Two architects design groundbreaking buildings that inspire the world. But who was most responsible for these works of genius? And why was the family of one of the architects so troubled?
Richard Greenberg's "Three Days of Rain," which was a finalist for a 1998 Pulitzer Prize for drama, answers these questions in a clever and entertaining way, making it a wonderful choice for the opening of Prospect Theater Project's 12th season.
The play offers drama, humor, romance, madness, mystery and literary references. It's a smart show without being stuffy.
Director David Keymer's production features tour-de-force performances from all three of the cast members, who each play two very different roles.
In the first act, set in 1995, we meet Nan (Angi Ciccarelli) and her brother Walker (David Messamer) who are meeting with a lawyer to find out their inheritance from their famous architect father Ned Janeway. Joining them is Pip (Mark Dooley), their childhood friend and son of Ned's architect business partner Theo Wexler.
The second act flashes back to 1960, with Ciccarelli assuming the role of Nan and Walker's mother, Lina, and Messamer and Dooley taking on the roles of the architects.
Ciccarelli and Messamer are particularly impressive in how different their two sets of characters are. Ciccarelli switches from a tough-minded city woman to a fanciful Southern belle. Messamer transitions from a loquacious free spirit to a timid man with a stutter.
Dooley moves from a confident, self-assured character to one who is racked by doubts and insecurities.
The three actors shine in their monologues and have a remarkable rapport with each other. They work seamlessly as if they were a well-rehearsed chamber music group.
Jack Souza's set of the Manhattan apartment is stunning and comes with a lovely city skyline view. The patter of the rain sounds authentic.
Prospect's season is off to a great start with this inventive production. If you have never attended the small company's plays or haven't visited in a while, make sure you buy tickets to this one.
Bee arts writer Lisa Millegan Renner can be reached at lrenner@modbee.com or (209) 578-2313.
'THREE DAYS OF RAIN'
RATING: ****
WHERE: Prospect Theater Project, 520 Scenic Drive, Modesto
WHEN: Through Oct. 21. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours and 15 minutes, including an intermission
TICKETS: $20
INFORMATION: (209) 549-9341 or www.prospecttheaterproject.org
Star Guide
**** Excellent *** Good ** Fair * Poor
RSS
E-Mail
Print
Order reprints
