John Logan's intriguing script takes us into the mind of famed abstract expressionist Mark Rothko (Michael Hays.) His new assistant "Ken" (Brennan Hattaway) is the the reflector and provocateur of Rothko's treatises on art and its many ramifications.
Michael is sensational in this demanding role, pontificating on the meaning of art and color, and Brennan is his match, growing in influence as the show progresses. Director Rita Deibler keeps it interesting with business and motion in this believable art-studio set (Nick Eaton) with dramatic (red) lighting (Ted Daniel) adding to the hypnotic meaning of "red" as the actors stare at the red-lit audience that is the "painting."
It is by no means necessary to know a lot about art, or even Rothko, to appreciate this show, which is really about the fundamentals of life, and purpose, and change, and generations...
The show is only an hour and a half, with no intermission.
RED continues at Riverwalk's Black Box through March 19, 8pm Fri/Sat and 2pm Sundays. $12/$10. The 80-seat theatre was pretty full, so it might be wise to make a reservation. General Seating.
www.riverwalktheatre.com
517-482-5700