Evolution takes the audience on an wonderful journey and is now playing at 59E59 theaters.
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What do you
think of when you hear the term “evolution”?
Do you see it as the process of changing a mind-set, intellectual growth? Do you view it as the biological process of
species change? Or do you think of it as
the unending process that takes place across time and ecosystems? Among those definitions is one other (from
dictionary.com online):
.
5. a motion incomplete in itself, but combining with coordinated motions to produce as a single action…
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All of those
definitions apply to varying degrees in the new play at 59E59 Theater,
Evolution. It explores both biological
progression and the changing mind set of individuals. But it is the “combining with coordinated
motions” that make Evolution such a powerful and interesting piece of theater.
To some, the
description “powerful and interesting”, might make it sound static, dull
and dry. It is anything but that. It swings between hilarious and insightful,
often achieving both at the same time.
Evolution is a wonderful play. It
is the story of sisters Minnie and Pam, with plenty of input from an overly
invested Mother.
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All three
characters, plus a few others, are expertly brought to life by Patricia Buckly,
the playwright and performer. Ms.
Buckly seamlessly transitions between the characters as they interact with each
other, carry on one-sided phone conversations or rant at the world in
general. Each character brings a
different point of view to the proceedings.
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Minnie is a
young woman in the middle of a mental breakdown. She
has eschewed her medications and is in the process of succumbing to her
delusions. Minnie is the catalyst, but
not the main character, in this dramatic comedy. The prime story driver is her sister, Pam, an
evolutionary biologist working with whales.
Pam has written a successful book and is balancing a busy life of seminar
appearances and teaching demands. Pam is
the vehicle Ms. Buckly uses to provide the observations about evolution,
sibling rivalry and the bonds of family.
Pam is funny, intelligent and just bitter enough to be a stand in for
the New York audience.
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Mother, no
other name is given or necessary, hovers about.
She tries to support Minnie, clueless as to how invasive she is, and
tries to guilt Pam into spending more time with the family. She is stereotypical without ever becoming a
caricature.
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The sisters
are entranced by the ocean, something they inherited from their unseen and
barely mentioned father, long gone.
Mother is not a fan of the seaside, with its sand and impossibly big
ocean.
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Scenes from
the ocean are shown on various screens, illustrating Minnie’s imagination. The show features expert video presentation and scenic design by Jim Findlay accompanied by great music by Marc Mellits. The entire set design is wonderful.
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The set suggests a homey space, but provides
a plethora of compartments and shelves.
Every time Ms. Buckly pulls something off a shelf, it is like the
character is accessing another memory.
These characters have all compartmentalized their lives, causing chaos
as they travel into unknown territory.
Director Michele Chivu paces the show excellently for the most
part. The show does slow down in the
final few minutes. It is appropriate for
the story, but is a change from the excellent flow achieved by most of the
show.
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Evolution @
59E59 Theaters
Playwright:
Patricia Buckly
Director:
Michele Chivo
Cast:
Patricia Buckly
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