quentin Tarantino.  In even more contrast, the beginning of Act 2 has a magical fantasy feel that is almost sentimental.  However unlikely those pairings are, they allow the plot to develop in unique ways that consistently draw in the viewer.  The puppetry is also truly awesome and decidedly not for little kids (my eight year old would have nightmares for weeks if she had attended the show).   

The acting is also thoroughly top notch.  Kevin Lambert is convincing as someone who does not truly know who he is or who he wants to be.  Neal Starbird changes gears well and brings a focused intensity to what could easily be overplayed by someone else.  Derek Van Barham does well in two very different roles, the latter of which is beautifully understated and for me helped to center the events.  Rob Grabowski also plays a serious boss well as well as a deranged blood thirsty office supply vulture.  J. Clay Barron’s scenic design is well thought out and perfectly conveys the sometimes depressing, almost scary nature of a forgotten office. 

As mentioned above, the play does not neatly resolve itself.  I found this ambiguity thought provoking.  Others may find it confusing.  The audience present the night I reviewed this play appear unanimous in their approval.  Little Triggers is produced by The Ruckus and plays at The Side Project Theater.  The Side Project Theater is a very intimate (approximately twenty seats) and inviting theater. 

Bottom line:  Little Triggers is recommended for anyone looking for visually exciting story telling.  It should be stated that although there are some funny moments in the play, Little Triggers is not a comedy.  Street parking is tight but possible.  To purchase tickets, click on the following link:   http://www.ruckustheater.org/home/little_triggers.html

All photos by Lucas Gerard Photography