“Way Out” is a play written by Fire Island News columnist Cindi Sansone-Braff, directed by Debi Toni, and stars Jenna Halverson and James Lombardi. The plot follows two teenage friends who find themselves in an unknown location, totally unaware of how or why they are there. This short play is part of the Rogue Theater Zoom Festival, and runs through Tuesday, June 20.
Also known as the Romance Whisperer, Cindi is author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.”
Jenna Halvorsen in “Way Out,” directed by Debi Toni and screenplay by FIN’ columnist Cindi Sansone-Braff.
The Rogue Theater Festival was founded by Allison Leah Hohman in 2019, and exists to provide an opportunity for new as well as seasoned artists to express their work in a theatrical environment. In the five years of their existence, Rogue has had the pleasure to work with over 85 playwrights and hundreds of artists.
Despite only being nine minutes long and on Zoom, I thought that “Way Out” was a thoroughly entertaining play. One of the best aspects is the way the story is told. I will not go into too much detail about what happens to these characters but the play takes a comedic approach to a rather dark subject matter. This was a brilliant idea because the audience will not lose interest in something that is meant to make you laugh. Plus, most audience members hate being preached at with over-the-top messages that they have heard a bunch of times before. This is not to say that the play does not have a message in it because it very much does. However, the message is very subtle, which I think audiences will appreciate. The performances in this play are very good as well.
Actors Jenna Halverson and James Lombardi are both very impressive. They had a tough job, because the entirety of this short play rests on their shoulders. They had excellent chemistry and they played off one another well. They were also both very funny, and since this play is a comedy that is the most important thing at the end of the day. “Way Out” also has a surprisingly sharp and witty script. If you were to tell me that these actors improvised most of their lines then I would absolutely believe it. That is how authentic the dialogue feels.
The Rogue Theater Zoom Festival is a delightful online festival that is open to everyone. These aren’t exactly the big and extravagant plays that you would see on Broadway. However, if you are interested in small communal theater, then I would definitely suggest checking it out. And don’t miss “Way Out,” you will not be disappointed.
