Steadstyle Chicago
	March 2010 Theatre Review by Chris Arnold
	Vanishing Points Point of Contention is a theatre company heading in the right direction.  "Vanishing Points" is far from perfect, but has enough merit to be a thought provoking play. "Vanishing Points" is told in an episodic structure of flashbacks, dreams, and nightmares.  The plot revolves around Beth, an artist, and how she attempts to move on after her family is murdered.  The first act establishes the family dynamics and the immediate aftermath of the murder.  The second act follows Beth as she lives life on the road, her time in an artist colony, and how she finds closure. "Vanishing Points" is a challenging piece because it is an introspective character piece, with minimal dramatic action.  Such apiece requires top-notch actors, and this ensemble is not up to the challenge.  The one exception is Stacie Hauenstein who gave a subtle, yet engaging performance as Beth.  Hauenstein created a character I wanted to succeed, and felt her pain in optimal moments. The success and failure of this production is due to Director Dan Foss.  "Vanishing Points" greatly suffered from snaillike pacing, and a too heavy presence of the director's hand.  The play lacked urgency, causing a ninety-minute story take over two hours to tell.  Foss attempted to create atmosphere with music and sound effects, but it was so dramatic it bordered on melodrama.  However, Foss and his design team made good use of the intimate BoHo Theatre with a barebones approach.  This was the first time I did not experience claustrophobia while watching a play in this space.  Foss got his actors to act in a manner appropriate to the space, generating some effective two-person scenes.  "Vanishing Points" has it moments, and I look forward to what they contribute to the Off-Loop theatre scene. "Vanishing Points" will run Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm.  It will play through March 20, 2010 at BoHo Theatre at Heartland Studio, 7016 N. Glenwood Ave, Chicago.  Tickets are $15-$17 and may be purchased through BrownPaperTickets.com or by calling (312) 326-3631.  For more information visit www.PointofContention.org.   About Chris Arnold Chris Arnold has been in Chicago for seven years where he has directed for Act One Studios, the side project, Bailiwick, Illinois Theatre Center, LiveWire Theater, and Diamante Productions, amongst others.  For three years he was a company member with Circle Theatre, and directed the Jeff Recommended productions "Escanaba in Love" and "Boy".  He also directed "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with Circle Theatre Youth Ensemble.  He is the former Associate Artistic Director for Thunder & Lightning Ensemble where he directed "Jack Goes Boating," "Red Light Winter" (Named one of the top five memorable productions by a smaller troupe: New City 2008), and "Earl the Vampire".  Chris has interned at Steppenwolf and Goodman Theatre.  While at the Goodman he had the opportunity to serve as the Script Manager for the world premiere of "Blue Surge" by Rebecca Gilman.  When not directing Chris teaches in the Literature & Theatre Department(s) at The Chicago Academy for the Arts, where he has directed "Doubt" and "The Pillowman".  He writes for Chicagocritic.com, and is a member of the Artistic/Technical Team for the Jeff Committee.  Spring 2010 Chris will be a Teaching Artists with American Theatre Company as part of their American Mosaic Program.  He holds an MFA in Directing (with a focus in Critical Studies) from The University of Memphis.