In addition to composer Jay Brunner’s beautifully moody, melancholy score and Tamara L. Honesty’s excellent scenic design, including a spacious waterpark tank, here are five reasons to see this important, timely and moving production.
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
Jax Heritage and Isabella Roberts impress in pivotal role
The pivotal role of Morgan is shared between local fourth-grade students Jax Heritage and Isabella Roberts. Fittingly and physically, they provide their own unique spin. The taller Heritage is an assertive presence, especially in his tussles with enjoyably edgy Eric Deiboldt (Morgan’s perturbed, rebellious older brother Theo). The shorter, sensitive and timid Roberts supplies a more delicate approach, signaling Morgan’s femininity. Although Wilder could have gone deeper into Morgan’s backstory (perhaps heightening the drama with a school counselor scene involving psychology or bullying), both actors interpret the role with believability, charm and purpose, grasping the play’s heavy, serious foundation with relative ease.
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
Josh Aaron McCabe and Kelly Mengelkoch illuminate domestic disarray
Josh Aaron McCabe and Kelly Mengelkoch remarkably carry the emotional weight of the play as Luke and Jess convey their fears amid the whirlwind of starting over. “Someone is always gonna ask questions,” Luke reminds Jess. McCabe, a Wright State University acting professor who recently staged the quirky “Circle Mirror Transformation,” wonderfully exposes the uneasy complexities of a father uncomfortable with a new normal, especially seeing his son in a bathing suit. He also brings heartbreaking earnestness to Luke’s Act 2 confession that finds him torn between parental acceptance and public ridicule. The splendidly expressive Mengelkoch captivates in her Act 1 monologue centered on Jess’ agitation and uncertainty while visiting Morgan’s doctor. She also winningly handles Jess’ shady duality, particularly eliciting gasps from the audience when Jess lies about being a mother. When you’re so authentic that any separation from the truth can stir a reaction, you know you’re doing something right. Mengelkoch has been a staple at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company for many years, but I’m hoping she’ll return to the Human Race more often. See her now before HBO or Netflix gives her a call.
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
Teresa Langford and Justin McCombs offer engaging support
As the magnetic Gaby, the mermaid attraction at the local waterpark who offers to give Morgan swimming lessons, the lovely Teresa Langford entices with friendly intrigue, especially as a sexy seductress opposite McCabe. Blending mystery with affability, Justin McCombs, another Cincinnati Shakespeare standout, is an endearing source of comic relief as chatty bookworm Will, a consultant for a conservative think tank who befriends Jess at a Brooklyn-area coffee shop.
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Kevin Moore’s first-rate directorial farewell
After 36 years of leading the Human Race, Kevin Moore will retire in June. He’s going out with a bang here because his directorial farewell, fluidly directed and astutely character-conscious, recalls other terrifically acted and designed premieres he spearheaded such as Michael Slade’s “Family Shots,” a contemporary account of a diverse family coping with an ailing patriarch, and Eric Ulloa’s “26 Pebbles,” a tribute to Newtown, Connecticut, forever changed by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. “Everything That’s Beautiful” fits the mold of what the Human Race does best: illuminating humanity in all aspects with thought-provoking subject matter that challenges, educates and enlightens audiences.
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
A relevant story ripped from today’s headlines
This regional premiere arrives as Ohio House Bill 454 has been proposed. The Republican-sponsored bill seeks to prevent anyone under age 18 from proceeding with gender transition, particularly prohibiting medical personnel – public or private – from helping minors transition. “Everything That’s Beautiful” is an impactful work made for this opportune moment in order to spark healthy, inclusive dialogue that has the potential to bridge political and cultural divides.
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
HOW TO GO
What: “Everything That’s Beautiful”
Where: Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton
When: Through March 6; 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $17-$53
Tickets: 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org
Duration: 2 hours including intermission
FYI: Patrons are required to wear masks
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
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