By: Kori Fay
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October 14
With a title like In Search of the Mothman, who isn’t intrigued? I sat down Friday night at the opening night of In Search of the Mothman by Amber Palmer unsure of whether or not I would find him–it’s just like a cryptid to be elusive right at the best moment. But this story is anything but elusive, in fact, I found myself drawn in. I found myself wishing it was a book I had in front of me so I could sneak to the end to make sure everything was okay before reading the journey, but boy am I glad that’s not how this play works. This play tells the story of two sisters both experiencing loss, love, grief, moving away, and how to navigate each other in their newfound almost adulthood. Oh, and they want to find the Mothman–what seems to be a symbol for stability, a good foundation, and each other, and also…the Mothman. It is a heart-wrenching, gut-punching, nail-biting, even should-I-look-away at some moments because it felt so poignant and private 90 minute journey that will leave you wanting to hug these sisters. Olivia Kiefer as Jordan is a treat to watch as she navigates the world of Big Sister-dom and does so seamlessly, taking moments to breathe and live in her character–it was a joy to watch. Carolyn Pierce as Emily traverses scenes with her character’s brillant teenage countenance like she may have lived there before–and yet every time was refreshing and surprising and she navigated with ease. Both actors took on this 90 minute, two-hander with such grace and ease, I am surprised they are not really sisters. Pierce and Kiefer are a breath of fresh air to watch and they bring such honesty to Palmer’s words and director Shelby Seeley’s vision.
Paul Taylor’s set design had me studying it from the moment I walked in the theatre. I commented to those around me on the realism of everything and how it actually felt like you were looking into a twenty-something’s first apartment. This, as simple as it may seem to the untrained eye, is not easy to accomplish. I find that sometimes living in realism is hard to grasp because we have to first overcome the hurdle of “this is a play”, and I think I jumped that hurdle pretty early on. Well done. There is another part of the set that acts as a lot of different places, this is classic Theatre Nova–building multi-functional amazing sets–and the artistry on that was great as well. (I specifically like what looks like bird poop on the bridge set). I also really enjoyed the fridge with the magnets and bottle opener. It’s a look into the characters before we meet them.
Jeff Alder’s lighting design transforms us to different places effortlessly and with an expertise known to him, using specials when they fit that are creepy and fun! Michaella Victoria’s costume design was, again, extremely natural and fit the world of the play perfectly, having to fit very different sisters seems like a fun task, and she did it so well. Kennikki Jones-Jones sound design is an important factor in this show–the actors play instruments onstage that, I am assuming, they don’t play in their real lives–and the sound mixing and design really fed into that and took the audience on the proper journey through the show with little thought as to whether or not they were really playing. Carla Milarch, founder, steps in with her props skills that only add more to the realism of it all. It all felt like watching a really good, not as trashy Reality TV show and I found myself wanting to tune into next week’s episode. I think this really speaks to Amber Palmer’s writing skills and Palmer’s ability to make it seem like we are just watching from the front room. Everything, including Mothman himself, felt like I was peeking through the blinds on this very-much-more-than-a-kitchen-sink-dramedy. I know this, in part, has to do with Shelby Seeley’s direction that never disappoints. Actors moved so fluidly onstage with expert level intentions, and there was heart under everything on that stage. And off of it. Palmer and Seeley are a dream team as much as their onstage colleagues Pierce and Kiefer.
Truly, it was a joy to watch this on opening night. I forgot to mention earlier all the mothman decor up in the lobby. Which, if I know anything about Theatre Nova and had to guess, was probably the brain child of Briana O’Neal (Stage Manager Extraordinaire) and Director Shelby Seeley. Regardless, O’Neal runs the show smoothly as ever and audiences clapped hard for her at curtain call–as she deserves.
I highly, highly, recommend fitting In Search of the Mothman in your calendar during Theatre Nova’s 10th season…I loved every bit of it. It’s the perfect thing to dip your toes into this spooky season. Now, where did that pesky Mothman go, he was just here a second ago….
Catch In Search of the Mothman at Theatre Nova until Nov. 10th.
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