What I liked
As an audience member one of the earmarks of a successful show is if I feel something.
Blackbird will make you feel.
There are 2 master strokes in the narrative that took me on a journey in directions that ran the range of emotions. Without spoiling the story I can speak to them but only generally.
At first, we meet two people who have a past. The dialog is clever in setting up the 2 characters and once you think you have a pretty good understanding of the dynamic of these people there is a significant detail of this relationship that is revealed.
This is where you come in.
You are going to have to have an opinion on this relationship. it is unavoidable. How you let this first major turn land on you is going to color who you pay attention to and what information you want to believe.
The second master stroke comes in toward the end when we meet the third and last character. Again, without spoilers I can say that the role the third part plays serves as a stark reminder of what the core of the play speaks to.
This is a complicated show filled with complicated issues.
Charlotte Gulezian is captivating. She is tough, she is vulnerable, she is honest. There are a lot of layers that make up the chapters in the life leading up to the window of time we witness and I could feel that she had gone though them all to come to where she is. She never asks for your sympathy but you give it to her because she is so hurt as she tries to get some kind of closure.
Bradley Fisher posses a sincerity and weariness to his soul that perfectly accents the journey to this room. Once you hear the first plot turn it is hard to listen to him without dismissing his position but he has an answer for doubt. Bradley doesn’t let you vilify him and that takes a lot of work which he does well.
What I didn't like
There is not much to dislike here.
This is a thinking show. I suppose if you don’t wish to be challenged or have a difficult time with sensitive subject mater this might hit you in a place you don’t want to explore.
My overall impression
Great show.
Anna Stromberg has a steady grasp on the vision. She avoids commenting on the situation and puts trust in her actors and you to make your own conclusions.
The set design is great. It places you in a break room of a nameless business complex in the middle of nowhere.
The lighting is perfect. Florescent tubes sell the location but drop away to design moments that talk both characters out of the room and into new places.
The sound is in harmony with all the elements and scenes within the room and in the imagination.
It’s run very tight and the venue is nice and intimate, which is ideal for this kind of story (in my opinion).
All proceeds for Blackbird go to the LGBT Center so not only are you getting some great theater you are supporting a fantastic cause.
