They say that you cannot go home again, but the truth is, you can, but should you? “Qualities of Starlight” explores one man’s journey home and the emotional damage he discovers along the way.
~Review and Photos by Dana Nöllsch~
More about “Qualities of Starlight”
Theo, played by Matthew Highground, takes a trip with his wife, Polly, played by Alexandra Jobe, to his childhood home to visit his parents in preparation for asking for a favor. The journey home is not without its difficulties, as there is a casualty along the way. But the couple perseveres and reaches their parents’ home in Georgia. He hasn’t communicated with his parents for quite some time and finds them in quite a state of decline, but this does not surprise him. But the state his parents are in makes it harder for him to ask for the help he needs.
Theo’s parents, Junior, played by Gary Cremeans, and Rose, played by Annikki Larsson, have found life quite difficult of late and seek solace in the pipe. As the four of them come together, they share moments of laughter, but mainly they share moments of deep reflection on the past and worry about the future.
Qualities of Starlight is a dark comedy that centers on past family trauma and explores Junior’s failures as a father, husband, and man. With engaging writing, Qualities of Starlight is very entertaining, yet it also explores a depth of emotion that will stay with you long after the final curtain.
What about the Performances
The cast is perfect for their roles, bringing the emotional energy to tell the story of Qualities of Starlight to their audience.
Gary Cremeans plays Junior, the father of Theo and Rose’s husband. Junior is a man haunted by his past successes and current failures, but in his mind, he struggles to reconcile his past failures with his happiness in his current life. Junior is definitely not ready for a visit from his son and his daughter-in-law. Theo’s return home is extremely emotional for the man, who cannot come to terms with his feelings. Gary plays the role so well that the audience can feel his pain and conflict, seeing his character with disdain yet with sympathy as well.
Annikki Larsson plays Rose, Junior’s wife and Theo‘s mother. Her life has been less than gratifying, and her emotional conflict takes her to a place that will not serve her in the long run. Annikki embodies the role with all her talent and emotion, and she is incredible to see on stage.
Matthew Highground plays Theo, the successful son who returns after making something of himself despite how he was raised. As Matthew plays Theo on stage, you can feel Theo’s discomfort at being home, but more than that, there is also a feeling that he is at a turning point in his life.
Alexandra Jobe plays Polly, Theo‘s wife, who is dissatisfied with her life and is searching for that thing that will cement her and Theo together in their marriage. Alexandra is great at showing Polly’s pain and discomfort, bringing her journey to a satisfying conclusion by the end of the play.
The cast plays well together and brings these characters to life in this dark comedy in a way that I am sure every one of their audiences will appreciate and reflect on for some time.
The Bottom Line
If you enjoy dark comedy with a dysfunctional family flavor, you will love Qualities of Starlight. If you love well-written, live-performed entertainment, you will also love Qualities of Starlight.
I suppose this could be a date night play if your intention is to have a deep, meaningful conversation afterward. Michelle and I certainly had meaningful conversations for a few days after seeing Quality of Starlight.
Be forewarned, there is drug use, violence, copious amounts of Mountain Dew, and conversations of infertility that may trigger sensitive viewers, but I am sure you can handle it.
And That’s the Bottom Line!
Qualities of Starlight
Directed by D.A. Mishler
Cast
Alexandra Jobe as Polly
Matthew Highground as Theo
Gary Cremeans as Junior
Annikki Larsson as Rose
Performance Dates
April 10th – the 20th
Purchase tickets here: cur8.com
Restless Artists Theatre Company
295 20th Street, Sparks
775 525-3074
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