72 Miles to Go…

72 Miles to Go…

Roundabout Theatre Company

Laura Pels Theatre

February 29, 2019

Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

72 Miles to Go… is the story of an American family.  Playwright Hilary Bettis writes characters you enjoy getting to know.  You care about their feelings throughout the ninety-minute play.  You grow with them over the course of the eight-year story.  You continue to hope for their well being after the show is over.

Eva (played by Jacqueline Guillén) is starting her senior year of high school.  She is worried that her brother, Aaron (played by Tyler Alvarez), will be picked on during his freshman year.  Aaron is upset that his older brother, Christian (played by Bobby Moreno), did not come home last night.  He is a bad driver.  They are all relieved when Christian shows up with a box of donuts for Aaron’s first day of high school and find out he spent the night at his girlfriend’s.  Their father, Billy (played by Triney Sandoval), wants to cook them all breakfast, but first they call their mother, Anita (played by Maria Elena Ramirez).  She was departed to Mexico.  She applied for re-entry and promises Eva that she will be home by graduation day.  When Anita’s application for re-entry is denied, Billy unsuccessfully attempts to smuggle her back home.  The consequences of this are felt by the all of them.  No matter what challenge they face, this family is held together by an indestructible bond of love.

Bobby Moreno & Tyler Alvarez
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Each scene builds to truthful, powerful moments between the characters, and this cast skillfully succeeds at delivering every one of them.  Their challenges are real and their troubles are great, yet these characters persevere.  Each actor builds their character on a foundation of hope and belief.  It drives every scene.  It keeps the audience connected and engaged.

Jo Bonney masterfully directs this touching and timely story that brings awareness to the facts and fears families face within our communities on a daily basis.  72 Miles to Go… is playing at Roundabout Theatre Company’s Laura Pels Theatre through May 3.

Domenick Danza