Bobbie Clearly

Bobbie Clearly

Roundabout Theatre Company

Roundabout Underground

Black Box Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre

April 28, 2018

Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company

Playwright Alex Lubischer makes powerful and poignant statements about compassion and forgiveness in his play Bobby Clearly, then presents you with the harsh reality that taking those actions do not make your experiences any less overwhelming.  His play is structured in such a way that the audience is constantly questioning and wanting to know more.  His characters are well developed and grow over the ten year span of the play’s events.  Director Will Davis finds every intimate moment for this amazing cast to connect truthfully to one another and the audience.  The staging choices are perfect, allowing every person in the black box theatre to be a part of the emotional journey of the characters.  

In 2006 a tragic event occurred that changed the lives of the people of Milton, Nebraska.  Teenager Bobby Clearly (played by Ethan Dubin) brutally murdered Casey Welch in a cornfield.  Officer Darla London (played by Constance Shulman) recounts her connection to Bobby as a young boy and the events leading up to the tragic night.  Casey’s mother, Jane Welch (played by Crystal Finn) decides to present a talent show in her daughter’s memory, which over the years becomes a fundraiser in support of a not-for-profit organization to assist families in crisis.  The community’s optimism and compassion move them forward, yet when Bobbie is released from prison, their forgiveness and healing are put to the test.

Constance Shulman as Officer Darla London
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

The cast is a true ensemble, building relationships that grow over time and reflect honest responses to a tragic event.  Constance Shulman (as Officer Darla) opens and closes the play with monologues that frame the experiences of all the characters.  She becomes the through line that keeps the action moving.  With this character Mr. Lubischer successfully creates an objective observer to the action.  She is able to comment on and propel the action forward.  He brilliantly uses this character to the fullest capacity.

Ethan Dubin as Bobbie Clearly\
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Mr. Lubischer sets up the premise that the characters are all being interviewed for a documentary about Casey Welch and Bobbie Clearly.  This allows the characters to go back and forth from direct address monologues to present moment scenes.  Their reminiscence of fact ignites the dialogue scenes, revealing the emotional levels of the characters.  It is in this understanding that the story is told.  How much is denial?  How much is truth?  How honest is their forgiveness?  What is the capacity of their bond of compassion?  Mr. Lubischer takes these raw emotions to the breaking point in an unexpected climactic Act III.  He delivers a powerful punch in the final moments of his skillfully crafted play, leaving everyone deep in thought.

You only have one more week to see Bobbie Clearly.  It is playing at the Roundabout Underground Black Box at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre through May 6.  Try not to miss it!

Domenick Danza