"Be Aggressive" is one of those plays that cuts close -- sometimes too close -- to the bone. Fortunately, its main aim is the funny bone. Annie Weisman's script wickedly spoofs the all-too-familiar foibles of Southern California life, but, in the end, it also provides a touching look at the various ways we deal with the loss of a loved one. And the newly opened staging of "Aggressive" at Carlsbad's New Village Arts makes all those facets sparkle.
Weisman developed her talent at Torrey Pines High School and the California Young Playwrights Project, and blossomed into a nationally esteemed writer largely on the popularity of "Be Aggressive." It debuted at La Jolla Playhouse in 2001 and subsequently has been regularly produced across the nation. Weisman has refined the script, so the New Village version is even better than the La Jolla Playhouse one.
The play examines high-school female angst by focusing on two cheerleaders: Laura, who has become the reluctant caregiver for her little sister because their mother was killed by a hit-and-run driver, and Leslie, who professes hate for her divorced mother because she's flat-chested and apparently passed on that trait to Leslie.
The two girls see cheerleading as their chief hope for happiness but feel frustrated because the squad has made them "spotters," the lowest level in the cheerleader hierarchy ("Fliers" and "basers," Leslie explains, are the ones who get to do the stunts, while "spotters" do the grunt work).
But Leslie has a plan. She found a brochure from a professional cheerleading school, the Spirit of the South, and urges Laura to go there with her to learn new techniques and to develop "Bible Belt intensity." They use dubious means to get money and credit cards and set off on their erratic odyssey ("Is Utah on the way to the South?"). The journey doesn't turn out as planned, but it helps both learn more about themselves.
In the satirical subplots, Laura's father is a consultant for builders of a controversial freeway, and Leslie's mother is among those protesting that project. Naturally, their runaway daughters bring them together, and they too gain healthier outlooks.
As is typical with New Village productions, the ensemble work is outstanding. Director Kristianne Kurner has called on dependable regulars, and they all come through, particularly Rachael VanWormer as Laura and Amanda Morrow as Leslie. They're note-perfect with the inflections and pauses that vivify Weisman's superb Southern California dialogue.
Amanda Sitton plays Laura's precocious and inquisitive little sister (Weisman's script specifies adults in the three central roles), and uses an arsenal of expressions and body language to be a convincing 11-year-old. As Laura's pitiable father and Leslie's put-upon mother, Daren Scott and Dana Case evoke sympathy. And Caitlin Kunkle, Rachel Robinson and Alyssa Schindler compose a chorus of cheerleaders, choreographed knowledgeably by ex-cheerleader Morrow. Their moves were fine, but the shouted cheers often fell victim to the echoing acoustics of the New Village space.
In that space, Tim Wallace's set is script-designated minimal. Pop-art quadrilaterals in the middle background are flanked by movable panels hiding seating areas, revealed as needed for home-life scenes, and all lighted appropriately by Justin Hall. Sitton's costume design is highlighted by the authentic-looking cheerleader outfits, while Joshua Everett Johnson's sound design consists mostly of quick-beat songs and rhythms between scenes.
Kurner keeps the pace brisk, including having the cheerleader chorus changing scenery while chattering on cell phones. And for a clever post-show fillip, Kurner has the whole cast do a hip-hop cheer, choreographed by Ramon Ivey, as part of their bows.
"Be Aggressive"
When: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through April 26
Where: New Village Arts Theatre, 2787B State St., Carlsbad
Tickets: $30, general; $25, seniors/student/military
Info: (760) 433-3245
