The Underlying Chris

The Underlying Chris

Second Stage Theater

Tony Kiser Theater

November 10, 2019

Photo courtesy of Second Stage Theater

Will Eno’s The Underlying Chris is a touching and provocative exploration about the continuity of life.  The Second Stage Theater production is beautifully directed by Kenny Leon.  Scenic design by Arnulfo Maldonado keeps the action flowing smoothly, connecting scenes that often span a number of years.  The cast changes roles from scene to scene, creating memorable and truthful moments that heighten your interest and propel the action forward.

It starts with a birth.  Chris is laying in his bassinette, while his mother is on the phone making an appointment with the pediatrician.  She is concerned because Chris seemed to have sustained a slight injury while playing with a large stuffed toy.  In the next scene Chris is a young boy, telling his nanny about his swimming lessons and aspirations to learn to dive.  He still feels the twinge in his back from his earlier injury.  The scene that follows finds Chris, a teenage girl, in a hospital being examined by a doctor after a diving accident.  We follow Chris as he/she grows to an adult, then a senior citizen.  In each scene the character is played by a different actor of a different gender and/or race.  Chris’ story continues to build, giving each audience member a specific opportunity to relate and identify.  This life story seems to encompass all of us.

The Full Cast of The Underlying Chris
Photo courtesy of Second Stage Theater

Will Eno sets up the structure and device of this journey right away.  Once you buy into it, the connecting messages ring with clarity and truth.  His writing, which seems simple at first, dives deep to the heart of a larger thematic message.  The dialogue is skillfully crafted and his subtle through line is prolifically structured.  The cast does a phenomenal job engaging the audience in this exploration.

The Underlying Chris is playing at the Tony Kiser Theater through December 15.  You’ve got to see it!

Domenick Danza