In
this witty and engrossing play, two damaged kids meet in the infirmary, she has
stomach cramps, he has a cracked skull. So begins a tortuous love story that
switches back and forth in time. They meet at years-long intervals, always when
he is badly injured, and they deeply bond. She has the magical ability to help
him heal, while he has an intense longing for her love.
As
this two-hander takes them into deeper disasters and frustrating emotional
misses, we are both fascinated and appalled at the catastrophes that unfold. We
recognize their need for each other and hope for a resolution but sadly, in the
end, playwright Rajiv Joseph leaves us suspended in the midst of a near fatal
encounter.
Both
Brad Fleischer as Doug, and Jules Willcox as Kayleen, are totally believable
and touching whether at eight years old or thirty eight. While their
performances are heartbreaking they still provide flashes of humor that
alleviate the tension. In fact, under Larissa Kokernot’s sensitive and
imaginative direction, they effortlessly transform through non-chronological scenes
from troubled children to anguished adults to embattled teens.
Produced
by John Perrin Flynn and David Mauer (who also designed the stark adaptable set)
with lighting by Dan Weingarten, sound by Colin Wambsgans, and simple but
effective costumes by Halei Parker. Photos by John Flynn.
At
Rogue Machine Theatre, 5041 W. Pico Blvd., LA through July 14. For tickets:
(855) 585-5185 or www.roguemachinetheatre.com.
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