Review: ‘An Improbable Peck of Plays’ by Theater Artists Olympia

Rachel Benton

After a brief hiatus, Theater Artists Olympia’s (TAO) “An Improbable Peck of Plays” has returned to the stage, reviving a tradition Thurston County audiences have grown to love.

TAO intentionally picked this peck to poke at a plethora of emotions — presumably for the best — and this particular punch is exactly what people need.  

Eight local playwrights and directors, alongside some of Thurston County’s finest actors and behind-the-scenes talent, made this show truly remarkable. It can be a lot to wrap your head around. To learn how “Peck” works and see the full cast, crew and play list, click here. 

As this column aims to encourage each week, many things in the arts and in life are much better experienced than explained. Take my word for it: purchase your tickets for this fantastic show now!  

Let this be a conversation starter for the experience I hope you will have. Until that much-anticipated time when you can enjoy the magic of this theater for yourself, I invite you to kick back, relax, and open your mind to the world of possibilities that can exist in something as simple as a peck of plays.  

Applause for 'Peck of Plays'

TAO Artistic Director Pug Bujeaud, Vice President John Serembe and everyone else involved in selecting these plays deserve a round of applause of their own.

When I spoke with Bujeaud and Serembe about “Peck,” both emphasized the program's variety and encouraged me to remember: “If there is a play you don’t like, just wait for the next one.”  

The incredible part is, I don’t think there was a single play I didn’t thoroughly enjoy. What was my favorite play? That secret stays safe with me until you see it for yourselves.  

I laughed, got misty-eyed, enjoyed the silliness, and let myself tune in to opportunities for deeper contemplation. Whenever I go to shows, I go with an open mind and no criteria. But if I were to have one, I imagine it would be to leave each show feeling the way I felt at “Peck.” 

As diverse as the program was, a common thread tied them all together: the idea of taking note of the simple things in life. What a profound message for these times.

Taking note of the simple things can mean appreciating the everyday pleasures of living, perhaps even remembering to capture them in the written word or on a painted canvas. It can also mean reminding ourselves of what we can and cannot control during these overwhelming times. Again, this "Peck" packs a punch containing exactly what our human hearts need.  

There were benefits to both types of casting: on one hand, you get to see the range each actor possesses; on the other, you get to see an abundance of local talent, some of whom you may be encountering for the first time. “Peck” audiences are lucky because they get to appreciate and experience both, as well as witness everyone’s admirable camaraderie. No pecking order here.

Something else to admire: the cast itself represented a diversity of ages, acting experiences, genders, sexualities, and races without ever feeling forced. I got the sense that people were cast for their genuine talent and individual charisma, rather than to meet some arbitrary quota. This is exactly what I love seeing in the arts. 

Every person involved in “Peck,” whether onstage or behind the scenes, was incredibly talented and brought their own unique essence to create a potpourri of theatrical delight. Here are a few examples: 

• Dale Sharp had what my family and I would call a “Play-Doh face”— a face capable of carrying more expressions than most people can, which is very impressive.

• Bitsy Bidwell sparkled with her iconic delivery of humor, as did John Serembe, whose debonair presence can make silliness look like an affair for the ritz (just as it should be). 

• Andrea Weston-Smart and Hannah Ekland brought warmth, a calming essence, and a natural sense of humor to their roles. 

• Lesley Gordon and Jeremy Holien were given roles that really contrasted with one another, allowing them to each display their emotional range. 

• Gary Zinter was given a role containing a great deal of emotional range, with a last-minute splash of humor. Seeing the way he approached the role gave me an even greater appreciation for his capabilities. 

A friend of mine taught me a phrase that continues to make me smile to this day. Whenever she would cook something delicious, her husband would say, “Tastes like more.” That is exactly how “Peck” left me: wanting more! 

Thankfully, I do not have to wait too long for another TAO show. TAO will be performing Kate Danley’s “A Spirited Manor” beginning Oct. 23. Stay tuned to this column for more information in the near future. 

Rachel is a writer, arts advocate, performing arts enthusiast, and passionate about our beloved Thurston County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and minor in Music. You can enjoy more of Rachel's writings by visiting her website. All inquiries for Rachel can be submitted here.