As a critic, actor and theater geek, I've come to cherish those moments when we witness an actor arriving before our eyes. In my review of Julius Caesar last summer, I mentioned the "obvious growth" of Christopher Rocco. Well, he's full-grown now. He plays Mike, a construction worker who finds himself in one of those wrong place, wrong time scenarios. I also liked Sofia Sanchez-Muir as Megan, a cheerleader whose path touches Mike's, and 14-year-old Molly Ellenbecker as her sister. Myia Johnson makes a lovely appearance late in the play. Morgan Picton's comic timing and intensity are perfect for Dan, a drive-time deejay, and Ryan Hendrickson is well-cast as a jaded history teacher. Two actors should've swapped roles, but all bring their A game. The earnest effort here is clear and appreciated.

Read Christian Carvajal's full review of American Roulette in the Music and Culture section.

AMERICAN ROULETTE, 8 p.m. Thursday - Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, through Nov. 24, Capital Playhouse, 614 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia, $12, 360.688.7294

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