Published: March 30, 2026
The play All in the Timing by David Ives, directed by Jared Mongeau, was a production put on by USM’s Department of Theatre. The show ran from February 27th to March 8th, 2026 and was performed in the newly updated Tony Shalhoub Black Box Theater in Russell Hall. The structure of All in the Timing was performed as six one-act plays, meaning none of the storylines connected, and the cast played different characters throughout the show. This wonderful cast included: Talon Moody, Kaylin Penley, Danni Melanson, Lucas Hennessey, Vigolia Walsh, Emma Graffam, Lucious K. Fox, Avery Nelson, and Sean Buchanan.
Sure Thing:
While watching this first one-act, I was actively laughing at almost every other line. Talon Moody portrayed his character very well, and the story was very easy to follow. It was also something very relatable because sometimes we all wish we could go back in time and change something we said because it made us sound stupid. But not only did Moody embody this character effortlessly, but his scene partner, Kaylin Penley, and he had great chemistry. Nothing felt awkward or forced; they carried out the scene in a very engaging manner, and I have to say it was my personal favorite one-act in the whole show.
Words, Words, Words:
The intention of this piece was also very funny. It was fun to suspend my disbelief creatively because the actors were supposed to be monkeys held in captivity. The costuming choice of having Danni Melanson, Vigolia Walsh, and Lucas Hennessey wear no shoes was very effective and gave the audience information that they were not human. These three actors really embraced vulnerability. They had to run around and pretend to be monkeys in front of an audience of people, and not many people can say they have the guts to do that. So well done.
Universal Language:
At first, this one-act was kind of hard to follow just because the whole idea of “Universal Language” was essentially gibberish. But as the act went on, it started to become easier to follow, because even though this so-called language was made up, I was able to understand most of it. It was revealed that it was a scheme to get money from people by teaching them a random made-up language. The ending is very wholesome because Emma Graffam’s character ends up not caring about the scheme for her money. Resulting in a romantic kiss between her and Lucious K. Fox’s character. They both did an incredible job playing their roles and conveying the story of “Universal Language”.
Philip Glass Buys a Loaf of Bread:
I found myself laughing at many different parts of this one-act. The beginning starts very slowly, but that slowness makes sense as the scene goes on. I really enjoyed the singing aspects of this act because it gave a new, fresh entertainment aspect. Reading the title of the act, you wouldn’t guess what is going to happen in the piece. But that makes it all the more enjoyable. Avery Nelson plays a very unforgettable Philip Glass, who has clear and valid emotions toward the situation he is currently in with a girl that he once loved. The back and forth, and the finishing each other’s sentences is very intriguing, and makes you really want to pay attention to what everyone is saying.
Philadelphia:
This one-act turned out to be very relatable in the sense that we all have days where we are stuck in a metaphorical “Philadelphia”, where it just seems like everything we do just goes wrong. Talon Moody once again executes this role so perfectly. He is a man in distress, and Lucious K. Fox is there to explain to him exactly what is happening. Overall, this one-act came in close second for me, just because of how much people can relate to it, and how comically relieving it really was.
Variations on the Death of Trotsky:
I wasn’t quite sure how much I would like this one, only because I am not super educated in historical figures. So I wasn’t exactly sure who Leon Trotsky was, but in the end, it really didn’t matter. Obviously, knowing him to begin with would have made it more funny, but it really didn’t stop me from laughing. Sean Buchanan was very intentional with his actions, and this was very helpful to understand the extent of the injury, while also realizing that he knew the inevitable was coming. The different scenarios were very easy to understand, and it was very clear when they were switching to the next variation.
All in all, every piece had incredible actors who are very intentional about their actions and their acting skills. All in the Timing was a very comical play that portrayed each story very effectively. If you didn’t get a chance to watch this play, you missed out. From the people behind the scenes to the ones actually performing the show, it was well thought out and produced to the effect of audience appeal. Congratulations on a great show. Bravo!
