MOSCOW is so much more than I expected and certainly much more significant than the "street vibe". MOSCOW is well acted, caringly directed and with multiple and layered messages and meanings. It is helpful to have a passing understanding of The Three Sisters, In the Life, A Place at the Table and an open heart and intellectual attention span.
MOSCOW deserves to be seen— but it demands an investment of the audience's ability to understand life on many levels and the countless stages called life that we all appear on. A talk back series, radio and or TV interviews and a better overview in the program might enhance the thinking process and promote attendance.
The minimalist staging allows for the actors and the lighting to own the space.
The imagery of triangles within triangles, of illusions, secrets, lost dreams and damaged spirits, trapped egos and hunger for feeling and meaning fill the stage for an intense evening of theater.
Adult theme and adult dialogue delivered by three strong actors. So much more than a gay theme play; it is the essence of life's search. That is all I am going to write, you have to have this experience for yourself.
It is Synchronicity or a collision of colossal circumstances; real or surreal? Tender and tumultuous, raw and poignant, pathos and compassion are descriptors of the contradictions and contrasts.
Add to that the play within a play and the singing, as well as, spoken dialogue and you have to be awake, aware and intrigued. Several lines linger, mixed with the recollection of lovely flute, piano and violin from the behind the scenes, after the curtain calls and provoke personal reflection.
Clay Storseth as Jon is the classic over thinker-angst filled-what is there left-out of control control freak. He says at one point , "Illusions do not last. Demons reinvade. Must I always be redefining?"
Nic Arnzen at Luke is the arch type of the rejected and terrible truth of rejection and abandonment faced by still too many gay and lesbian children. He is compelling and sullen with rage just under the surface.
Josh Wolf Coleman as Matt shows stunning control of gestures and expression.
The Idaho piece is the anthem of everyone from a hopeless hapless small town. His songs are poignant and genuinely touching. His line, " Without a past we are incomplete," says so much.
Thank you Waterfront Playhouse for a bold and thought provoking production of MOSCOW. THANK YOU Scott Gilmore for risk taking.
I fear too many will miss this brave offering. Call and arrange to attend MOSCOW before April 14.