from critic sparkle dom
of the new rock times:

The wonder is palpable as the lights begin to fade on opening night for the collaborative debut between the newcomers and the seasoned campers of OTC. Joining as visiting artists; Sasha, Alex and Arti were not at all hesitant to begin to grow with the community by introducing a new element of performance with the play for stage: “B E A R S P R A Y”. 

We sat down to observe the first rehearsals, and entered with an air of anticipation and curiosity that blew gently through the space. 

This was soon shaped into a taut machine of theater by the crew, guided by the sheer energy of the dynamic trio. At times their outbursts seemed to move the actors into a state of frenzy. Sasha led each song opening as Arti supported with emphatic motions and Alex’s Keyboard flowed with pure sentiment and tones of serenity. 

“It’s a group project,” said Sasha, stage director and Drag Coach in residence. “The campers came up with the play themselves.”

Sasha has spent the totality of summer with Odyssey; a six week experience which cannot be put into words. Late hours and day after day of life in the woods will eventually take a toll, ring-ringing the bell and creating a music of a wholly different form. 

Arti has also been tried and trued at camp and along with community organizing is a comedian and led a stand up workshop for last year's sessions. When asked about the meaning behind the play, she replied: “it’s a metaphor, it’s all metaphor.” A metaphor for what though?

When asked to elucidate further, she stormed back onto the stage and announced, “We are in a fantasy world, here on stage, no one dies.”

Sasha and Arti move about the audience and across the mainstage in states of ecstatic inspiration, exuding pure madness. This mood is very much fitting for the role of stage director. Yet when asked about their place in the project, Arti raises her brows, widens her eyes and exclaims humbly “I do nothing!” 

Stage crew and actors alternatively refer to her as Tabitha Brown, Choreographer or even Florence Nightingale, the Florist. Whether or not this may be attributed to selflessness and/or delusion is up to further investigation. 

Diving into the heart of this project, some illuminations from cast members were in order. Raven, a star in this constellation performing as a bear, suffered a concussion earlier in the week but has braved a way back to the clear to deliver this important message; “It’s a group effort.” 

Raven has been working on stage since the 5th grade and wrote the kidnapping scene for the play. 

“We all have a good side and a bad side,” Raven concluded. “The message we are attempting to broadcast with our work is that the good side will prevail.”