Dead Man’s Cell Phone Review
By Guadalupe Perez-Mata, Skyline Social Media Manager
ALPINE - I’m always excited to see what new production the theater department has in store for us when I visit Sul Ross’ Studio Theatre. The talented performers and directors at Sul Ross are always putting on exemplary performances, and their performance of Sarah Ruhl’s “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” was no exception.
When I first walked in, my ears were filled with soft jazz music, which helped set the scene for the play.
On stage, there were light bulbs hanging down at different lengths and umbrellas were used to add to the setting of the play. Along with the soft colors used for the set, it created a warm atmosphere.
The large rectangle background was such a great way to divide scenes from one another. The production crew and the creative and design team did such an amazing job with everything as well as the set design and clothing designs.
The story follows Jean, who is just a bystander when a stranger in the cafe she is visiting unexpectedly dies. At first, she doesn’t even realize that the man is dead, but when he does not pick up his phone, she realizes what has just happened. She begins to value the phone sentimentally and proceeds to take phone calls for Gordon, the man who passed away. Jean ends up meeting Gordon’s family and creating a relationship with them.
The main character Jean was played by Yaritza Corona and Gordon/Dwight was played by Justin Hinton, and I was amazed by their brilliant performances. They are going places. As well as the rest of the cast, Corban Buttars, Jenna Reyes, Jaina Brooks, Caitlynn Almance and Olivia Marie Pertuso who were fantastic and smashing!
I can’t imagine the amount of emotion that it must've taken to bring these characters to life. Each cast member did such a phenomenal job!
You know the play is good when the audience is laughing along. The audience had such a great time and was even included in one scene, which was so much fun and quite unique! I have never been to a play where the audience was engaged with the story. It was such a great production and fun to be a part of!