"A Green Light for Alternative Stages Traffic Stop."
By Dale Burrows
Published March 2, 2007
A male highway cop stops a 40-something woman for speeding on a lonely country road late at night. The cop is duty bound to cite the woman. The woman is looking for him not to. Or is she?
That is where the action is at in "Traffic Stop" by local playwright Jeff Stilwell.
Claire (Laura Kessler) tries to charm Joe (Don Taylor) out of writing her a ticket in Northwest playwright Jeff Stilwell's dramatic comedy, “Traffic Stop.”
Don Taylor and Laura Kessler are directed by Zanne Gerrard in the give and take that only launches with talk about the speeding violation. In no time at all, the natural and seemingly uncontrived dialogue finds its way into existentialism, eastern philosophy, theology, fads and passing fads, private and popular preferences, topics of the day and inevitably, lifestyles; his and hers, how they are alike and unalike.
Meanwhile, with no props, tech effects or assists of any kind, Taylor and Kessler manage to build a persuasive sense of personal connection in the making but one that keeps you guessing as to where it is going.
Funny, serious, bitter and sweet flavor this probe into everyday life. It is notable, less for its insights into human nature than the tensions that it builds and resolves and that in their own way, might help explain what is going on inside you as well as behind the sunglasses of the traffic cop the next time one is standing alongside you asking to see your driver's license.
Also, be it noted, "Traffic Cop" will be contending for recognition in the Washington State Community Theatre Association Kaleidoscope Festival to be held in March. The winner of that competition goes on the Region 9 AACT festival sponsored by WSCTA and the winner of that, on to the AACT National Play Festival.
Best of luck to "Traffic Cop" and Jeff Stilwell.
Reactions? Comments? E-mail Dale Burrows at entopinion@heraldnet.com or grayghost7@comcast.net.