Date: Fri 14-Nov-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: DONNAM

Quick Words:

Lonely-Planet-theatre-April

Full Text:

(rev "Lonely Planet" @Stamford TheatreWorks)

Karp Directs Provocative Entertainment In Stamford

By June April

STAMFORD -- Provocative theatre is what Artistic Director Steve Karp knowingly

and masterfully presents to Stamford TheatreWorks (STW) audiences. Lonely

Planet , on the STW stage until November 23, is a credit to that creed.

This is a hard-hitting play, powerfully acted by William Verderber and Dominic

Comperatore. The silences are as potent as the words. This is an exploration

of a friendship, and the devices people use to deal with death and loss.

Lonely Planet opens explosively, with Carl bursting into his friend Jody's map

store. The counterpoint of their personalities and their mutual grieving leads

the audience into a world of fear, pain and greater awareness.

When plays are about death, they are also about life. What often occurs in the

process of dying is a greater appreciation, understanding and zeal for life.

It is rather ironic that this past two weeks has particularly focused on that

experience for this reviewer. With four death/memorial services, a week-long

program on National Public Radio investigating the "End of Life" and seeing

Wit at Long Wharf II (it dealt with a cancer patient's death and her

relationship with her medical experiences), Lonely Planet served to again

affirm the reality of death as part of the living process, and the need to

value each day and each relationship... for whatever experience it brings.

Provocative does sum it all up, neatly.

The sets at STW productions are always outstanding. Scenic designer Andre

Durette has a gift for creating an environment that is totally believable and

that supports the "reality" of the play. Myriad maps, globes, and some boating

objects give the impression, and almost the smell, of being in an older,

cluttered store.

In conjunction with the set design, Pearl Brom's choice of props brings the

production a realism in that sometimes surreal world of these two friends.

Matthew Zelkowitz' lighting heightened the mood and focus of the action.

This is not a play for children, nor the faint-of-heart or people easily

depressed. It is a challenging trip into the world of AIDS, with touches of

humor and pathos. It is highly recommended to avid theatergoers who appreciate

stimulating stage opportunities.

The directional skills of Steve Karp demonstrate his awareness and

sensitivity. He works with his actors and for this play, met with several men

with AIDS to better understand how to translate the playwright's words into

understood experiences and emotions.

(Tickets for Lonely Planet can be reserved by calling 359-4414. STW's theatre

is at 95 Atlantic Street, Stamford.)