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| Hannah Cabell and Elliot Villar. Photo: Carol Rosegg |
Collapse
By Allison Moore
Directed by Jackson Gay
The Women’s Project
What’s It All About?
A dark comedy about the effects of the collapse of the bridge on 1-35 West and the world economy. David (Elliot Villar) and Hannah (Hannah Cabell) are trying to get pregnant – and back to normal – as David recovers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, suffered when his car was caught in the collapse of the bridge in Minneapolis. He doesn’t talk about the experience which plunged him into the Mississippi, but he drinks a lot and hasn’t been going to work. Hannah is feeling some stress herself over this, especially since her clients are suffering from the economic collapse, leaving her law firm in droves and taking with them her hopes of making partner – or even of keeping her job.
Adding to the tension in their Minneapolis home is the unexpected visit of Hannah’s sister, Susan (Nadia Bowers), who has been evicted from her apartment, but managed to book a plane ticket to her sister’s by promising to deliver a mystery package for a guy named Bulldog. Desperate, Hannah seeks help for how to deal with David’s drinking problem at a support meeting which she thinks is an AA group. Instead, she meets Ted (Maurice McRae), who is a sex addict. The two hit it off, through Hannah isn’t quite sure if Ted’s tale about being impotent is true or just a ruse to try to get her in bed. When Ted’s real identity is revealed, their relationship has consequences for Susan and David, who finally confronts his memories of falling off the bridge.
What are the Highlights?
Loved the set designed by Lee Savage. A metal truss-like framework doubles as a wall of the couple’s condo, then flips to become the 1-35 Bridge. The messages are good: Ted advises Hannah to stop trying to fix everything, let go and see what happens. The way the couple works through their difficulties is realistic and hopeful.
What are the Lowlights:
The plot is a bit contrived. Would a couple facing economic uncertainty and David’s apparent inability to deal with his trauma or his drinking problem really be trying so hard to have a baby? A sex addict who also is impotent (conveniently propelling the story) and Ted’s actual identity are a bit much to swallow. Costume designs by Oana Botez are odd with the question, “What the heck is she wearing?” coming to mind a couple of times, especially for one satin-trimmed outfit Hannah wears to take a deposition. Can’t imagine a lawyer wearing it.
More information:
Collapse is the final production in the Women’s Project’s 35th anniversary year with a theme of questioning the state of the American dream. It plays at NY City Center, 131 West 55th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues) through May 19. Tickets and info: http://www.womensproject.org/.
Directed by Jackson Gay
The Women’s Project
What’s It All About?
A dark comedy about the effects of the collapse of the bridge on 1-35 West and the world economy. David (Elliot Villar) and Hannah (Hannah Cabell) are trying to get pregnant – and back to normal – as David recovers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, suffered when his car was caught in the collapse of the bridge in Minneapolis. He doesn’t talk about the experience which plunged him into the Mississippi, but he drinks a lot and hasn’t been going to work. Hannah is feeling some stress herself over this, especially since her clients are suffering from the economic collapse, leaving her law firm in droves and taking with them her hopes of making partner – or even of keeping her job.
Adding to the tension in their Minneapolis home is the unexpected visit of Hannah’s sister, Susan (Nadia Bowers), who has been evicted from her apartment, but managed to book a plane ticket to her sister’s by promising to deliver a mystery package for a guy named Bulldog. Desperate, Hannah seeks help for how to deal with David’s drinking problem at a support meeting which she thinks is an AA group. Instead, she meets Ted (Maurice McRae), who is a sex addict. The two hit it off, through Hannah isn’t quite sure if Ted’s tale about being impotent is true or just a ruse to try to get her in bed. When Ted’s real identity is revealed, their relationship has consequences for Susan and David, who finally confronts his memories of falling off the bridge.
What are the Highlights?
Loved the set designed by Lee Savage. A metal truss-like framework doubles as a wall of the couple’s condo, then flips to become the 1-35 Bridge. The messages are good: Ted advises Hannah to stop trying to fix everything, let go and see what happens. The way the couple works through their difficulties is realistic and hopeful.
What are the Lowlights:
The plot is a bit contrived. Would a couple facing economic uncertainty and David’s apparent inability to deal with his trauma or his drinking problem really be trying so hard to have a baby? A sex addict who also is impotent (conveniently propelling the story) and Ted’s actual identity are a bit much to swallow. Costume designs by Oana Botez are odd with the question, “What the heck is she wearing?” coming to mind a couple of times, especially for one satin-trimmed outfit Hannah wears to take a deposition. Can’t imagine a lawyer wearing it.
More information:
Collapse is the final production in the Women’s Project’s 35th anniversary year with a theme of questioning the state of the American dream. It plays at NY City Center, 131 West 55th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues) through May 19. Tickets and info: http://www.womensproject.org/.
Christians might also like to know:
-- Partial nudity
--Sexual dialogue
--Language
--Sexual dialogue
--Language
--God’s name taken in vain
--Eastern philosophy
--Eastern philosophy
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