A Life

A Life

Peter Jay Sharp Theater

Playwrights Horizons

December 3, 2016

Photo courtesy of Playwrights Horizons

David Hyde Pierce is mesmerizing in A Life at Playwrights Horizons.  Adam Bock’s script is powerful.  He boldly dives into the deep end of this subject matter, bringing his audience through mystery, fear, and uncertainty.  Anne Kauffman skillfully directs a stellar cast, creating uncomfortable realities and masterful long silences that allow the audience to process the action of the play.

Nate (played by David Hyde Pierce) has just broken up with his boyfriend, Mark.  He is painstakingly searching both their astrological charts to find the truth behind the split.  He connects with his friend, Curtis (played by Brad Heberlee), who tries to convince him to call Mark.  The unexpected takes place, which changes everything.

Brad Heberlee & David hyde Pierce
Photo courtesy of Playwrights Horizons

David Hyde Pierce is on stage alone for the first twenty minute of the play.  He is captivating and witty as Nate.  He creates a probing, flawed, and highly likeable character.  Brad Heberlee is funny and charming as Curtis.  They have a great chemistry, and develop traits that are opposite and complementary.  Adam Bock’s writing gives them a wide range of emotion and detail to portray and personalize, and they make the most of it.

The set, designed by Laura Jellinek, is simple and functional.  It is the transitions of the three sets that are truly breathtaking.  They smoothly flip back in a stunning and effective manner that is only heightened by the fact that it is all taking place on the small, limited stage of the Peter Jay Sharp Theater.

Playwright Adam Bock

Unfortunately, the Playwrights Horizons production closed on December 4 after a well-deserved extended run.  Pick up a copy of the script and read it.  Keep your eyes open for regional theatre productions.  A Life will stun and challenge you.

Domenick Danza