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Regional Reviews: Washington, D.C. Wipeout Also see Susan's review of A Wrinkle in Time
While the action takes place in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Santa Cruz, California, director Danilo Gambini and the design team have devised a less literal setting in the intimate theater space. Blaze (Alec Ludacka), the surfing instructor, teaches the women the proper techniques for pursuing a wave–but the action comes to life inside the beachside house of group organizer Claudia (Jacobson). Jimmy Stubbs' set design uses indoor furniture such as tabletops and upholstered chairs as settings for exploration in the ocean near the shore. Similarly, Valerie Therese Bart's costumes define the women's personalities without using swimwear: a simple blouse and pants for Claudia, a flowing pink dress and multicolored wrap for Wynn (Delissa Reynolds), and a flowered shirt and knee pants for Gary (Katherine Cortez). Surfing in this play also serves as a symbol of maintaining independence, an issue these post-retirement-age women must face on a daily basis. They have known each other since their school days and things are getting more difficult as the years pass. Claudia tries to hold the group together as Wynn is facing marital problems and, more worryingly, Gary is slipping into dementia. At the same time, Blaze has his own issues behind the façade of the kid who lives to surf. All four of the actors give well-thought-out performances that incorporate levity and avoid smugness. Wipeout runs through July 27, 2025, at Studio Theatre, Milton Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW, Washington DC. For tickets and information, please call 202-332-3300 or visit www.studiotheatre.org. By Aurora Real de Asua Cast: |
