Someone Spectacular

 Someone Spectacular
The Linney Theatre
The Pershing Square Signature Center
August 7, 2024 

Photo courtesy of B3-A12 Productions

Doménica Feraud’s play, Someone Spectacular, is a bold and fearless journey through grief and pain.  It is a skillfully written ensemble piece.  Each of the six characters have a clear arc of self-awareness before arriving at a place of connection and acceptance.  Director Tatiana Pandiani finds each distinct beat of action that allows the focus to seamlessly shift from one character to the other.  This amazing cast dives deep into every moment, revealing their characters’ hopes, while facing overwhelming sorrow.

It's Wednesday night, and one by one the participants arrive for their group session.  When Beth, the counselor, is late, they are unsure of what to do.  Nelle (played by Alison Cimmet) is anxious to begin.  The grief over the loss of her sister provokes her to be abrupt and confrontational.  Jude (played by Delia Cunningham) is new to the group, and reluctant to start without Beth.  She had a miscarriage and does not know how to mourn the loss of her unborn son.  They take a vote and proceed.  Lily (played by Ana Cruz Kayne) wants to skip the check-in procedure and get right to the sharing.  Her grief over the death of her mother has left her exposed and angry.  Evelyn (played by Gamze Ceylan) also lost her mother, but is struggling with her feelings over their tumultuous relationship.  Julian (played by Shakur Tolliver) lost his aunt, who was a caring mother figure for most of his life.  Thom (played by Damian Young) lost his wife after thirty years of marriage.  Without Beth to create a safe space and guide them through their interactions, these six participants cross boundaries and push each other past their limitations.  They are all concerned about Beth’s absence, yet they use the time to face their feelings and strengthen their bond.  

Delia Cunningham, Gamze Ceylan, Ana Cruz Kayne, & Damian Young
Photo courtesy of B3-A12 Productions

The environment these actors create is full of anxiety and hostility.  That stress is broken by laughter from the audience.  The more the audience reacts this way, the more honest the events feel.  There are aspects of each of the characters that are highly unlikeable.  They tend to be impatient, direct, and, at times, cruel.  It is their vulnerability that makes them genuine and endearing.  They each expose their soft side when it is least expected, shifting the trajectory of the action.  As they share their personal goals, a glimmer of hope rises in each of them.  Their sincere support of one another is as bold and blatant as their expressions of anguish.  This is good acting under masterful directing.

Someone Spectacular is playing at the Pershing Square Signature Center through September 7.  It is a beautifully crafted play that you must experience first-hand. 

Domenick Danza