Theater Review: Kin

Family Tree Branches Shade Many Relationships By Lauren Yarger Our roots give fruit to the relationships with people we call family, but the tree where we’re planted grows and extends its branches to entwine others we come to call kin. These ties that bind, and how they bundle us in kinship during life are the examination of Bathsheba Doran’s delightful, moving new play Kin running Off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons, directed by Sam Gold. Played out on a Paul Steinberg’s cleverly designed, movable-frame set, Doran tells the story of a couple trying to figure out whether they are destined to become kin --through marriage -- with the help of people in their lives who already are family. Anna (Kristen Bush) and Sean (Patch Darragh) meet on an internet site and start dating. Back in his native Ireland, Sean’s mother, Linda (Suzanne Bertish), confesses to her brother and drinking partner Max (Bill Buell), that she’s not sure she wants her son to get serious because he might never come back home. If he won‘t come there, she might never see him again, because Linda doesn't leave her house. She has been agoraphobic since she was raped and shunned by the church after aborting the child conceived. Meanwhile, Anna’s zany best friend, Helena (an absolutely fabulous Laura Heisler), feels increasingly left out as Anna spends more time with Sean. Anna struggles to impress her father, Adam (Cotter Smith), a military colonel from whom she’s always been estranged who tries to reach out and make amends for not being there for Anna, especially after her mother died. He seems more at ease comforting his one-time mistress, Kay (Kit Flanagan), who is dying of cancer. Adding to the uncertainty of whether Anna and Sean will make it are his unresolved feelings for former girlfriend Rachel (Molly Ward). Rounding out the cast is Matthew Rauch in separate minor roles that cement a couple of very humorous scenes. Doran handles all of the relationships and situations with chuckles and insight. Most thought-provoking is how the characters interact with and learn from each other. Anna provides a new bud of friendship for Linda and helps her think about leaving the house. Adam and Sean develop a respect that’s closer than father/daughter. Flaky, self-centered Helena surprises by providing tough-as-bark friendship and Kay reveals a nest of affection for Anna. And in the middle of everything looms the question of whether Anna and Sean will ever become kin officially. Gold shines in his use of rain and fog in one scene and the placement of the characters in relation to them to paint a picture of the mood of this uncertainty. The sharp dialogue, engaging performances and expert storytelling make for a satisfying family gathering (Playwrights hits another one out of the park with play selection). Kin plays through April 3 at Playwrights Horizons, 416 West 42nd St., NYC. Tickets visit www.playwrightshorizons.org. Christians might also like to know: God’s name taken in vain Sexual dialogue Language Eastern Meditation