THE PLAY: A woman who gives lectures about evolution at a science museum starts believing in the possibility of intelligent design. This causes conflict with her boss, while creating hope for her daughter’s autism.

 

THE PRODUCTION: As you might expect from the plot, this play is heavy on the controversy between evolution and creationism. Actually, it’s transparent dialogue makes it more a debate than a drama (with an autistic angle). Jill Bari Steinberg embraces her conflict with subdued naturalism, Amy Berlin does an admirable job of effectively handling her transparent polemic and Emma Grace Bailey captures her characters autistic qualities. Although adequate in early scenes, Scott Melton doesn’t live up to the demands of his character’s distress. Director Zachary Owen has let a quiet pace and static staging hamper any intensity that might have given the production emotional resonance. There’s not really a set, just a few pieces of furniture and a screen for projections.

 

THE POINT: This is a low-key drama that depends too much on the message instead of creating a dramatic experience.

 

(3 / 5)

 

At HATTheatre thru 3/13