After our beautiful snow, I went and saw Theatre UAB’s production of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.  I’m not sure I loved the play, but Crystal Lee was often a standout as (a female version of) Bynum Walker.  It may have been worth it just for her monologue about the incredible depth of women.  Also, I think pretty much the whole audience recognized the incredible cuteness and charisma of young Colby Holman as Reuben Mercer.  Another plus, Theatre UAB is consistently masterful with their set designs.

The play is hugely funny in places and in a lot of different ways.  It’s jokey funny and weird funny and shockingly uncomfortably funny.  And UAB productions always draw a diverse crowd, so it’s really fun to listen to those diverse reactions.

I laughed at stuff that no one else did.  Other times, people around me laughed and I had no idea why.  We even changed from the floor to the balcony between acts in part to get to listen to some different people.  (When you go to live performances, I reiterate my belief that the crowd is a big part of the show…)  Was I just not looking in the right place at the right time?  Was I focused on a different part of the stage?  Not paying enough attention?  Do I have a different (or unusual) sense of humor?

Benoit Johnson and Crystal Lee

One of my favorite things about theatre is inappropriate or unexpected laughter from the crowd.  Many things happen in Joe Turner that are strange left turns.  Lots of sudden and unexpected sexual innuendo and overtures.  Someone will blurt out, “Oh my goodness.”  Someone will gasp.  Someone will chortle.  And sometimes I agree – you’ve just got to let it all out.

My theory on this – partly – is that theatre lets you look at whatever you want.  With a big stage, your focus will be wandering to the left when the action is to the right and, sometimes, you’ll be rewarded with a laugh.  Sometimes you’ll be watching what everybody else is, and sometimes you won’t.  Actors: there’s no time to relax.

The back half of my theory is that our diverse backgrounds nurture and grow different kinds of humor.  (Which may be a curious problem, since the first thing on most people’s list of good things in a mate is inevitably “sense of humor” – whatever that might mean to them.)  Some people can’t appreciate broad, slapstick humor.  Some can’t appreciate technical wordplay.  Some people won’t laugh at subtle glances or sarcastic facial expressions.  And I think some actors tend towards one end or the other of this spectrum – good for some parts and groups, bad for others.

In related news, congratulations to Daniel Martin, Emily Parks, and the other UAB students who did well at their regional competition.

Thanks again to Melissa Christian and Shannon Thomason for letting me barter admission to the show.