Do any of us really have life under control?
When we meet her, scientist Juliana Smithton (Tina Machele Brown) seems to. She’s a researcher in her early 50s; her field, proteins. Lately she’s abandoned the lab for the huckster’s podium, where she shills for Identamyl, a memory improver invented by her company.
Juliana is married to 50-plus oncologist Ian (Nick Young). Ian has recently asked for a divorce. They have a daughter named Laurel (Emily Jerez), who ran off at a young age to marry a much-older man named Richard Stillner (Jaden Guerrero), and whom they almost never see.
But Playwright Share White hasn’t given us a standard family drama. Instead, she’s wound this taut 70-minute piece so tightly that we’re never quite sure whether we’re in real life, fantasy or some other reality altogether.
At some point, Juliana will tell Ian that she’d had an “episode.” I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll stop here.
Duane McGregor’s set features pieces of white, not quite see-through white fabric put together, reflecting the enigmatic nature of the script. The unusual lighting (by Kevin “Blax” Burroughs) and sound (Jaden Guerrero) also add mystery.
The actors are all excellent, and though you may leave this show wondering exactly what it’s telling you, you’ll know you’ve seen important theater.
“The Other Place” runs through April 17 at OnStage Playhouse, 291 Third Avenue in Chula Vista.
Shows are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tickets ($22-$25): (619) 422-7787 or onstageplayhouse.org
COVID PROTOCOL: Proof of vaccination required. Masks required at all times.
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