The audience sets the tone for DePonto’s ‘Mindplay’

By Rich Fahey

BOSTON – A production such as “Mindplay” that is so dependent on audience participation reminds one of what Forrest Gump’s mom told him: Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.

So the production of “Mindplay” you see during the show’s run through Dec. 1 in the Calderwood Pavilion of the Boston Center for the Arts may be completely different than the one I attended on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

That’s because every audience is different, in terms of how many theater-goers are willing to participate and how the interaction between performer and the volunteers from the audience plays out.  “Mindplay” stars Vinny DePonto, a self-described “mentalist,” and a good portion of the show’s 80 minutes is devoted to DePonto trying to discern just what you are thinking about at that moment.

On Tuesday, those entering the Calderwood Pavilion were directed to a table, where they were asked to fill out a short form with a couple of questions, sign it with a first name and initial, and place it into an envelope. After entering the theater, they were to deposit the envelope into a fishbowl on the stage.  

At various times during the show, DePonto fished out an envelope, called out a name and the audience member was always game and went onstage.

At its best, “Mindplay” is an engaging, entertaining look at how the mind works, using real human examples, DePonto has a winning stage presence and provides a very human side apart from the dazzling tricks, one of which occurred just a few feet away from me. And no, I don’t know how he did it.

DePonto was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for his “Charlatan” and not only created the show and stars, but co-wrote “Mindplay” with Josh Koenigsberg, with direction by Andrew Neisler.

Just to get the show started  — with the message “What’s on Your Mind?” already on the onstage curtain —  required an audience member to come up on stage and answer a ringing telephone that instantly put her into the spotlight and opened the door for DePonto’s s entrance.

Soon, he was delving into areas such as how we are so easily manipulated without even knowing it, and how the mind can play tricks on us.

Live it is, without any plants in the audience. At the Nov. 19 performance, those who made their way up to the stage generally fared well; DePonto made it a point to try and not draw out anything embarrassing or distressing, but there was poignancy in some things they revealed.

One thing that will stay constant in each performance are the elements that make the piece engaging and allow DePonto to forge a bond with his audience. That includes his stories growing up and his relationship with his late grandfather and grandmother. His grandfather was a wonderful storyteller until a stroke robbed him of his stories – and his memories, and memories is a theme DePonto will return to again and again as he interacts with audience members.  

He will even talk about his own anxieties and foibles. In those instances, He exudes a certain warmth that is comforting, especially when it comes to volunteers who may be wary about what awaits them if they take the stage.

A skilled set of designers also helps DePonto distance himself at times from the magic tricks side of things and move to a more traditional theatrical experience. At one point, the curtain rolls back to reveal scenic designer Sibyl Wickersheimer’s upstage wall of metal lockers, lockers which contain certain objects – such as a vintage cassette tapes – which are symbolic of important memories. They are effective, as are the music by Alec Harris, the lighting by Christopher Bowser, and the sound design by Kathy Ruvuna.

In the end, DePonto can only do so much, even with his tricks and strong production values. Perhaps you will be the one to create a memorable experience for your fellow audience members.

The Huntington Selects production of “Mindplay.” Through Dec. 1 in the Calderwood Pavilion of the Boston Center for the Arts. Ticket information at huntingtontheatre.org.