MAPLETON — Performed outdoors in a quaint open field, the fittingly named Daydreamer Theatre’s Constellations, is a dreamily contemplative and intimate production. Sitting on a blanket under the stars and nestled between the rustling trees, the natural environment offers a unique sensory experience, setting the tone for an astounding and awe-inspiring story of love, loss, physics and how the choices we make echo through time.
Constellations, written by Nick Payne, is a two person play following the relationship between beekeeper Roland (played by Kacey Spadafora), and theoretical physicist, Marianne (Liz Whittaker). Through unconventional storytelling where scenes take place non-chronologically and are repeated in alternate realities and multiple dimensions, the couple’s relationship plays out across a seemingly infinite number of parallel versions of existence with infinite possibilities. The play explores themes of destiny, free will, and how the choices that we make can affect our future, potentially leading to a multitude of different outcomes.
Originating as a passion project for Spadafora and Whittaker, the two share a compelling chemistry and are consistently able to play off one another to create believable and intimate interactions. They were intriguing to watch as they created slightly different versions of their character’s every few moments. Both actors were able to keep their performances fresh and interesting, an impressive task when dealing with a copious amount of repetitive dialogue.
Constellations plays through August 25 | Photo Credit : Laura Chapman (Header by Alexis Boss).
Whittaker was especially charming and dynamic, able to lean into certain traits to cause differing interactions. Her subtle changes in tone, emotion and body language from scene to scene is executed successfully, making each scene a believable, plausible outcome while showcasing her emotional range. A notable scene took place in a universe where the characters communicate through American Sign Language (ASL). While there was no audible dialogue, it was clear from the realistic acting what the characters were feeling and the impact of the heavy scene. While both actors were strong all around, the only weak spot was in Spadafora’s British accent that seemed to be more prevalent at times than others.
Directed by Alexis Boss, I appreciated how the storytelling was able to focus on relationship dynamics and the depth of connection between the characters. As the audience ventures on a journey with Roland and Marianne, we get to see them intertwining their lives in various scenarios, providing a unique and profound look into both ends of the spectrum of the good and bad of a relationship. Constellations emphasizes the nuanced complexity of romantic relationships and all the different ways those nuances can take shape.
With tight direction overall, Boss makes good use of the tiny stage and simple set, using levels and movement throughout to maintain interesting images. The actors are constantly shifting to accommodate the changing timelines and this is always done with intention and sensibility. Adam Gowers’ simple and subtle lighting design helps to indicate scene changes and different timelines, as well as complements the varying mood of the timeline. The actors and stage were well lit and visible throughout despite the limitations of being outdoors.
Perhaps the most impressive element of the production is the sound design, also by Whittaker. The production utilizes direct headphone audio where actors’ voices, music, and sound effects are transmitted via FM radio. Each audience member is given a personal radio device and wired earbuds upon arrival. This technique worked incredibly well to create an intimate and immersive experience, blocking out any distracting ambient noise and ensuring that all dialogue and intended sound is clearly heard. I appreciated how the sound effects and music indicated alternate timelines or dimensions, especially the laugh track that framed one scene as a sitcom version of reality.
Constellations is a touching, grounded romance that shows us all that could be and all that never was. The play’s subject matter, interspersed with many moments of humor and delight, is heartbreaking but hopeful at the same time. Ultimately, the thoughtful production made me feel grateful for my existence, human connection, and the time that I have – whether that be in a linear or more abstract sense. One of the many reasons I love theatre is that it often reminds me of my humanity and the things that matter most to me. I thank Daydreamer Theatre for this opportunity, and as the company so poignantly puts it, “experience the beauty and complexity of each moment feeling both ephemeral and eternal,” with Constellations.
