THEATRE REVIEW: “Salted Pretzels” brings crackling chemistry and sitcom charm to the stage
If you ever wondered what it’s like to be a live studio audience for a sitcom taping, Salted Pretzels at the Blue Room Theatre might just give you a taste of that experience. Written by Cezera Critti-Schnaars (who also takes the stage as a performer), the premise of Salted Pretzels is reminiscent of some of our favourite classic sitcom (think How I Met Your Mother) episodes: Four young 20-somethings meet at a local bar. Relationship-based hi-jinx ensue. However, Critti-Schnaars breathes new life into this age-old format through her sensitive storytelling, a focus on the queer experience, and the dynamism she shares with her vibrant cast.
A piece like this lives and dies by the chemistry between its principal cast, and fortunately, the performers deliver on that front, each bringing a distinctive flair to different facets of the narrative. Critti-Schnaars, in her spirited portrayal of Cassius, propels us through the events of the play as she goes on a reluctant first date with a stranger she met online. All the while, she tries her best to ignore the simmering tension with her best friend, Ash (Oliver Hughes), who stays close by in the bar, ready to provide an easy exit if things go south. But the beating heart of Salted Pretzels lies in the slow-burn interactions between Dom (Tristan McInnes), Cassius’ designated date, and Ash’s reserved writer friend, James (Ray Teakel). Both McInnes and Teakel infuse their roles with depth and nuance, as they delve into ‘meatier’ themes of the play, grappling with the complexity of falling in love when you’re still coming to terms with your own sexual identity.
The set design, reminiscent of a cozy, low-lit bar, is effectively immersive, drawing the audience into the world of these four young people as they grapple with love, identity, and the messiness of young adulthood.
A key part of what makes Salted Pretzels such a delightful experience is its ambitious story structure. The play fully embraces its pretzel metaphor: Over the course of a night out in a bar, we watch as the central characters weave, twist, and turn, struggling to untangle their relationships with one another. This intricate dance is further amplified by Emily McLean’s deft direction, resulting in an almost choreographed coordination between its cast and production team, giving the illusion of cutting between two different scenes within the same stage. That said, perhaps due to the show’s lofty aspirations, there were specific moments in the play that did not feel as cohesive to the piece as it could have been, and there were times when you can’t help but wonder if the play could have explored the topics they raised in a more in-depth way. But maybe that’s asking too much for a play with a 60-minute run time.
Overall, the real magic of Salted Pretzels lies in its ability to celebrate the funny, awkward, and at times heart-wrenching moments that come with understanding oneself and navigating relationships. The play doesn’t shy away from being vulnerable while managing to keep the atmosphere light and relatable.
Salted Pretzel runs from 3rd - 21 October at the Blue Room Theatre. Click here for more details.
