L.A.’s Gaslight by Howard Skora is a gas
One would suspect that playwright Howard Skora is known among Los Angeles theatergoers as with the opening of his latest play, Gaslight House, he continues to be one of the most prolific and ingenious playwrights in L.A.
Gaslight House, which plays Saturdays through June 5 at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks, is Skora’s third play to open there—all of them winners. Some to a higher degree than others.
Skora’s plays all seem to have a theme of dysfunctional families, making one wonder about his own family tree. Having met Skora who is very even-keeled, one must think that perhaps he’s the Marilyn in a kooky Munster family.
Gaslight brings a family together at their East Hampton home in conjunction with the disappearance of their father years ago. The gathering is led by Dr. Ben Soloway (a brilliant Alex Skuby, who has been in all three of Skora’s plays). Soloway is likely a character that is more like Skora himself as the rest of the family is downright nuts.
Kit McDonough as his mother is quite the quirky character, showing more affection for her glass dolls and plates. Then there’s his older sister Amanda (Amy Smallman-Winston) who was a child star and is still trying for her theatrical comeback at the local theatre/pizza parlor. Let’s not forget twin sister Gwen (Nadya Ginsburg) who seems to want to be zen-like but will easily pull out a sword (literally) to fight you.
These characters are so kooky and outrageous that part of the fun is to see how much leeway director Skora gives them to run with his material. Often farcical, sometimes sad, these three actresses have a field day in their roles, often stealing the spotlight from the usual standout Skuby.
Skora’s script is original and inventive and one wonders how he has so many creative ideas in his head.
Gaslight could benefit from a few cuts and might have been better without an intermission. But still, a Skora play is worth seeking out and really his shows should go to Broadway.
His award-winning Miserable with an Ocean View from 2015 still brings a smile every so often while his Damaged Furniture from 2018 has some really on-point dialog that actors should use some of the scenes when going on casting calls to secure roles.
One day we will see Skora’s name as a Tony nominee for Best Play. Until then, let’s keep him as a Los Angeles treasure and support and see his work.
Tickets and COVID policies for Gaslight are at https://www.whitefiretheatre.com/.
By the way, the Whitefire Theatre stayed open during COVID as they were able to stream some of their previous productions. Many are still available to stream for $19.99.
