SEVEN

“Seven,” at the Hobgoblin Playhouse, written and directed by Gerald James, is a unique exploration of relationships colliding in an imaginary space of thoughts coming too fast to process, of time that doesn’t begin and never stops. The scenes purposefully interrupt each other to suggest the random and uncontrollable engine of desire. Within that structure, pockets humor burst. The characters, all young men and women, perhaps straight or gay, seem swept up in trying to articulate their relationships, but end up becoming mere passengers in the mysterious wake of where love, sex and desire might take them. Every scene is unresolved. Every moment is contrapuntal, in a minor key, and as a result, has a nice, bitter tang to it. The actors are ... full review

“Seven” is a moving piece served by an excellent cast who each get multiple opportunities to shine and demonstrate their range. At its best moments, it’s thoroughly captivating. The few sections that feel like they may still be developing remain engaging and hold resonance. There’s a lot of truth here, not all of it easy. But it’s the kind of truth that brings clarity, as watching others go through it helps us to recognize things about ourselves. You will likely hear voices that remind you of your own. Other voices may be achingly reminiscent of past loves. The mix of gender pairings here is varied and satisfying. Gender stereotypes are referenced, but instead of laborious tropes, we are given textured representations of how people experi... full review

It was a well-written script acted by great young actors. Reminded me the anxiety of my youth about love, romance, relationships. Deep thoughts and very engaging. I loved it.... full review

I was fortunate to see Gerald James‘s SEVEN on preview night Saturday, June 7. Curious to find meaning in the title SEVEN and its tagline “Learning lessons from those who only know a few of the rules”, I found the play to be a compelling exploration of the search for love through the eyes of seven young adults navigating their way through seven different intertwined relationships. Regardless of your orientation there’s something for everyone. ... full review

A provocative and thoughtful look at the need for love, compassion, and the beautiful simplicity of touch.... full review

Countless aspects of relationships were covered---interesting writing and concept--but there wasn't good continuity. And no conclusion. Many good observations on the various flavors of relationships.... full review

Beautiful play with powerful writing and sensitive actors.... full review

The play is structured as a series of small vignettes, each exploring different aspects of relationships. This format allows for a diverse range of perspectives and emotional explorations within a relatively short timeframe. ... full review