Sand Moon

Reviewed by Julia Stier
CoLaboratory and Son of Semele
Through April 28

As you enter the theatre, it’s impossible to ignore the fog. A thick haze fills the room, and from the moment you sit down, you are enveloped in the cloud. This aspect of the set design of Sand Moon — written and directed by Liz Lanier — becomes a metaphor for the entire show. As the production plays on, the fog literally lifts, and the facades fall away as the characters in this family drama reveal their true selves.

A family vacation goes awry when a mix of alcohol, arguments and bold personalities clash. When Caitlyn goes on vacation with her boyfriend Trent’s family, all begins well. His family adores her for being such a positive influence on the eccentric Trent. However, things take a turn when, during a night of drinking with the other girls on the trip — Trent’s best friend Georgie, his sister Val, and Val’s girlfriend Billie — Caitlyn starts to confess some very unsettling things about Trent.

Shayna Jackson is delightful as Caitlyn. Intelligent and passionate about her work, Caitlyn also has issues with alcohol, a fact Trent uses to undermine her claims of abuse. James Ferrero as Trent effortlessly turns on a dime, transforming from slightly quirky to obsessive and sinister. John K. Linton is intense as the bullying father Harold, and Barb Rossmeisl plays his foil as the doting mother, Lori. Miriam Salamah as Georgie, Taylor Hawthorne as Val, and Mehrnaz Mohammadi as Billie each bring distinct personalities to their characters. Mohammadi especially adds a layer of love to the production as the strong-willed girlfriend of Val.

This story takes place in both Caitlyn’s present and past. Scot Carlisle’s scenic design incorporates key pieces of furniture that are easily shifted between door room (past) and living room (present). The trendy costume design (uncredited) places the production in modern times, highlighting the fact that the issues addressed are still very real and very present in today’s society.

Sand Moon offers a profound look at the intricacies of domestic abuse, both physical and emotional, and a glimpse of the manipulative power of gaslighting. The unexpected turn the narrative takes excellently mirrors how quickly things can change for the worse. It’s an intense and thought-provoking play that ends on an empowering note.

Son of Semele Theatre, 3301 Beverly Blvd., Rampart Village; Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. & 8 p.m.; through Apr. 28. https://www.artful.ly/son-of-semele-ensemble. Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission.