"The Birds"

February 23, 2012 — theatre KAPOW, a small, talented company whose work I've enjoyed for several years now, this evening staged "The Birds" at the Stockbridge Theatre at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire. This Greek comedy, written around 400 B.C. by Aristophanes, revolves around two men, unhappy with life in Athens, who set out to form an alliance with the birds and start a new city called "Cloudcuckooland." As translated by Peter Meineck and directed by Matt Cahoon, the play featured brilliant costumes, hilarious dialog, sexual innuendo, aerial stunts and inspired silliness.

As usual with KAPOW productions at the Stockbridge, the audience is seated at the fringes of the stage, providing an intimate theatre experience. This was ideal for this production of "The Birds," which draws the audience into the action and encourages their participation in a sort of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" style. A large box full of colorful feathered hats was placed at the entrance to the auditorium with a sign saying "You know you want to" for anyone wishing to dress for the show. In my usual reluctance to draw attention to myself, I chose to go hatless.

For all its acrobatics, skillful use of props and precise timing, the play went surprisingly smoothly for a first-night performance. All the actors were excellent, but I have to give special mention to Carey Cahoon, a versatile actress who has appeared in all four of the plays I've seen at theatre KAPOW, playing everything from high drama to slapstick comedy. This evening she demonstrated acrobatic skills I had been previously unaware of.