By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
Local resident David Heisler has performed many shows with the Lakeside Players and the Heisler Theater here on the mountain, to excellent reviews. In January, Heisler was to perform a world premiere of his one-man show, No Way Out. Unfortunately, the many power outages and the electrical uncertainty caused by the wind led to the postponement of the premiere.
The show was postponed until Feb. 22 and 23 at the Tudor House. It is a mentally engaging show that makes one think and then rethink the situation and consider how you would respond the next day and the day after that.
The original script, written by Heisler, is based on the Franz Kafka story. The question from the play is about living your best possible life after a disaster and after being forced to make a complete change in the direction of your life because of unexpected new living circumstances. The play is completely engrossing, thought provoking and yet entertaining. Kafka’s story is very challenging and causes one to rethink their own life’s realities. The story line is unimaginable and yet many may be facing such a life changing reality in their own future.
“No Way Out has been my labor love for over decade,” Heisler said. “Please join me as I perform my one-person dinner theater show at the Tudor House.”
Vocalist Rachel Murray and pianist TJ Roger have joined the show, weaving hauntingly beautiful classical and jazz melodies that will transport those in the audience into the world and mindset of the main character, Pierre Rouge.
Imagine, while relaxing with friends, what you would do if you were Pierre? He was attacked without warning, knocked unconscious and apparently kidnapped. What if you were Pierre and, upon awakening, find yourself locked in a cage, tied down and barely able to move. Then you discover you have been shot in the leg. You at first think you may die, then wonder if that may be the better choice. From the motions you are experiencing, you realize you’re apparently on a boat and eventually discover that you are in the middle of the ocean. What would you do, if there was no way out?
Pierre Rouge thinks, “I’ve been at sea, or so it seems, for many days. I cannot see the ocean, only feel the boat rocking and waves crashing. I’m sick. I’m in a hold, somewhere between the decks, with only a sliver of light coming through a few hours a day. My cage consists of three walls of vertical bars attached to the back of a crate. I can hear others on this vessel, but I can neither see them nor understand their language. What is happening to me? Where am I going? Why was I kidnapped? I have nothing to offer. I’d like to return to my old life. Will this nightmare ever end?” Pierre asks himself.
Outside his cage are strange, almost alien looking, creatures walking around, staring in at him and speaking an unknown language. He’s terrorized and afraid for his life, while his memories of his previous life with family and friends are fading.
What can he do? He’s confused and doesn’t understand what to do. His only understanding is that he’s stuck in a strange situation, and he wonders what will occur if he is ever released from this cage. He finally decides that, when he’s released from the cage, he will do whatever he must do to survive. He will choose to adapt, because apparently there is “no way out.” But what will that mean for the rest of his life?
“Please join me, Rachel and TJ at the historic Tudor House, February 22 and 23, for a profound commentary on our very existence, delivered from the most unexpected of places,” Heisler said. “This thought-provoking and insightful show will linger with you long after the curtain falls!”
Performances are on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 23 for a 4 p.m. matinee on the Tudor House stage. This weekend of performances will be the last opportunity to enjoy the show before it is taken on the road to a Hollywood showcase. Tickets are available for $20 each, online at www.TudorHouseEntertainment.com.
Since this show is a dinner theater production, the separately priced dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. for the Saturday evening show and 3 p.m. for the matinee on Sunday. Dinner can be ordered upon arrival at the Tudor House, which is located at 800 Arrowhead Villa Road in the Arrowhead Villas section of Lake Arrowhead, just off Highway 18.
0 Comments