Three Scenes in the Life of a Trotskyist
Three Scenes in the Life of a Trotskyist by Andy Boyd
Three Scenes in the Life of a Trotskyist traces the forty-year story of Lev Trachtenberg from idealistic radical to hard-core conservative. This horrifies his one-time comrades, who wonder: has Lev abandoned his old ideals, or held onto them too tightly as the world around him changed? Three Scenes is a play about politics, literature, and the corrosive power of success in America.
All photos taken by Richard Lewis
"[...] Under Urrutia's precise direction, the production unfolds at a steady pace and keeps us riveted to the stage. Urrutia and Company have made smart staging and acting choices that suit the characters and their circumstances. [...] Given everything unfolding politically, 2025 is a fitting time to stage plays that wrestle with social, political, and cultural issues. With terms like "fascism" frequently invoked in discussions of the current administration, producing a play where characters take strong sides and passionately debate feels especially timely. [...] Still, even without them, the play may prompt us to reflect on why people — in public life or private — change stances and shift beliefs. Normally, we don't expect people to make such an extreme about-face. We also tend to form fixed expectations about certain individuals. [...] But in Lakehouseranchdotpng's production, Krogh — who has convincingly played icy intensity à la Hannibal Lecter in at least one other role — imbues Lev with believable conviction, never tipping into caricature or cliché. Though he can be loud and passionate, Krogh often smiles easily, lending Lev a charm and bright enthusiasm. It suggests a young man at peace with his ideals-someone energized by his beliefs and eager to share them. With dark, shining eyes, dark hair, and that bright, inviting smile, Krogh's Lev becomes someone you want to hear out, even if you don't necessarily agree with him or like him. [...] Garrett Colon plays Daniel with credible tension, standing awkwardly and nervously compared to Krogh's mostly loose Lev. With intense concentration, Colon's Daniel appears to absorb every word from both sides, visibly weighing where his allegiance should lie. [...] Another cast standout is Welds. In the second scene, you sense that his Black character, Curtis, has faced prejudice before and it has worn on him. A look of defeat registers on his face, but you also sense that this is a person who perseveres and won't back down in his argument that he needs an extension on his assignment. With vehemence, yet naturalness, Welds argues his position, standing confidently and speaking sharply. Wisely, at one point, Curtis talks to his professor without facing him. [...] As for LakehouseRanchDotPNG, this young yet bold small professional theater company with a strangely long title continues to produce work that doesn't just entertain — it demands that we think…and perhaps act to bring about change.- Aaron Krause, miamiartzine
"[...] Co-founders Brandon Urrutia's (artistic director) and Indy Sulliero's (artistic associate) curated selections have a lot more going for them than the random off-off-Broadway shows I remember from my old New York City days. In fact, Brandon Urrutia, who did a fantastic job directing the fast-paced scenes in Boyd's play (though I must add they had an exceptional cast to work with), just informed us at Sunday's matinee that his company is now adding "politics" to their play subject list. They certainly made an impressive start with our afternoon show. [...]"[...] Tyler Regalado keeps the set sparse. A faux brick wall splashed with gray paint on either side doesn't attempt to look realistic. It serves as a backdrop for the illusions of the characters. There's a table with books, a chair. There's an interesting door-like rectangle that changes color and sometimes casts a shadow of the character thanks to lighting director Leonardo Urbina. Alex Tarradell's sound design plays a haunting organ soundtrack underneath throughout. It's subtle and never interruptive. There are also political songs that play at the beginning and the end. Erin Proctor's costumes are period-appropriate and help define the passage of time. And it's a wise choice to not use age make up or any other falsity for Lev's passage of time. Only glasses and a blazer create the change for the '80s. Urrutia's commitment to the play is everywhere, including the ensemble he's chosen who are equally committed to making sense of the verbal acrobatics. "Three Scenes in the Life of a Trotskyist" isn't usual fare, precisely what Urrutia and LakehouseRanchDotPNG bring to the South Florida scene. If you're looking for an easy, breezy night out to sit back and passively enjoy a play, this isn't for you. For those willing to be challenged and wanting to support alternative theater, this is it. And, as far as political theater goes, this is the past informing the present. - Michelle Solomon, Artburst