This Day Forward

This Day Forward

Vineyard Theatre

November 5, 2016

Photo courtesy of Vineyard Theatre

This Day Forward is Nicky Silver’s new play presently in previews at Vineyard Theatre.  The two acts of this funny and dark play are set forty-six years apart, and portray how a decision made at a turning point in life can have a lasting effect.  Director Mark Brokaw successfully takes the high arc of dramatic action all the way through to the end of the journey of the play.  The production has an amazing ensemble, most of whom play different characters in each act.

The first act takes place at the St. Regis Hotel in 1958 on the wedding night of Martin (played by Michael Cane) and Irene (played by Holly Fain).  He is head over heels in love, and she is nervous about telling him something she knows will upset him.  She finally blurts it out and sets into motion the course of the rest of their lives.  Act II takes place forty-six years later in 2004, where the fruits of their lives are displayed for all to see.

The Cast of This Day Forward
Photo courtesy of Vineyard Theatre

Holly Fain is bright and charismatic as young Irene.  She is an optimistic and adorable bride.  She has moments that reveal her darker, antagonistic side that are truly hysterical and foretelling.  June Gable shines in Act II as the older Irene.  She carries the forty-six year history of this character in every cell of her body and glance of her eyes.  In Act I Ms. Gable provides tremendous comic relief and insight into the mindset of the time period as a maid at the St. Regis Hotel.  She is wonderfully impactful.  Michael Crane is vulnerable and eager as the young Martin in Act I, and brings a depth and determination to his role of Noah in Act II.  Francesca Faridany is explosive, both funny and disturbing, as Sheila in Act II.  Andrew Burnap is humorous as Donald in Act I, and charming and sensitive as Leo in Act II.  Joe Tippett is rough, tough, and loveable as Emil.

The first act is funny.  It is set in an idealistic time with a number of twists that set up infinite possibilities, and Mr. Silver skillfully utilizes every one of them.  The second act delivers the punch.  It is biting and realistic, and speaks to what is most valuable in life.  The irony is that this message comes from a character who never attained it.  This Day Forward runs at Vineyard Theatre through December 18.

Domenick Danza