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ICU


Reviewed by Vanessa Cate
Circle X Theatre Co. at Atwater Village Theatre
Through Oct. 31

RECOMMENDED:

Instead of walking into a black box theater, it felt as though I’d entered a hospital waiting room – coffee machine, old magazines and all. The stark lighting familiar from anyone who’s had to wait in such a place remained consistent throughout, creating — with smart scenic design by Amanda Knehans — a theater in the round in which the audience themselves were background characters.

In the center of the waiting area, a stressed out daughter (Dagney Kerr) worries about her brother Brian (Tony DeCarlo) who may be dying in the other room. To make matters worse, she must contend with her overbearing parents (Caroline Aaron and Joe Pacheco) and a suspicious stranger (Doug Sutherland) who insists on making amends with Brian before he drifts away. Meanwhile, the charge nurse (Ericka Kreutz) and Dr. Gelber (Shaun Anthony) struggle to keep it all together.

Playwright Fielding Edlow devises familial dynamics and sharp dialogue. As a comedy, the show is a true success. As a drama, at times the tale moves from poignant to melodramatic, and from gripping to implausible.

Director Brian Shnipper stages the characters nicely, and he really allows them to come to life and be seen from all angles. Though it is at times trying to sit through another yelling match, or having to hear, “Brian is DYING!” one more time, overall the show is entirely gripping, and worth seeing for such a strong cast alone.


Circle X Theatre Co. at Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90039; Thurs. – Sat., 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m.; through Oct. 31 (323)644-1929, www.circlextheatre.org; Running time approximately 2 hours with one fifteen-minute intermission.