Submitted by Harlequin Productions
Now through October 27, a cast of returning favorites and new-to-Olympia faces directed by Harlequin Productions veteran Ann Flannigan present Dry Powder by Sarah Burgess. Set in the stressful and extravagant world of private equity, this play explores the blurry lines between honesty and deception, selfishness and altruism—all while being surprisingly hilarious.
Edge-of-your-seat Drama and Laughter
This one-act play moves along at the pace of a racing train, following the course of a high-stakes business deal that could either make or break Rick Hannel’s private equity firm. Rick, played by Brian Tyrrell, is the in the middle of a tug-of-war between his two managing partners, Jenny and Seth, played by Helen Harvester and Brian S. Lewis. In light of a public relations disaster concerning a lavish party that coincided with huge layoffs, Seth is concerned with the firm’s reputation, while Jenny is laser-focused on maximizing profits.
The duel that ensues between Jenny and Seth is 90 minutes of comedic gold. Whether you understand all the acronyms and terms of high finance or not (there’s a glossary in the show program to help), the tense repartee between these two characters will most certainly make you laugh.
The only female in the cast of four, Harvester loves that her character Jenny flips gender stereotypes by being the most logical and straightforward. “She always says what she means and tells the plain truth,” Harvester explains. “That’s uncomfortable sometimes, but it’s reliable, and really fun to play.”
Jenny’s counterpart Seth on the other hand is much more inclined to influence firm decisions based on ideals and emotions. “He’s kind of the salesman who believes his own B.S.,” says actor Brian S. Lewis.
Though the two characters seem at first like a devil and angel on their boss’s shoulders, it’s quickly clear that it’s not that simple. Playwright Sarah Burgess makes her characters subtly endearing so that neither managing partner is ever really antagonist or protagonist. Throughout their explosive duel (dry powder refers to accessible cash reserves, but derives from military terminology meaning available ammunition) the audience can’t help but root for both characters.
In fact, the audience is pulling for all four characters to somehow come out on top, while also making the right decision for the people affected by their multi-million dollar transactions. But even well-meaning California CEO Jeff, played by Ryan Holmberg, isn’t totally immune to temptation. We hope beyond reason that there’s a way for everyone to win.
A Timely Comedy
Director Ann Flannigan is excited to give Olympia audiences a glimpse of what happens behind closed doors in the financial offices of Wall Street (or ‘Midtown’ as one character insists). It’s a detailed exploration of one side of the larger issues concerning the balance between the financial system and society. Flannigan herself, coincidentally, is familiar with the world of financial public relations—by day, she serves as vice president of public relations for Washington State Employees Credit Union.
“It’s a coincidence that’s really quite funny,” Flannigan says of her career experience aligning with this project, “But our number one job here is to entertain. This is a fun show, and people should come see it for that reason.”
One opening night audience member said he “came in with some reservations, because of the subject matter.” But by the end, he was convinced. “I was amused and entertained, and I’m a huge fan of this show now.”
But you don’t have to take our word for it. Find out more and reserve your seat at harlequinproductions.org, or call the box office at 360-786-0151. Want to know more still? Head over to Harlequin’s Facebook page for some behind-the-scenes videos with the cast and director.
See you at the theater!
