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Regional Reviews: Washington, D.C. A Wrinkle in Time
L'Engle's 1962 story describes how the two children of a scientist and their best friend enter into a galactic search for their father, who vanished while seeking out unexplored dimensions in the universe. Meg Murry (Taylor Iman Jones), joined by younger brother Charles Wallace (Mateo Lizcano) and school friend Calvin (Nicholas Barron), don't go looking for this adventure; it comes to them through the cheerful intervention of the otherworldly Mrs Whatsit (Amber Gray), Mrs Who (Stacey Sergeant), and Mrs Which (Vicki Lewis). Evans has worked with her cast, including a sizable and shape-shifting ensemble, to create unique characters without exaggerating their performances. With a story that includes both a malevolent force casting a shadow over entire planets and a civilization of large, dark, forbidding-looking creatures (well imagined by costume designer Sarafina Bush, who also created extremely tall Beasts in one scene), the actors succeed in remaining grounded in their own reality. Jones serves as the heart of the production, a teenage girl who feels her emotions so keenly that she thinks of herself as living "inside out." From uncertainty to determination, she holds the audience's attention. Lizcano ably conveys Charles Wallace's challenges, especially in a tense duet with Michael Di Liberto as a character called the Man with the Red Eyes, while Gray, Sergeant, and Lewis charm and delight as they guide the protagonists. The set design by dots finds ingenious ways to fill the Kreeger stage, from a billowing curtain enclosing the space to placing the musicians on two levels at stage left and right. Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew's lighting design adds to the visual appeal, especially in its use of intense red and violet to set moods. Music director and conductor Ben Moss skillfully guides the musicians, and Ani Taj's choreography maximizes the impact of each moment. Christian's songs are sometimes propulsive, sometimes meditative, but always serve the moment. A Wrinkle in Time runs through July 20, 2025, at Arena Stage, Mead Center for American Theater, Kreeger Theater, 1101 6th St. SW, Washington DC. For tickets and information, please call 202-488-3300 or visit www.arenastage.org. Book by Lauren Yee Cast: |
