Review: Studio Theater's MOTHERSTRUCK Strikes a Chord

Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical going into MOTHERSTRUCK at Studio Theater, however not for anything beyond my personal experiences. I was seeing my second ever one-woman piece. Like the first, it involved a mother and pregnancy. So my first thought was: are these playwright/actors so unoriginal?

Ultimately, this was of course not the case. That argument is far too simplistic. To say MOTHERSTRUCK, written and performed by Staceyann Chin, is simply about her trials to get pregnant is an incomplete and underwhelming description. It is about her journey from not wanting to be another statistical single mother in Jamaica to finding herself as a lesbian in New York City wanting nothing but a child. After years of hardcore planning, the sudden changes in Chin's life seem unfair and make you want to laugh and cry. Then you think, her situation, from love to the ticking clock of biology, are problems that most every woman faces, which makes you want to laugh and cry again.

As a 23-year-old from northern Virginia, my life and Chin's have been very different. Also, my desire for a child is still almost at zero. Regardless, Chin was relatable. She was energetic. Ultimately, you have to be those things for a one-person show, but this was unique. I felt like we were in a room, just me and a couple of others. Chin talked to the audience as she would talk to her own friends. She communicated with both her voice and body. She discussed situations that I can't even begin to fathom, but I felt like I was in her shoes.

She was funny, down-to-earth a bit heartbreaking. Under the direction of Matt Torney, her story came to life. With brilliant audio choices and timing, perfect audience interaction, and clear blocking, Torney put the finishing touches on a great piece of theater.

It is amazing to think how much you can do with a show and the impact you can have even with little set and only one actor. For the adventurous theater-goer or for someone who likes a good story, MOTHERSTRUCK should be next on your list.

MOTHERSTRUCK is at Studio Theatre through Oct. 23. Runtime is about 90 minutes without an intermission.

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