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The Coterie Theatre has begun something new. And I think I like it. Starting this season, the Coterie is performing at the Westport CoffeeHouse on Monday nights. Thanks to the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the Coterie has received a major grant that will allow them to reach a wider audience. "The Breakfast Club- Live" is not the first. Last October, The Coterie at Night performed their own rendition of "Night of the Living Dead." Judging from my small experience last Monday, the idea seems to be taking off.

Directed by Ron Megee, "The Breakfast Club- Live" had all the flavor of the original movie (perhaps a bit more slapstick), without any of the long pauses. The show ran under 80 minutes without an intermission (the movie runs 97). The theatre itself is small and the actors use every inch of it. Seating is first come first serve, so try to get a seat towards the front, or on the tiered risers so you can see the stage. After the show, everyone is invited to stick around for a dance party and an opportunity to graffiti on the tables.

I knew from the very beginning that the play would follow the movie very closely. The Universal Studios music and the spinning globe at the beginning gave it away. Anything that could not be achieved with traditional staging was carried out, tongue-in-cheek, by "movie magic girl". From flying bologna to slamming car doors, she was there to make sure that nothing was left out. Even Jon Fulton Adams' costume design closely mimicked the movie costumes.

But there were also some differences. Carl the janitor's part was cut down to one small scene. I suppose because Carl and Mr.Vernon were played by the same versatile actor, Tim Ahlenius. (Although, I admit, I would've loved to see Ahlenius do a scene with himself!) Also, the actors, especially the women, looked nothing like their movie counterparts. I liked this choice, but I almost wish it applied to all, or none. It was distracting to see Alex Saxon look so much like the original Brian when Patricia Rusconi looked nothing like movie Allison.

Matthew Leonard's Bender was a less frightening character than Judd Nelson's original creation. He seemed more like a slightly dangerous class clown, and less like a criminal. My favorite Bender scene was when he was arguing with Mr. Vernon and received 8 more weeks of detention. Chioma Anyanwu's Claire was more confident, possibly more spoiled than Molly Ringwald. I could continue to compare, but I'm glad these actors chose to make their own choices instead of simply copying the movie characters. Matthew Schmidli, Andrew, had his moment of glory when he monologued about the pressure him father put on him to win. Patricia Rusconi, Allison, had some great bits to work with, although I'm not sure I believed the budding romance between her and Andrew. Alex Saxon, Brian, was the glue that held all the other characters together.

Scott Hobart's scene design is basic, but functional. My favorite set piece was the cardboard cutout locker row, complete with a padlocked door that opens. Realism was not the aim, either in setting or in staging, and that was just fine. Lighting was basic, but adequate.

I wish I could say more, but honestly, this show was delightful and charismatic. I was drawn in and, for once, I could sit back, relax and enjoy without the need to analyze (like I so often do). I would encourage the young and young at heart to go see a wonderfully entertaining performance.


REVIEW:
The Coterie Theatre
The Breakfast Club - Live!
Directed by Ron McGee
Open ended run every Monday night
Call or visit the website for performance times.
Westport Coffeehouse
4010 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO
For tickets call 816-474-6552 or online www.coterietheatre.org