Lost in Time

Reviewed by Julia Stier
Ensemble Studio Theatre/LA
Through October 21

RECOMMENDED

When the past becomes the present, can you change the future? In Tony Pasqualini’s new play, Lost in Time— which is having its premiere production at the Ensemble Studio Theatre/LA under the direction of Keith Szarabajka — Danny (Kevin Comartin) finds himself transported 40 years into his own past. In an attempt to rectify the wrongs he committed in his marriage, he tries to use this unique opportunity to make things right. However, the more he gets lost in this new life, the more the future he left behind becomes distant and irretrievable.

When he wakes up 40 years in his past, Danny is understandably stunned — and Comartin, with his dazed looks and frantic energy, nails the comedy of this opening scene. We are then introduced to his roommate, the slightly immature, yet instantly lovable Robert (Andy Shephard). When Danny makes the trek from Boston to Vermont to meet his not-yet wife, Gwen (Tarah Pollock), he encounters Gwen’s rebellious older sister, Amy (Tonya Cornelisse). Witnessing Gwen struggle against her inexplicable attraction to Danny (remember, in this alternate version of the past, he’s practically a stranger) is fascinating; what is particularly endearing, however, is watching the budding friendship between Robert and Amy, and the obvious crush he develops on her after she comes up to Boston for a visit.

Lost in Time puts a wonderful twist on a classic trope. This thought-provoking text is beautifully staged by director Szarabajka and enacted by an incredibly talented ensemble. Cornelisse and Shephard are both electrifying to watch. The former dares and entices with her brassy attitude and bold swagger, yet she’s utterly heartbreaking when she lets her guard down. Shephard’s versatility is what makes his character come alive. He switches from stoner to scholar, bawdy to bashful, and infuses it all with sincerity. Comartin and Pollock both bring a truthful clarity to their roles; theirs is a story of love, plain and simple — it doesn’t need all the dramatics.

Stephen George’s noteworthy sound design ingeniously uses music to establish the time shifts and to highlight certain themes. Right at the top, a medley of songs ranging from Ed Sheeran to Michael Jackson conveys us on a musical journey to the past and plops us down in 1974. Additionally, Amanda Knehan’s scenic design, with its orange and green color accents, expertly captures the palette of the 70s.

EST/LA in the Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 4 p.m.; through Oct. 21. https://estlosangeles.org/. Running time: two hours with a 10-minute intermission.