reviews YEAR OF THE ROOSTER Stray Cat Theatre

Ron May and Austin Kiehle

 "  The strength of the play is in the writing.   Dufault’s script has no padding. Stray Cat’s artistic director Ron May takes center stage as Gil and it’s a testament to May’s ever developing talent that you actually find yourself temporarily rooting for Gil to succeed on his chosen path. Director Michael Peck has fleshed great support from a small cast of players.  Among the many conflicting sensations you’ll experience throughout Year of the Rooster, the cock fight should have you living through the one sensation you truly never expected; you’ll be on the edge of your seat." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage

"a proactive and thought provoking piece. Part black comedy, part character study it is a riveting comedy and Stray Cat Theatre's production has superb performances, excellent direction, and impressive creative aspects. Austin Keihle is nothing short of miraculous. A firecracker of a production. An intense, funny play and Stray Cat's production of it is quite a winner." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway

"Stray Cat Theatre comes up with another off-center winner in the hysterical “dark” comedy “Year of the Rooster” by Eric Dufault.  ...a bizarre comedy that leaves audiences guffawing wildly.  Peck’s rapid-fire, split-second comic timing staging makes “Year of the Rooster” the wildly funny black comedy it must become to work.  There isn’t a misstep anywhere in “Year of the Rooster” " -Chris Curcio, KBAQ

"The protagonist is a not-very-lovable loser named Gil Pepper, played by Ron May in a rare (and always welcome) turn in the spotlight.  Kiehle essays this role with a perfect blend of human and animal quirks, cocking his head in single-minded malevolence. Equally compelling is Louis Farber,  It's funny, but it's not merely funny. In fact, after his first terrifying turn in the ring, Odysseus emerges as a sort of tragic hero, spitting his defiance at a cruel universe like Captain Ahab cursing Moby-Dick. And that's what makes this play so provocative." -Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic


Photo courtesy of John Groseclose

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