Evocation to Visible Appearance by Mark Schultz

From a design perspective, I like the possibilities presented by a setting described simply as “Various blighted suburban locales.” I even like the idea (if not the practical implications) of lighting instruments falling from the grid. Even the stage violence, which I am generally not a fan of on our stage (our sitelines being what they are), does not bother me since so much of it can be implied more than seen. What I am troubled by are the cryptic “surtitles.” (Couldn't he, at least call them “supertitles”? At least then they could have capes.) Statements like “You should hold my hand,” and “I can't even taste it,” appearing over the stage seem to want to serve as punctuation to the scenes, but instead add an additional layer of confusion to what are already bizarre conversations. The dialogue itself is painfully stuttery and inarticulate (I prefer my fictional characters with Aaron Sorkin-paced wit rather than David Mamet-style babbling), but it does have its moments. The scene between Sam's father and her boss is almost deliciously awkward. What is weird throughout, however, completely derails at the end, and I cannot help but think that if I feel like I am missing something about the show, then our typical audience will be angrily baffled. On their behalf, I pass.