Reviewed by Judy Richter
Allison Moore tackles some tough contemporary
issues in "Collapse," staged by Aurora Theatre Company. Originally developed by
Aurora's Global Age Project for new plays, it's billed as a National Play
New Network
rolling world premiere. Subsequent productions are reportedly scheduled for
Dallas and Denver.
The
play's title refers to the literal collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge over
the Mississippi River in Minneapolis in August 2007. It also refers to the
collapse of the U.S. economy in 2008. These two events have profound effects on
the play's four characters.
Running
without intermission, the play is set in Minneapolis in the spring of 2009.
David (Gabriel Marin) and Hannah (Carrie Paff) are a married couple seeking help to conceive a baby.
In the meantime, David seems to be in denial about the post-traumatic stress
he's suffering after his car fell into the river and he was injured in the
bridge collapse. Hannah an attorney, is trying to get him back on track while
worrying about the real possibility of losing her job.
Adding
to the upheaval, Hannah's free-spirited sister, Susan (Amy Resnick), shows up and intends to stay
with them after losing her job and being evicted from her apartment in Los
Angeles. When David refuses to go to a support group, Hannah tries to go in his
place but winds up talking to a stranger, Ted (Aldo Billingslea), leading to more complications.
Directed
by Jessica Heidt,
all four actors skillfully negotiate the play's emotional twists and turns. The
only caveat is that Resnick rushes some of her lines, losing their comic
impact. The design team makes solid contributions with Melpomene Katakalos's set, which features a bridge-like
structure; along with Heather Basarab's lighting, Cassandra Carpenter's costumes and Will
McCandless'
sound. The original recorded music was composed and performed by James
Mitchell, Adam Thompson and Neil Wadhawan.
Although
Moore has had plays produced elsewhere, she's still relatively new to the U.S.
theatrical scene. "Collapse" leaves a few loose ends -- such as the
fate of a mysterious package and what direction Susan and Ted might be taking.
Nevertheless, it offers some hope for Hannah and David's future, and it deftly
blends provocative ideas and issues. I look forward to seeing her develop her
talent even further.
For More Information
Return to Home Page