Cal in Camo

Cal in Camo

Rattlestick Playwrights Theater

May 14, 2016

Photo courtesy of Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre

Cal in Camo is a gripping play by William Francis Hoffman presently receiving its world premiere at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater.  The play explores the yearning for family and the struggle for connection.  The script is concisely written.  Adrienne Campbell-Holt’s direction is focused and emotionally driven.  The producing partnership of Colt Coeur and Rattlestick Playwrights Theater has ignited a fire with this play that touches a nerve. 

Katya Campbell & Paul Wesley
Photo courtesy of Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre

Cal (played by Katya Campbell) is a new mom who is having trouble bonding with her new born because she is unable to produce milk.  She convinced her salesman husband, Tim (played by David Harbour), to move to a housing development in the suburbs.  He is having difficulty gaining a foothold in his new territory.  Cal’s brother, Flynt (played by Paul Wesley), just lost his wife, and is coming to stay with them.  The stress of this visit could prove too much for Cal and Tim, yet Flynt’s simplistic view and insightful understanding of the forces of nature becomes a healing point of view for all of them.

Paul Wesley & David Harbour
Photo courtesy of Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre

Katya Campbell’s intense portrayal of Cal is riveting, and counterbalanced by David Harbour’s quirky and humorous interpretation of Tim.  Together they create a dynamic lense for the audience to get a glimpse into the underlying truth of their relationship.  Paul Wesley gives a stark and honest performance as Flynt.  His demeanor and pacing gives the play a sense of calm that allows the action to smoothly move from moment to moment.  These are three strong actors who skillfully work together to viscerally connect the audience to the struggle of their characters and engage them in the journey of the play.

Mr. Hoffman’s writing is realistic, straightforward, and succinct.  His characters are genuine and earnest.  He is definitely a playwright to be followed.  Cal in Cam runs at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater in the West Village through June 12.

Domenick Danza