By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds
THE GUEST Review presented by Clifton Players through February 8th. I attended the Second Friday performance.
Cincinnati native Zina Camblin is ringing in 2025 with Clifton Players by gifting The Queen City the semi-autobiographical script The Guest. It is only fitting that this labour of love (nearly ten years in the making) be told with help of a who’s-who cast of players. The Guest depicts a day in the life of Jessica, a bi-racial documentarist who is eager to explore both sides of how she came to be in this world.
Choosing to stage this story in the playing space below Liberty Exhibition Hall, The Lounge, is a stroke of genius. It’s intimate and cozy – and can feel stifling in exactly the way Jessica must feel overwhelmed by the shower of characters who are suddenly thrust into her sphere. The simple program credits Stage Manager Annette Ouchie and Lighting Designer Stewart Wheaton for the creative set.
Co-Director Kevin Crowley knocks it out of the park in his use of this unusual playing space. (Unsurprisingly, he also does much of the same in his portrayal of Gary, a father and once local sheriff.) In addition to creative use of space, pacing of the show is solid and pushes ahead perfectly.
It is nearly impossible to give any performing artist a bigger shout-out than the other. With a cast that features the likes of Angelique Archer (utterly transparent and the ideal protagonist); Darnell Pierre Benjamin (a brief, but dependable appearance); Carol Brammer (a difficult character arc played expertly); Kevin Crowley (grounded and real); Kyndra Jefferies (auntie energy in a familiar, yet not stereotypical way – perfection!); Justin McCombs (funny and heartbreaking all at once); Cailtin McWethy (impeccable execution of an amusing and sympathetic character); and Patrick Earl Phillips (you may think you know who his character is, but you’ll be surprised), you’d be hard-pressed to argue with me. The chemistry with this group is off the charts. There are both hilarious and touching moments with so many duos and trios within this motley crew and I was living for all of it. No doubt the combination of these actors’ talents along with the talent of our playwright is an exceptional mix.
There are only two more chances to catch this excellent new play and I would say this one gets the very rare Kat “must-see” seal of approval.
Click here for more information about the production.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 