Supernova
How often does one go the theatre to discover that he/she has fallen in love with the script, actors, set, direction, and all aspects of a production? How often is one deeply moved and satisfied in our 99-seat world existing only here in Los Angeles? Rarely do I begin a review in this manner, but when I see a theatre company so committed to excellence and with such a life force and energy, I can’t restrain myself from praising their efforts. Thus is the case with Supernova written by Timothy McNeil, (author of Anything and Los Muertos) and directed by Lindsay Allbaugh at the Elephant Theatre Company in the heart of theatre row in Hollywood.
Supernova is the story of a dysfunctional family ready to explode before our eyes. Stressed to the max, bored and bullying father, John (stalwart Tony Gato) abuses his errant son, Kip (appealing and effective Edward Tournier). Mother, Mabel (consummate actress, Bonnie McNeil) makes every effort to keep things going by buying an expensive watch for her son’s eighteenth birthday. She becomes embroiled with a watch salesman (gentle Timothy McNeil). The kindness and intimacy they offer one another over the telephone holds out the hope of transformation, both of character and circumstances. A supernova is one of the rarely observed nova outbursts in which the maximum intrinsic luminosity may reach 100 million times that of our sun. It is the metaphor for what this play ultimately is about; the possibility of growth and change.
Gina Garrison (Fran), Micah Cohen (Ethan), Kelly Elizabeth (Tricia), and Joe Wiebe (Moe) round out the fine ensemble. The set (Joel Daavid), constructed at angles with jutting edges and spotted walls ready to morph into a night sky at any moment, adds a surrealistic flavor, excitement, and restlessness to the production. Costumes (Louis Douglas Jacobs) and sound (Jack Arky) blend things together nicely.
The Elephant Space
6322 Santa Monica Blvd.
(On the corner of Santa Monica Blvd, and Lillian Way, 1 block W. of Vine)
323-960-4410
www.Plays411.com/supernova
Tickets: $20