Constellations, written by Nick Payne, explores a theory in the study of physics that posits our universe “is but one of an infinite number of copies, continuously being created by a process of eternal self-reproduction,”

Physics Meets the Theatre

A fascinating, extremely well-acted 75 minutes of theater is now on stage @ Shea’s Smith Theatre.

Starring one of 2^nd Gen Theatre’s co-founders, Executive Director Kristin Bentley, and Chris Avery, in his first performance for the company, Constellations, written by Nick Payne, explores a theory in the study of physics that posits our universe “is but one of an infinite number of copies, continuously being created by a process of eternal self-reproduction,” as explained by William P. Kinney, PhD, Professor of Physics at the University of Buffalo in his program notes. He concludes that this is “a universe in which every choice is explored, and every possibility realized, in infinite variety.”

How, you might inquire, does this translate into 75 minutes of fascinating theater? The theory is cleverly applied to a romance between Physicist Marianne and Beekeeper Roland, keeping the play on a very human and accessible level. The drama that ensues takes place in many short scenes that create and recreate one scenario after another as the relationship progresses, each iteration being slightly different from the last, which then creates a different outcome. The actors live and re-live their lives together along with the many possibilities of each scenario, in theory all at the same time.

Stellar Performances

For instance, in the first series of scenes, they meet at a BBQ. Marianne flirts with Roland and he responds with disdain, with kindness as he puts her off, with interest, and with several other possibilities in between. The play becomes more serious as we learn of Marianne’s condition, and the repetition continues.  Even with the excellent script, in lesser hands this could have been a bit of a slog. But no. Director Michael Wachowiak keeps up the pace and allows his actors to express the full range of emotions experienced by the characters without ever allowing the sadness of their later circumstances to become maudlin or sink into melodrama.

Of course, having two stellar actors perform the roles is also an essential ingredient. The chemistry between Ms. Bentley and Mr. Avery is tangible, so their attraction to each other seems very real, which is one of the factors that makes the play so engaging.

Kristin Bentley plays Marianne as if she were born to the role. Everything she does with the roller coaster of emotions Marianne experiences is spot on, whether it is flirting with Roland for the first time or crying with grief in his arms later, she never misses a beat. In one delightful scene, she keeps explaining an esoteric theory to Roland as he tries to make love to her. She excitedly tells it to him as if nothing else is happening, while at the same time laughingly teasing him with come-hither looks. Everything she does feels very real, and we come to know her character, even though the scenarios keep changing.

Chris Avery is right up there with her. His Roland can be macho to the point of violence, kind and caring, sexy, befuddled, grief-stricken, and a myriad of other feelings. In the scenes in which he proposes to Marianne, he is so charming, sweet, and nervous all at the same time that he could stand in for every person who has ever gone through that particularly traumatic experience. He feels so very real. They are both at the top of their game.

The simple set by Chris Cavanagh (who also does Lighting and Sound) consists of a speckled black stage in the form of a hexagon, with one step all around and an upstage box used as a seat. There are no props or costume changes. The actors are on the bare stage with only their talent to rely on as they create the lives of their characters. Sci-fi-like music and blackouts delineate the scene changes, which enhance the sense that something out of the ordinary is happening.

an Engrossing Piece of Theatre

This is a thought-provoking, highly entertaining play.  Could it be true that as Marianne tells Roland “Every choice, every decision you’ve ever and never made exists in an unimaginably vast ensemble of parallel universes”? After seeing this absorbing play, you might be asking yourself that question, but you surely will leave knowing you have witnessed an engrossing piece of theater.