My sister is dead. This is how Nocturne starts its look into the narrators physical and mental state after a tragic accident and the results that follow not only him but his family as well.
In this play written by Adam Rapp it tells the story of a son (played by Mark Mieden) who accidently killed his sister (played by Abby Wood) and follows him and his father (played by J Shogren) and mother (played by Tracey Patton) as they struggle to deal with this reality. With a great cast and production crew they make these characters come alive.
From the beginning you are slowly introduced to the story as the narrator paints the background of that tragic night. Seemly leading the audience with stories that don’t have anything to do with each other the picture starts to become clear of what happened. How he killed his sister. Throwing metaphors and imagery like it’s going out of style it assaults you with a variety of images to explain this devastating event. Personally, I thought it was a little much but better safe than sorry, right?
Soon after, the cast is slowly revealed as they react to what happened. You watch the gradual break up of a family as they all go their own way to deal with the death of a daughter, a sister. Showing the pain each family member goes through is hauntingly beautiful as if you’re watching a slow moving train crash filled with Christmas Trees.
You follow the narrator as he adjusts to his new life in New York working at a bookstore. He works to survive in that city until he meets a red headed girl. Things look bright, but eventually a dark turn takes place as the narrator faces continued problems on his road to coping and his pursuit of happiness.
Finally, he moves back to Chicago to see his dad at the end of his life. Trying to reconnect with the man who cast him out so long ago. You could feel the tension in the room. There are tears as finally forgiveness is given. The son moves back to New York to resume his life and you can tell this time is different. This time he finally released something that has held him back so many years. He can forever move on and get his own happy ending or at least one that is not so tragic.
Directed by Anne Mason, this play will make you feel the tragedy as if you were there. The silent pauses leaves you waiting for the next word as you see the decline and redemption of these characters. Relative Theatrics and Dance Studio B know how to put on a show. If you have free time this weekend I would recommend spending the $15 and 90 minutes to see it.
If you look to feel a hauntingly beautiful, emotional ride I would check out the upcoming performances. Performances will be held from Dec. 11 to 13 at the Gryphon Theater at 7:30 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m.
