Sin ‘n’ Tonic packs a punch
by Christopher Key

“Don’t worry, it’s fiction,” local playwright Sean Walbeck writes in his program notes for Sin ‘n’ Tonic. “Only the laughs and the pain are real.” There are plenty of both in this Whatcom Community College production because Walbeck has an unerring ear for dialogue and a gift for strong characterization.

Sin ‘n’ Tonic is about one of those parties you went to back in college where you got hammered, said and did things you’re not sure you want to remember. The object of the game was getting laid but it ended in a scoreless tie. Walbeck peoples his script with archetypal characters that are instantly recognizable. You’ve probably been one or more of them and that’s what evokes both the laughter and the pain. Not to mention what I refer to as the squirm factor. There’s a fair amount of that and it’s a good thing if you’re secure enough to handle it.

Walbeck has one advantage not many playwrights enjoy. He’s married to one of the best directors anywhere, Shawn Fuller. She does a masterful job of making her hubby’s script sing and guides a talented crew of actors through an emotional roller coaster. It reminded me a bit of Neil Simon’s Eugene Trilogy with a much higher alcohol content. That’s a compliment. Take it.

Jake Martin plays Jerry, a walking mass of insecurity who conjures memories of Holden Caulfield. So he wallflowers at the party, comfortable only with the guys. The awkwardness of his interactions with women is a thing of beauty.

If he could manage to remove his foot from his mouth long enough, he’d probably be able to make time with Sorine, played beautifully by Selena Flannery-Logg. Sorine is visually impaired, but far from blind. She sees all the masks that people wear, the walls they build and the fear that drives them.

Trevor Van Houten is one of the most accomplished actors in WCC’s theatre program. He plays Shane, a prize nether orifice who gets his jollies from verbal abuse. One of his favorite victims is Kris, a slutty lush incapable of defending herself. Katie Dec delivers a powerful and moving performance. One scene between these two characters manages to be both frightening and poignant at the same time.

There is, of course, the geek who is rendered inarticulate by the mere sight of a woman. Brad McArtor gives a performance that is both funny and sensitive, not an easy thing to do.

Niki, the manipulative host of the party, is played by two actors on different dates, so check your program to see who is what. I saw Danielle Comchoc in the role tonight and she was more than a little scary. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Cori Olmstead before and expect she will equally strong.

Her willing slave is Flip, played to subservient perfection by Erin Sieber. Sue, who hides behind a mask of makeup, is also portrayed by two actors. Jasmin Gremes was touching in the role tonight and Erin “Bama” Bersch will alternate.

Sin ‘n’ Tonic plays May 12, 13, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at the Syre Student Center Black Box Theatre. Curtain time is at 7:30 p.m. with an ASL-interpreted 2:00 p.m. matinee added on May 15. Tickets are $10 or $5 for students and may be reserved by calling (360) 383-3532.

Walbeck and Fuller mix a cocktail with a helluva kick. It involves strong language and adult content, so may not be appropriate for younger children.

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