10:53 - What a strange title to Annie Martin's fresh new script at Williamston Theatre. It defies us to make assumptions... but knowing it is set in the hospital waiting room, I did assume it was about illness, death.... But no, it's about life — and and coping with change and facing fear, bouncing between conflicting emotions, retreating, daring -- all dressed in a roomy hospital gown of human foibles and squabbles and relationships that are really very funny as well.
All four actors are excellent. Two from MSU, Julia Garlotte is the engaging Significant Other of newly "come out" lesbian/bisexual daughter, Zachara Wollenberg (fresh from her star turn as Fanny Brice at MSU.) These two are believably "a couple" with all the "meet the mother" awkwardness and mother/daughter tension, defiance and love. Williamston favorite John Lepard plays the mysterious "10:53" man with his characteristic charm and sincerity; nobody is more believable onstage than Mr. Lepard.
But is he "a weirdo"? One way or the other, aren't we all? The challenging role of Kathryn, the wife of a comatose, dying husband, holed up in her waiting-room refuge is played with gusto by the talented Sandra Birch. She rides a roller-coaster of moods and reactions that brings the audience with her through a swirl of conflicting emotions. Kudos to Director Tony Caselli for directing another hit.
The set was a very realistic hospital waiting room, complete with elevator (Bartley H. Bauer) - and the costume changes (Holly Iler) and strategic lighting (Daniel C. Walker) communicated the passage of time very effectively. Subtle but appropriate TV background sound was loud enough to be realistic but did not drown out the actors. (Michelle Raymond).
If any of you have yet to check out Williamston Theatre, it is well worth the drive and easy to find, just south of the four corners of Williamston. It is an intimate little theatre, smaller than Riverwalk. You can really "see the whites of their eyes" and the quality is always professional.10:53 continues through June 16 - www.williamstontheatre.com - (517) 655-SHOW (7469)
All four actors are excellent. Two from MSU, Julia Garlotte is the engaging Significant Other of newly "come out" lesbian/bisexual daughter, Zachara Wollenberg (fresh from her star turn as Fanny Brice at MSU.) These two are believably "a couple" with all the "meet the mother" awkwardness and mother/daughter tension, defiance and love. Williamston favorite John Lepard plays the mysterious "10:53" man with his characteristic charm and sincerity; nobody is more believable onstage than Mr. Lepard.
But is he "a weirdo"? One way or the other, aren't we all? The challenging role of Kathryn, the wife of a comatose, dying husband, holed up in her waiting-room refuge is played with gusto by the talented Sandra Birch. She rides a roller-coaster of moods and reactions that brings the audience with her through a swirl of conflicting emotions. Kudos to Director Tony Caselli for directing another hit.
The set was a very realistic hospital waiting room, complete with elevator (Bartley H. Bauer) - and the costume changes (Holly Iler) and strategic lighting (Daniel C. Walker) communicated the passage of time very effectively. Subtle but appropriate TV background sound was loud enough to be realistic but did not drown out the actors. (Michelle Raymond).
If any of you have yet to check out Williamston Theatre, it is well worth the drive and easy to find, just south of the four corners of Williamston. It is an intimate little theatre, smaller than Riverwalk. You can really "see the whites of their eyes" and the quality is always professional.10:53 continues through June 16 - www.williamstontheatre.com - (517) 655-SHOW (7469)
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