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"Quirky and fun" is one of the best ways to describe the professional theater company Bialystock and Bloom. So it's a shame that after 11 years of providing entertainment that pushes the envelope, Bialystock and Bloom will be closing its curtains and ceasing to exist. Focusing on theater that is provocative and intense, the company still continues to showcase outstanding work even in their second to last performance, "Matt & Ben."

The same description of quirky and fun fits perfectly for Bialystock and Bloom's latest play, based on the alleged story of how Matt Damon and Ben Affleck came to write the Oscar-winning movie, Good Will Hunting. The story deals with outrageous happenings, from screenplays falling from the ceiling to visits from Gwyneth Paltrow and famous authors. This play, written by Brenda Withers and Mindy Kaling, makes for an interesting story filled with laughter and lighthearted fun.

It's only natural that when an audience goes to see a play about the story of two men, they will expect to see two male actors on stage. Of course, with Bialystock and Bloom this is not the case. The people who play Matt and Ben are, in fact, females. At first this came as a shock and the expectation of the play went down slightly, but once the story got rolling and the talent of the actresses shone through, it couldn't have been better any other way.

Jacqueline Davies and Kelly Marie Hoglund are the talented actresses playing Matt, Ben and two other characters making surprise appearances. Kelly Marie Hoglund's portrayal of Ben was energetic and subtly humorous. Her male mannerisms were perfect without being over the top. She played Ben like a little puppy-dog who causes trouble by getting into everything, but when punishment time comes, it's hard to say no to the adorable pup.

By playing Matt cool, collected and motivated, Jacqueline Davies was the perfect opposite to the Hoglund's outrageous Ben. Davies' male representation was more understated, but it didn't come off in a bad way. She played Matt with intensity and had she put out any more absurdity, it would have disrupted the balance between her and her partner on stage. Davies had intense moments on stage that really helped the audience understand Matt's point of view.

Nathan Stuber's scenic design made the stage look just as it should: a guy's apartment in Boston. It included the normal clutter, snacks, and pizza boxes that would be present in any twenty-something's dwelling place. The coffee table held up by beer kegs was an excellent touch, complemented by the foosball table and dart board behind the couch.

To give the audience a clue they would not be seeing a normal slice-of-life piece of theater, the front of the stage separated the audience from the actors with a line of cut-out Oscar statues and lights behind them. The combination of these scenic elements helped the audience see that anything could happen and nothing could be taken that seriously.

Running at just under an hour and a half, the play goes on with no intermission. Because of this, it gets right to the point and makes for a delightful evening. Drinks can be purchased before and after the show and are allowed in the theater, which is always a good thing.

Bialystock and Bloom's season will conclude with Edward Albee's "The Zoo Story", running April 28-May 21. After that on May 21 at 6 PM, they will have a fundraising party and will be performing "Keep your Damned Mouths Shut", 40 Bialystock and Bloom plays performed in 45 minutes. The cost is $50.00 a head, but it is well worth it for a good cause to support the company and help pay off their financial burdens. The company and performances will be well missed.

"Matt & Ben" is being performed March 10 - April 2 in the Broadway Theater Center located at 158 N Broadway. Tickets are available at the box office or by calling 414-291-7800.

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