I went to a play a few days ago. In the Before Times, that would have been like saying “I took a shower.” (I’m still showering regularly. Don’t get it twisted.) Prior to the shutdown last March, like most theater writers, I spent at least three to four nights a week at shows. Then it went down to “zero.” (Have you heard about this thing called “bingeing a TV series?” It’s wild!)
Oona (Stephanie Stockstill) is a wannabe Mini-Me to Julia Rowley‘s preening Villain, while Jarlath (Travis Shanahan) is a tech nerd. Both have their own reasons for hating the mayor of the town and joining up with the Villain. As is so often the case, the revolutionary becomes the gaslighting tormentor, taunting Oona and Jarlath for their shortcomings and reminding them of their place in the pecking order. “I’M the Voice of the Commoner. I’ll speak for both of us. Understand?” But when the shit is about to hit the fan, the Villain is happy to remain an armchair activist. (Not that I can think of anyone in recent history who stayed behind in a secure location while urging their disciples on to violent insurrection. Heavens no!)
Through 8/1: Fri-Sat 8 PM, Sun 3 PM; also Mon 7/19, 7:30 PM, streaming version available 7/23-8/1, Fri-Sat 8 PM, Sun 3 PM, 1439 W. Jarvis, theatreatl.org, $23 (industry, student, and senior $20), streaming version $20.
