We get more questions than answers, with some laughs and convincing acting along the way. Leroy Cupp's seedy bar set with its well-used blackboard walls feels real enough to tempt front-row patrons to order a beer. Blake Bowen and Shannon Rafferty are a likable couple fussing over their wedding invitations when Jack Dowd rolls in as a hilariously intense conspiracy theorist. The role seems to have been written for Jack; he plays it to the hilt, but without sacrificing sincerity. Dave Dunckel walks in, orders a beer for himself and an absent friend, sits silently at first, but then introduces a new level of mystery, suspicion and emotion. We learn that there may be more to Blake's character than meets the eye. We identify with Shannon and accompany her down a path of curiosity and suspicion.
Author Steven Dietz has said, "There isn't a fact about 9/11 presented in the play that is not true. I had the script vetted by people, and the facts are all from public sources, news accounts, transcripts… I think an open democracy empowers us to simultaneously believe what we see on the news, and in things they're maybe not telling us. And in my life, starting with the Nixon era, we've had good reasons to be suspicious, and question things."
Don't miss this this twisted tall tale well navigated by Director Michael Hays and his four excellent actors - continuing through March 10 (8pm Fri/Sat; 2pm Sun $12/$10) RiverwalkTheatre.com 482-5700.