To judge by Saturday night’s performance, Santa Fe’s newest theater seems to be getting a positive reception.
“Luna Gale,” the opening production at the Adobe Rose Theatre, had many seats filled with a rapt audience absorbed by the well-acted, fast-paced drama. And not all of the viewers had gray hair. That’s been an ongoing moan both here and elsewhere — that the audience for the theater is aging, with no younger people coming to fill the seats.
At least that night’s audience represented an array of ages — perhaps thanks to a smart marketing ploy by founder Maureen McKenna. A young audience member, who is studying art therapy at Southwestern College in Santa Fe, told me the Adobe Rose sent a special invitation to students there — the play’s theme of neglected children and the foster care system was relevant to its counseling and therapy studies.
Overall, things went well with the space, although it was occasionally frustrating with the “theater in the round” (or triangle, in this case) effect, in which a few lines could be missed when an actor’s back was turned to you. And the good news of a healthy turnout turned to some impatience with a long line at the two bathrooms. (Although the “whichever” signs on the doors elicited some good humor.)
Air ventilation could be improved in the building — it was a little warm and stuffy inside. And we look forward to promised food beyond the snacks (pretty much your basic junk food) offered in the lobby.
But the warm welcome and the quality of the acting and choice of the play were first-rate, so check it out. This coming weekend will end the run for “Luna Gale.”
