Alecto: Issue #1

If you happen to live in the Seattle area, you really need to do yourself a favor and check out Alecto, Issue #1 playing at the Annex Theatre. If you're a fan of the Mystery Men, The Specials, or just good quirky super-hero comedy then you'll have no trouble getting into this production. Great acting, fun scripting, an interesting plot, and innovative special effects and choreography make this a fantastic viewing and one of the best productions I’ve seen in a while.

Focusing on a troubled young woman (Maridee Slater) with super-speed powers and an imaginary pig for her best friend, the story follows the newly dubbed Alecto as she is recruited into the popular super-hero group the Team of Heroes. Recovering from the loss of a member at the hands of the villain Chaos Theory (fantastically played by Rachel Jackson), the Team rushes Alecto through the process of becoming a media darling. Alecto is forced to face the dirty reality of super-heroics while at the same time she deals with her past and her sanity.

All of the actors were great, from Chris Bell’s doubting Piggy Pig to Jason Sharp’s messed up egotistical Cap’n and to the hilarious duo performance by Banton Foster and William Hardyman as the Aussie mercenaries. Maridee Slater brought a good sense of energy and conflict, while Tracy Leigh offered a solid petty and condescending tone throughout her performance as the territorial Madam Mayhem. Carrie McIntyre stole a number of scenes in her reporter role and was easily a crowd favorite. The scenes between Megan Ahiers and Rachel Jackson were priceless, although pretty much everything that happened with the submarine scenes were a highlight. Not to be overlooked was Nik Doner as Shock Wave, who offered a good grounding presence in contrast against the other dysfunctional characters.

Lots of credit to the designers and other crew members, and especially to the director Jaime Roberts. Considering the relatively small stage, the production never felt limited and innovative lighting and sound effects worked perfectly in creating the right translation for the super-powers and action. Lots and lots of credit for the Barbie stunt doubles.

So if you want to have a good fun night with super-hero comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously (which makes it all the more important a presentation in my view, actually), you should check out Alecto, Issue #1. The show continues through Feb 20th, and tickets can be bought online @ BrownPaperTickets.