By Lonnie the Theater Lady (with some assistance from 12 year old Theron Raymond)
As we entered the South Park Theatre, Theron exclaimed, “The lighting is amazing!” The other worldly purplish lighting (Liam Grande,designer) on the versatile celestial set, enhanced by a star studded night sky in the background, (Alex Keplar, designer) define the mood for this cosmic show. The tone is further enhanced by the musical numbers, all related in one way or another to space and the cosmos. (Joe Eberle, sound design. Asley Manion, sound composition.) A very effective loud humming/rumbling sound is employed at times. It’s unclear if the sound represents the sound of the object nearing the earth or if it indicative of the rumblings in Dr. Cummings mind. Either way, it’s effectively disturbing.
Dr. Lynn Cummings (Naomi Grodin), a renowned astrophysicist is dealing with some difficult challenges. Her beloved husband died suddenly two years ago and then she is diagnosed with a serious health condition. As if that’s not enough, she’s misquoted by a less than ethical reporter, Jason Harper (Cameron Nickel) who writes an article about an unidentified meteor like object that is speeding towards earth. The out of context quote leads to her being put on an involuntary leave of absence from her job as a college professor.
Circumstances lead Dr. Cummings, her daughter Olive (Katie Kerr) and Jason to an observatory out in the middle of nowhere where they observe the object as it flies by them. The observatory is at the point where the rock passes Earth at its closest proximity. While they are there, an unexpected, unnamed visitor (Mary Meyer) from an undetermined place appears to Dr. Cummings.
There are a lot of clever, funny lines in this play, and at the same time many serious topics are addressed. Life after death, the point of life, ethics in journalism, mother/daughter relationships, and faith versus science.
Grodin’s remarkable performance delivers a relatable character with facial expressions that mirror her every emotion. Her face telegraphs grief, confusion, fear, anger, amusement and love for her daughter. Her lack of expression, on the occasions when she lapses into what can best be described as a fugue state, is notable as she has a completely blank look on her face, devoid of any emotion. She embodies her character with nuance that shows both toughness and vulnerability. Wonderful seeing her on stage again after a 13 year hiatus.
Nickel goes through a believable transition from a likable, somewhat unethical reporter to a contrite, charming, more principled man.
Kerr has a real chemistry with Grodin making their loving, complex mother/daughter relationship organic and authentic. Her fresh innocence shows that she and her mother have more in common than she would like to admit.
Meyer, the mysterious messenger from the unknown, provides energetic, somewhat frenetic comic relief. Her humorous delivery of the deep, thought provoking questions she poses is a sheer delight. Coupling that with her amusing physicality makes for hilarity!
Danette Pemberton skillfully and convincingly plays four very different roles. She’s somewhat of a quick change artist!
Melissa Hill Grande (director) pays close attention to the pacing and rhythm of the play which is instrumental in the providing the ebb and flow of the changing landscape of moods throughout. Ranging anywhere from melancholy and grieving, to hopeful and forward looking.
This thought provoking, engaging, witty, complex show with a somewhat supernatural feel to it is sure to spark some vigorous discussions. As my companion Theron observed, “I like the way the ending is sort of a mystery.” And, I must say that I concur!
-LTL (with TR)
“A Rock Sails By” runs from July 25 to August 10 at the South Park Theatre, Corrigan Drive & Brownsville Road, South Park, PA 15129. For more information, click here.
Agree 100%
Sui generis
Thanks so much for your lovely review of the show. It sounds like they’re doing a great job!
Best, Sean Grennan