Where do playwrights come up with the ideas for such laughable plots?
Featherbaby, David Templeton’s latest play, features a young woman and her foul-mouthed and aggressively possessive parrot, a bird who schemes to separate its owner from her suitors. Just imagine Spreckels Theatre Company having a casting call to audition actors for the role of a jealous parrot.
Fortunately, not one but two highly-credentialled actors were chosen for the dual-cast role. The performance I attended featured Matthew Cadigan, dressed in a resplendent jungle-green suit and yellow feather bow tie. Cadigan took his role channeling a parrot to heart. His comedic facial expressions and physical energy had the audience in stitches. I expect that Gina Alvarado has equal talents and delights the audience when she alternates performances with Cadigan.
We first learn how Featherbaby came from the tropical jungle to this present apartment. Featherbaby’s owner, Angie, is a working gal who has recently broken up with her former roommate and girlfriend. The parrot now provides her only companionship. Mercedes Murphy imbues her role of Angie with a hopeful outlook when she brings home a new friend, Mason. Featherbaby takes an instant dislike to Mason, and the hostility is returned…