Families Chosen by Circumstances
Ray (Eddie Dzialo) is a divorced veteran of the Gulf War who lives in Fresno and gets by. His child, Natalie (Leo Sharkey) is not particularly glad to be spending the week with him, and it only takes Ray a minute to start trying to turn the child against his ex-wife. This is particularly rich since Ray recently “shoved her a little” over Natalie’s claim to be a boy and request to be called Nate. Now, it seems like Nate may have an opportunity to choose where to live permanently. But they are soon distracted by the unexpected arrival of Ray’s estranged brother, John (Michael Holding), recently fired for environmentalist activism against his own employer. John doesn’t have anywhere to go and Ray allows him to stay so someone can babysit while he’s at work.
All of this is observed by Theo the Koala (Esteban Andres Cruz), who escaped from the zoo and has taken up residence in the backyard. His strange presence constantly sets off a nearby dog, which is difficult for the high-strung Ray. His only friend, Gabby (Michele DiMaso), lives nearby with a mother who is no less ornery for being dependent on her. Ray can relate, given his own struggle during his father’s illness, and John comments that Ray wouldn’t normally be one to make friends with a lesbian. But even John finds it hard to accept Natalie/Nate’s claims.
16th Street Theater Picks a Convincing Ensemble
Director Josh Sobel’s five-person cast all give excellent performances, with Dzialo, in particular, standing out. Ray easily switches into the habit of giving John orders, which John chafes at but is often cowed into complying with. Though Ray is battling PTSD symptoms, he leans on military professionalism and expects others to do the same. DiMaso’s Gabby shares his respect for hard work and plain speaking, although she’s much more forward-thinking. Ray refuses to acknowledge the need for computer skills in the modern economy and is haunted by the ghost of his child self (also Sharkey). John’s upbeat childishness and optimism is a welcome break from Ray’s brooding. Sharkey’s wariness of him as Nate is fully believable and sympathetic, as is his delight at having his interests encouraged by John.
