Logan Fringe Art Space: Upstairs
Remaining Performances (tickets available here):
Saturday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 19 at 9:15 p.m.
Wednesday, July 22 at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 25 at 2:30 p.m.
They Say: From 1932 to 2012 a total number of 314 people have jumped off the George Washington Bridge. 314 people whose lives were taken on that bridge. But who will be the 315th?
Gabi’s Take: Wrought with palpable intensity, THE Theatre Company’s 315 offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of four young students—-each are struggling to navigate through insecurity, depression, and sexual discovery. While three reach epiphanies, one submits to suicide, and the audience doesn’t learn who survives until the last moment.
Delivered in documentary-style increments, viewers are left to piecemeal the events that led to the night the 315th person jumped off the George Washington Bridge. Set on a circular stage, we spectate two emotionally turbulent friendships. Philip Da Costa delivers a powerful portrayal of Phil, a student suffering from depression. He finds relief in his friendship with outgoing and deceptively insecure Ashley (Kelly Ohanian). Spirited Colby (Moly Janiga) desperately seeks validation as an artist while her loyal friend Sam (Allie O’Donnell) struggles to set her romantic feelings aside for Colby as she offers support. By the end, their lives intersect tragically and beautifully.
At times, some of the character development seems to take a back seat when passionate and inflammatory arguments implode onstage. One could argue that not enough time is given in order for the audience to develop a significant amount of pathos, but it’s worth noting that the pacing and delivery made up for the facile dialogue. From the very beginning, the audience was entranced by the strong performances of the cast members, and the emotional reaction to the discovery of the 315th victim caught viewers by surprise—-many were brought to tears.
See it if: You’d like to take a break from lighthearted Fringeworthy performances and you’re in the mood for something dark.
Skip it if: If you’re worried about people seeing what your cry face looks like.
Photo courtesy of THE Theatre Company