Review: Upstream Theater's Haunting SHINING CITY

Everyone needs someone who's a good listener when they're troubled. And, when you find yourself hesitant or unable to open up to a loved one about something, you can always seek out a therapist to talk to. Therapists offer objective observations that allow their patients to express their feelings without the fear of being judged harshly or over-critically. They're also there to provide assistance in modifying behaviors and thought patterns which are affecting your ability to fully function, at least, if they're any good at what they do. But, they're people too. They have their own lives and their own baggage. Playwright Conor McPherson enters this private world with his work, SHINING CITY, a spellbinding examination of a group of people who all seem to have "unfinished business", and as director Toni Dorfman notes in the program, "a need for absolution". Upstream Theater's production is excellent, and I found myself completely immersed to the point where the play lingered in my memory for days after I'd seen it. That's compelling stuff, and it's the type of work that Upstream does on a consistent basis.

Ian has recently completed courses that allow him to start a practice as a therapist. He opens a small office in Dublin, where he also dwells, with the hope of starting a new career after leaving the priesthood. His first patient is John, a man whose wife passed away after being injured in a car accident. It seems he has seen her apparition in the house they shared. With each session he reveals more and more details about his personal life, and the estrangement he felt from his wife, which resulted in an awkward attempt at an affair, and an equally unsuccessful visit to a brothel. A genuine sense of guilt has brought him to this point in his life. Neasa arrives and confronts Ian about the child they have conceived and his intentions for them as couple. But, Ian isn't ready to commit, and when he later brings back a young male prostitute named Laurence to his abode, it's clear that part of his problems with Neasa are related to his own confusion over his sexuality.

Christopher Harris convinces as Ian, deftly conveying the character's mixed emotions. He's a therapist in need of his own therapist to help him sort through his conflicted feelings. Jerry Vogel gives us another intensely believable portrayal in the role of John. He finds an empathetic ear in Ian, and confides his perceived sins as he relates the problems he's having. I've never seen Vogel deliver anything but perfection as an actor, and I'm constantly amazed at the way he genuinely takes on the characteristics of each role he plays. Em Piro also delivers as Neasa, giving a stellar performance as she tries desperately to get Ian to make their union official, while dancing around the fact that she may have been less than faithful while waiting for him to decide what he should do. Pete Winfrey is splendid as Laurence, dealing with his own particular troubles, while also trying to assuage the uncertainty of the understandably nervous Ian during their encounter.

Toni Dorman's direction allows a talented cast to fully settle into their roles, so that we almost feel like we're eavesdropping as an audience when we watch these scenes play out. The effect is mesmerizing, and both deserve credit for their efforts. I also appreciate the fact that the Irish accents utilized are true to the source material, and very well done, but never distract or go over the top. Michael Heil's scenic design neatly conjures up Ian's sparsely appointed office (props by Claudia Horn), but never pull focus from the characters. Bonnie Kruger's costumes act in the same way, outfitting the characters in a way that just seems natural. Steve Carmichael contributes an equally effective lighting scheme. Farshid Soltanshahi adds to the overall mood with bluesy acoustic interludes.

Upstream Theater's production of SHINING CITY packs a wallop, especially when you least expect it (no spoilers here). Continuing their remarkable string of memorable and noteworthy presentations, this show continues through February 14, 2016.

Photo credit: ProPhotoSTL

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