This convoluted script by Nick Payne was brought to life under the direction of Heath Sartorius by four remarkable actors: Doak Bloss, Kate Clark, Edward Heldt and Gini Larson. Each was amazing, instantaneously shifting identities by donning a hat, jacket, bag or a pair of glasses to become one of 21 characters within three interwoven stories.
As the description explains, “A pathologist steals the brain of Albert Einstein, a neuropsychologist embarks on her first romance with another woman; a seizure patient forgets everything but how much he loves his girlfriend.” It often seemed like there were more than three stories going in this piece, but the character transformations and believability were impressive, in themselves. As “pathology,” “memory,” and “behavior” signs lit up alternately, props and costumes and tables/chairs were efficiently juggled — as were the minds of the audience.
Sometimes amusing, sometimes touching, the Incognito experience is a thought-provoking brain challenge.
Only two more performances next Friday and Saturday at 8pm in the Lansing Mall. Enter at the west (Lenscrafters) entrance, turn right at the first crossroads, and it’s several stores down on the left, across from “Journeys” storefront. Tickets are available for $15 at the door or via the ticketing website, https://our.show/ixionincognito. For more information call 517.775.4246 or email ixionensemble@gmail.com