Nestled in the shopping center of West Warwick’s Arctic village is the small but mighty The Arctic Playhouse (TAP). This old, converted department store comfortably seats 90, and is currently celebrating its 11th season as a community supporting the arts. Patronage is vital to bringing accessible, high quality theater to our communities. “With your support, we will continue to produce engaging performances, nurture local talent, and create a welcoming space for the Arts to thrive— a mission that our non-profit takes seriously,” says Chairman Bryan Sawyer.
TAP currently presents Deadline by Don Zolidis, and directed by Jeff Massery. When eight mystery writers arrive at a legendary writer’s fog-shrouded island mansion in the North Atlantic, they think they’re ready for the Deadline Challenge— 24 tranquil hours to write as much of their new novel as possible. However, the Deadline Challenge is anything but peaceful! In reality, the writers are brought together to solve a murder— the victim yet to be determined, and the killer yet to strike! If one of these novelists can design and execute a perfect murder— and get away with it— they’ll win a million dollars (which is a lot of money for a writer). Who will survive the Deadline?
Massery says he chose to direct Deadline for a few different reasons. “The first being that I enjoyed the script and had to put on a Don Zolidis play last year. But the second and most important reason is that it’s brand new! At the time of applying for the rights, only four theaters in the world had ever put on the play, with its first performance in January 2024. It also takes place in the present day with references to Tik Tok and social media influences. And lastly, it reminds me of the modern day Clue, which I hope to direct someday.” The director goes on to say, “Deadline’s setting is perfect to get younger generations interested in theater and acting. It’s also why I chose to cast Morris and Norris as youth actors. Plays like Deadline can be a great way to get new actors into the art in a fun way, and in a language they understand.”
The setting is a gathering room adorned with sportsmen’s gear, including a couple of mounted non-assuming buck heads. Who done it is anyone’s guess. Despite the angst amongst the characters, there is a cohesive symbiosis between the actors. This makes for an entertaining mystery as they play off each other well. It seems all the characters have an air of arrogance, an arguably necessary trait among murderers. Show stealers Morris and Norris— respectively, young Crosby Lowe and Atticus Gomes— are no strangers to the stage. The pair of bratty slackers are no different, adding a welcome element of juvenile arrogance, and their belligerent delivery adds a smile-producing joy to the tension. Their passion for acting is apparent. Gomes is especially captivating, and is one to watch for future endeavors. At just 12 years of age, he is a proud Mensa member, and has been acting since age five, having performed in over 25 theatrical productions and short films. Surely he won’t stop there on his road to higher education and ultimate fame.
Come experience a bit of nostalgia at this unique playhouse. They even offer free popcorn, fresh-baked cookies and decaf coffee to patrons, and there’s a cash bar. Be sure to check out the cabaret and open mic shows offered on the last Tuesday of every month!
Deadline will run through March 9. For more information, visit www.thearcticplayhouse.com .
