I’m Revolting

 I’m Revolting
Atlantic Theater Company
Linda Gross Theater
September 10, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Gracie Gardner’s play, I’m Revolting, is a complex piece of theatre.  It takes place in the waiting room of a skin cancer treatment hospital over the course of one day.  It engages the audience with different points of view through the various character arcs.  Each story line delves into the character’s beliefs and fears.  The full story lands in a place of truth that brings revelation to the experience of the characters.  Director Knud Adams skillfully unites these various story threads by giving each member of this cast the time and space to delve into the needs of their individual character.

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Jonathan (played by Bartley Booz) is reviewing the patient list for the coming day with his colleague and mentor, Denise (played by Portia).  Reggie (played by Alicia Pilgrim) enters.  She is scheduled to have a fairly large carcinoma removed from her nose.  She is scared.  Denise tries to calm her by reviewing the procedure.  Reggie’s sister, Anna (played by Gabby Beans), finally arrives to keep her company, but manages to increase her anxiety level.  Liane (played by Emily Cass McDonnell) shows up with her husband Jordan (played by Glenn Fitzgerald).  She has a large tumor around her eye.  She need support, but her husband is emotionally disengaged.  When Clyde (played by Peter Gerety) arrives, he chats with Reggie, sharing his numerous experiences with the doctors at this hospital and boasting of how he values their expertise.  Toby (played by Patrick Vaill), who has been sleeping in his chair most of the time, is joined by his mother, Paula (played by Laura Easterman).  She loudly talks of self-healing, which pushes a button for the other patients. 

Each character faces their fears and darker self as they wait for the results of their procedure.  Some take it lightly.  Some will carry scars deeper than the ones left from the surgery.  Others might not survive at all. 

The anxieties felt and shared by this cast are genuine.  Reggie chooses to fight.  Alicia Pilgrim plays this character honorably.  Clyde is full of acceptance.  Peter Gerety is bold and brave in the conviction of his character.  Toby is truly scared.  Patrick Vaill portrays the character’s escape through numerous, carefully played tactics.  Paula is broken by her outcome.  Laura Easterman unapologetically shows the character’s willingness to voice her need and accept help. 

The final scene between Denise and Jonathan gives insight to the dedication required to treat patients at their most vulnerable moments.  Portia and Bartley Booz clearly illustrate the seriousness of their characters’ work.  Mistakes can be life threatening.  It is a stunning ending. 

I’m Revolting is playing at Atlantic Theater Company’s Linda Gross Theater through October 16.  It is a thought provoking, wonderfully conceived production.  The cast is excellent. 

Domenick Danza