“I didn’t try to make a story that was the album writ large in any way,” Stoppard has been quoted as saying. “I invented a little story in the spirit of the album, taking a cue as to what level of reality this story might be on.”
Under Eric Hamme’s direction, the Garage Theatre in Long Beach has taken Stoppard’s radio play, Darkside, and staged its U.S. premiere for local audiences, the result of which is a moving, often hilarious, sometimes disturbing and jarring, piece that dramatizes, in surreal forms, those ethical dilemmas pondered within college philosophy courses.
In fact, the play follows philosophy student Emily McCoy as she undergoes a barrage of “thought experiments” during a quest to answer the question “What is the good?” that ultimately leads to a mental collapse.
Maribella Magana surprises as Emily; initially, she almost appears to blend in as one of an ensemble, but she quickly emerges as the centerpiece of the story, acting as an apt conduit for the audience to join in on one wild ride. It’s an arc that starts with curiosity and studious questions but culminates in a perfectly timed teardrop and a shocking breakdown.
Magana’s not the only cast member deserving of praise. Steven Frankenfield as Boy is sprightly and entertaining as the hypothetical kid that comes to life in the ethical narratives posed in the philosophy class and then as Emily’s companion through the story. Paul Knox, Rob Young, Matthew Anderson, Craig Johnson and Jeffrey Kieviet all master the various other characters with verve and great timing.
Although the theatre’s space is on the smaller side, its actors rival those of other theatrical companies in town. The front of the show’s program warns audiences of “fog, strobe lights, mind-blowing music and amateur actors.” I think they got it all right, except that last part.
This review would be remiss if no mention was made of lighting designer Christina L. Munich’s work. The light show is an integral part of the experience, and it makes for a perfect complement to Pink Floyd’s songs.
Probably the only unfortunate outcome of a production like this (Is it a play or a music show?) is that some audience members attend for a night at the theatre, while others show up expecting to jam out to some awesome rock music, man.
Such was the case when I saw Joplin on Broadway in the early 2000s. Tensions escalated and cross words were exchanged between those who were there to see a play about rock singer Janis Joplin and a few others who were so moved by its live musical performances that their enthusiasm was barely contained after each song and their excitement overlapped into the show’s dialogue.
Similarly, at last Saturday’s performance at the Garage, it was a man, a woman and a now empty bottle of wine— which rather annoyingly got knocked over three times during the one-hour show. Intoxicated by Pink Floyd’s music (and the Chardonnay), the gal seemed to forget there were real people trying to perform just a few feet in front of her, and her out-loud musings to her date were distracting.
It was tempting to shush her. However, the cast members are to further be commended for their professionalism and dedication to their art form, and they went on as if she wasn’t even there. Kudos.
Darkside’s run has been extended to Sept. 19. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. Admission cost is: $20 general; $15 for students, teachers and seniors; and $25 for the closing performance. For tickets or more information, visit thegaragetheatre.org or call (562) 433-8337. The Garage Theatre is located at 251 E 7th St.
