In an exciting season limited run, Falcon Theatre is bringing the World Premiere of Wendy Vogel’s During/After. Described as a show about decisions and how each one we make matters, this show is a layered piece about choice and consequence.
The Production Team for Wendy Vogel’s During/After
Director Ed Cohen hits this one out of the park with not only a strong ensemble of actors, but with excellent use of an appropriately jarring set (designed by Ted Weil). Pacing is nothing short of perfection on this roller coaster of a ride. Wendy Vogel’s script is quite plainly one of the best written pieces this reviewer has seen. It is original and thoughtful, rife with highs and lows which then echo beautifully in the actors’ blocking.
The Performing Artists
Ryan Bowron offers a truly relatable turn as Aaron, an addiction counselor with demons of his own. Mr. Bowron portrays a character who appears to be an “everyman” with a committed believability and undoubtedly brings his A-game to it.
Playing the role of Nate, a sensitive young person, is NKU acting student Tristan Pianovsky. While the character starts out as quiet and brooding, there is something simmering beneath the surface and Mr. Pianovsky displays a wisdom beyond his years. I imagine we will see a lot more of this actor on stages in the future.
Playing multiple roles is an extraordinarily talented performer, Rick Grant. Mr. Grant has a chameleon-like quality which serves him well, particularly in this production. He has the ability to be as hard as nails and as soft as a summer breeze and can switch between the two on a dime without a hitch. Excellent work as always.
Another performer who tackles multiple roles is Samantha Joy Weil in a performance which might possibly be the best I’ve seen. Matching Mr. Grant’s ability to turn on a dime, Ms. Weil gives us a tour de force showing all while remaining entirely in control of the scenes playing out in front of us. There is no doubt her talent runs deep and she is a creature of incredible emotional depth. Brava, Ms. Weil!
Finally, we see the return of a legend to Falcon’s stage: Bill Keeton as James. With his engaging vocals and a demeanor which transitions from businesslike to intensely broken-hearted at a deliberate gait, Mr. Keeton is a consummate professional. His grasp of the human condition is and always has been a stunning thing to witness.
The Sweet and Lowdown
It is not hard to see that Ms. Vogel’s heart is clearly poured into every single word which started on a humble set of pages before being spoken by a rock solid cast and felt by a willing audience. Life can be hard and we are faced with choices each and every day. It is in shared emotions that we as a human race are bound. Regardless of one’s choice and how it may differ from yours, we all know happiness and sadness and heartache and pride. This is how I approach my own performing life and, quite frankly, my everyday life: we may not relate to every specific happening in a character’s world, but we can always find common ground in the sentiment behind the action. Any city would be fortunate to be able to stage During/After, a thoughtful and utterly original work of art.
Tickets to Wendy Vogel’s During/After
You have one more chance to catch Wendy Vogel’s During/After presented by Falcon Theatre. Purchase tickets to its closing April 12th performance HERE.
LCT EVENT COMING UP
On Monday, April 14th, join the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) and our “Charcuterie Board” for a Meet & Greet before BLERDS at Know Theatre
- Mingle with fellow theatre artists, supporters, and fans
- Learn about LCT’s initiatives to connect and support individual artists
- Enjoy a spread of sweet & savory bites while you network!
- 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Know Theatre Cincinnati
