Quick Hit Theater Review: The Other Place

Aya Cash and Laurie Metcalf. Photo © Joan Marcus

The Other Place
By Sharr White
Director: Joe Mantello
MCC at the Lucille Lortel Theatre

Summary: Juliana (Laurie Metcalf) has been studying the genetic origins of dimentia for years, when ironically, she might just need the new experimental drug treatment she helped develop herself. Her husband, Ian (Dennis Boutsikaris), grows increasingly concerned as his wife grows rage-filled, confused and insists she secretly is in contact with their daughter, Laurel (Aya Cash, who ran away from home years ago, possibly with Juliana's teaching assistant, Richard (John Schiappa), and was never heard from again. What's real and who really knows?

Highlights: Metcalf gives a gripping performance as a woman losing her grip. Cash plays multiple roles and in one, plays kindness to perfection. Love that scene.

Lowlights: I liked the play very much, though it needs edits in a few places, but I was surprised to hear many audience members indicate that they were confused and didn't understand some of it.

 

Information: The Other Place runs through May 1 at the Lortel, 121 Christopher St., NYC. For tickets and information visit http://www.mcctheater.org/currentseason.html.

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