LET IT GO // A THEATRE REVIEW OF "RED ROOM"
The Shelter has done it again with their latest production, The Red Room by Morgan McGuire. Done what again, you ask? They've done what they do best: foster playwrights to soar in their field. Let me first start by introducing you to The Shelter. They call themselves "A family of artists who create original work for the New York stage". Constantly putting out new works, writers find solace in The Shelter by meeting on a weekly basis. It's clear that the regular attendance heeds consistent artistic growth. New York City is a never-ending well of new plays, thoughts, and ideas. Although The Red Room's concept of a family drama might not be new, McGuire's take on the topic will surely stay seared your mind long after you leave the theatre. As you take your seat, you are immediately drawn in by the set, lights, characters, and world of The Red Room. McGuire's style and tone is gripping, truthful, and almost dangerous. The danger comes from the truth of it--the production cuts to the core of the humanity and does not hold back. We see our protagonist Kate (played by the captivating Meghan E. Jones) helplessly holding on to the past with white knuckles. Although Kate is a very hard character, somewhere along her journey you can't help but feel pity for her. She has made her whole life about the murder of her brother, and even 6 years later she cannot let go. The rest of the cast jives very well asan ensemble, each one grasping the tone and rhythm of the play. Jenny Beth Snyder directs fearlessly and poignantly, creating moments of eggshell walking that vary from lightly treading to stomping without repose.McGuire has written a play that stirs the pot. Its visceral truth is so enthralling and heartbreaking that some audiences might not be able to handle its catharsis. This brave piece of theatre is likewise written for a brave audience, and when it meets its match, magic happens. The Red Room had me leaving the theatre thinking, "They've done it again, they've done it again," and in a city with so much content, consistency and excellence is a good, good thing.
GRADE: A-
WRITTEN BY Morgan McGuire DIRECTED BY Jenny Beth Snyder STARRING Meghan E. Jones, Jessica O'Hara Baker, John DiMino, Thomas F. Walsh, Shelia Stasack, Michael Kingsbaker, Rob Brinkmann, and Orissa Henderson.