Little
Bear Ridge Road
Booth Theatre
November 22, 2025
Photo courtesy of Little Bear Ridge Road
Playwright Samuel D. Hunter has outdone himself with Little Bear Ridge Road. His characters are
emotionally raw and intensely self-protective.
Director Joe Mantello creates moments that give the audience focused
insight into the characters. As the
relationships deepen, the characters soften, exposing more of what they fight
to hide from themselves and one another.
The outcome is a visceral understanding of their fears, needs, and hopes.
Ethan (played by Micah Stock) returns to his rural hometown in Idaho after his father passes. He needs to sell his father’s house but first has to get the deed to the property from Sarah, his father’s sister (played by Laurie Metcalf). Knowing he has no place to stay and very little money, Sarah invites him to stay with her until his business is complete. She makes it very clear that she doesn’t like having people in her house. Not having seen one another or spoken in many years, they navigate carefully. After his father’s house is sold, Ethan discovers that Sarah is ill. He feels he should stay to care for her. She refuses his help, but since he has no place else to go, he stays for two years. During that time, they face uncomfortable truths that have emotionally stifled them for decades.
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| Laurie Metcalf & Micah Stock Photo courtesy of Little Bear Ridge Road |
about how they are the last of their family line, then promptly respond with how little it matters to either of them. Regardless of what they say, their connection feels vital. They are linked and in dire need of one another, even though their dialogue and tone say differently. It is this contradiction that draws the audience into the action of the play. We yearn for them to be honest and direct, yet they are incapable of opening up. It is brilliantly written and directed, and these two actors deliver outstanding performances.
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| Laurie Metcalf, John Drea, & Micah Stock Photo courtesy of Little Bear Ridge Road |
John Drea plays James, who becomes Ethan’s boyfriend
over the two years he is staying with Sarah.
James is optimistic and full of life, polar opposite to Sarah and
Ethan. Mr. Drea finds a way to make this
a natural complement to Ms. Metcalf and Mr. Stock’s portrayal of their characters. Their combined energies fill this dark
journey with obstacles and opportunities that emotionally engage every member
of the audience.
Little Bear Ridge Road is a skillfully crafted piece of theatre. The play was commissioned by and received its world premiere at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company. The production is unique in many ways, from the stark, simple set to the genuine portrayal of the need for human contact and emotional healing.
Little Bear Ridge Road is playing at the Booth Theatre through February 15. You’ve got to see it!
Domenick Danza
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