by Macey Levin
Dear Alien, a quirky, humorous play, with a terrific cast, is the last of Chester Theatre Company’s summer productions. Described as an exisential comedy by Liz Duffy Adams, this intimate theater in Chester Massachusets, takes the audience on a witty exploration of the human condition in all of its neurotic and sometimes pathetic configurations.
“Dear Alien” is the pseudonym for a writer of an advice column in an unnamed publication who lives reclusively in a semi-Baroque style apartment. He is hanging on the edge of absolute weariness with his life as well as threats of bankruptcy which threaten his tenuous hold on the apartment. Today is the deadline of a book he has yet to write. He decides to review unread letters in a capricious bid to decide his fate and hopes for something original and unique on which to hang the conclusion.
The letters deal with universal life problems – marriage, family, friends, ambitions, depression, fears. One of his mantras in one form or another is “I hope the world will make sense.” This is the foundation of his approach which is suggested in the last dynamic scene of the play.
The writers, David Keohane, Ecrivain, (writer) and Eliza Fitch, Scrittora, (female writer) create different personalities for their various characters. Some are strong, others mellow, determined by the letters. The two begin the play stretched across the floor and occasionally move, sometimes in slow motion, throughout the stage to establish changes in the emotional tone of each moment. Their presence, though obvious, is not distracting.
Bill Kux in the title role in Liz Duffy Adams’ “Dear Alien”, directed by Michelle Ong Hendrick, at the Chester Theatre Company. 
David Keohane as Ecrivain and Eliza Fitch as Scrittora in Liz Duffy Adams’ “Dear Alien”, directed by Michelle Ong Hendrick, at the Chester Theatre Company. 
Bill Kux in the title role in Liz Duffy Adams’ “Dear Alien”, directed by Michelle Ong Hendrick, at the Chester Theatre Company. 
Eliza Fitch as Scrittora, Bill Kux in the title role, and David Keohane as Ecrivain and in Liz Duffy Adams’ “Dear Alien”, directed by Michelle Ong Hendrick, at the Chester Theatre Company. 
Bill Kux in the title role in Liz Duffy Adams’ “Dear Alien”, directed by Michelle Ong Hendrick, at the Chester Theatre Company. 
Bill Kux as “Dear Alien” is a treat. Though he has the supporting performers, he carries the play. He runs through a huge range of attitudes from gentle prodding to irascible confrontation. He speaks with formality or intimacy or tongue-in-cheek among other techniques when he breaks the fourth wall and talks directly with the audience. Krux’s sincerity and humor are likable or formidable but throughout it all he is charming.
Under the energetic direction of Michelle Ong Hendrick, Chester’s co-artistic director, the play moves quickly and smoothly. Even the pauses say something. The stage pictures are interesting in support of the characters, their attitudes and their stories.
The play takes place in the red flocked wallpapered living room, designed by Jeremy Winchester, where the bright crimson underlines the strong emotions that emerge throughout the dialogue. Malory S. Grillo’s costumes are minimalist yet fitting in indicating character. Margo Caddell’s lighting highlights the various theatrical moments and is very effective in that last scene.
Chester Theatre Company has made its highly respected reputation by producing offbeat plays that charm and challenge audiences. Dear Alien is one of those plays.
Dear Alien by Liz Duffy Adams; Director: Michelle Ong Hendrick; Cast: Bill Kux (Dear Alien) David Keohane (Ecrivain) Eliza Fitch (Scrittora); Scenic Design: Jeremy Winchester; Costume Design: Malory S. Grillo; Lighting Design: Margo Caddell; Sound Design and Original Composition: Raphael Hendrick-Baker; Stage Manager: Leanna Niesen; Running time: 75 minutes, no intermission; August 14-23, 2036; For Ticlets: 413-354-7771; info@chestertheatre.org