‘Wolves’ an emotional, psychological drama with dark themes

“Wolves” is a psychological twist on “Little Red Riding Hood.” Oh, and being the hero in your story.

The play by Steve Yockey is being staged by Theatre 3 beginning Thursday, Oct. 26 at the Coal Avenue Theatre on Central New Mexico Community College. It will run through Oct. 29. “It’s been a lot of fun getting the play together,” says Rachel Sedillo, the director. “We’ve had a short rehearsal process, and we’ve built in some fun days.”

“Wolves” tells the story of Ben, a timid young city dweller who freaks out when his roommate, Jack, brings home a “big bad wolf” of a man for a one-night stand. When he tries to rescue Jack, Ben sets into motion a chain of events that will change the world as they know it.

Kim Carlozzi is the narrator, Nathan Rimbert is Ben, Jesus Bañuelos is playing Jack, and Tait Petersen is the Wolf. Sedillo says the Ben and Jack are polar opposites.

“Ben sees the world as this big forest where you never know what’s around the corner,” she says. “Jack is desperately trying to not see the world that way. He’s forcing himself to go out. He brings home a guy from the bar to prove a point.”

Sedillo was approached to direct the play during the summer.

“I was hesitant at first because of the (dark) themes,” she says. “But as I talked more with the theater company and some of the actors, I knew it was something I wanted to do.”

Sedillo is jumping back into the director’s chair after five years.

“It’s been a challenge to get back into the director brain, to bring out the characters in a safe space,” she says. “It’s exciting, and I missed accessing this part of my brain. Watching the play come to life has been rewarding.”