Infinite Possibilities

Constellations — Theater Above the Law

Constellations, a play by British playwright Nick Payne that first premiered in 2012, is about two people in a relationship. Or not. The play cycles through dozens of glimpses into the life of the couple, some overlapping, some contradictory. The same moment, such as the first time they meet or the last fight they have, is portrayed multiple times subtly shifting the tone or even the outcome.

I will admit I didn’t quite warm up to the show at first. When the show is focusing on all the casual what-ifs of meet cutes and first dates, I wasn’t quite convinced that the set up worked. I’m never a fan of a narrative gimmick that gets in the way of the story rather than enhancing it. As the scenes shift to the more complex and difficult parts of a relationship, the format shines a little more brightly. From the infinite possibilities of a relationship, a single picture begins to emerge. Regardless of how a relationship unfolds, certain things are constant, like allowing yourself to be vulnerable or the need for genuine connection.

The two actors, Melanie McNulty as astrophysicist Marianne and Ross Compton as beekeeper Roland, have a tall order, but in and outside the play. The overlapping and repeating scenes make this a feat of memorization, if nothing else. More importantly, they have to constantly reset the scene and instantly find the emotional core of it with no preamble and no time to build it. Add on trying to do all that in the middle of… well, everything… and it would be enough to knock out any actor. Happily, the pair manage to build and maintain a rapport throughout the show and one that pays off by the end.

While no substitute for the in person theater that we all hope to attend again both safely and as soon as possible, TATL did a great job picking a show that would translate as well as possible to the screen in your home, and producing a show while keeping cast and crew as safe as possible. I’m glad they are still producing shows, and hope to see their next one live soon.

Recommended

Reviewed by Kevin Curran

Streaming through February 28th.

Tickets available at www.theatreatl.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.