Devon Tramore (Jo Anne Glover) is one of the first female jockeys, a winning jockey, but horse owners think she's just a fluke. She has won on Devil Dog Six, but when the big race comes, it is a male jockey in the saddle even though the previous Preakness had been won with a female astride.
There is much more in Mary Fengar Gail's play, currently at the Lyceum Space. The audience is on either side of the track er, stage -- with one end the starting gate and the other the jockeys' dressing room. Scenic designer Nick Fouch gives the audience a definite track-like feel, while Jennifer Setlow's lighting defines the various locations. Devin Bowmen's costumes work well. Rachel Le Vine's sound design enhances the atmosphere. Delicia Turner Sonnenberg's props add a touch of reality.
Devon's plight is that of most minorities (even perceived minorities, since women are a majority). Moving into the realm of the established is always difficult. Devon, though, has a very special talent. She listens horse, she talks horse. Devon's development of HSP (Horse Sensory Perception) adds a definite twist: she becomes less interested in bathing but does groom herself, and seems to be attracting flies. These elements just add a slight craziness to the piece.
Devin's talent, which came after a nasty spill in a race, becomes advantageous because it allows her to know the potential outcome of a race by the various conversations with the horses. Besides knowing her mount's disposition, this talent allows her to help her gambler dad, Bernard Tramore (Mark C. Petrich) in placing bets. Her mom, Josselin Tramore (Terri Park), a trainer, while encouraging her daughter, also attempts to keep a tight rein on her.
Tim Parker plays Doctor Calder Maywood, who helps save Devon's life. Don Victor, in voiceover, is the track announcer, and Lawrence Brown is Fonner Brighton. Bill Dunnam plays racing inspector Vernon Laroche. These six actors play a total of 24 roles. Most unique is their portrayal of horses in races. Honestly, it is totally acceptable and strangely authentic.
Directors Esther Emery and Jennifer Eve Thorn have created a charmingly amusing play with a versatile cast.
Devil Dog Six sprints through the turns and gallops down the straight stretches of the story. The play continues Moxie Theater's short tradition of providing challenging theater with an emphasis on honest female images.
