Review: A MIRROR at Prologue Theatre
A Mirror runs at Prologue Theatre through May 17, with performances running Thursday through Sunday.
It’s not uncommon for weddings to go off the rails – major events have a way of doing just that. But when everyone gathers for Leyla and Joel’s wedding in Prologue Theatre’s latest production, Sam Holcroft’s A Mirror, not everything is what it seems, and the wedding quickly goes in a direction you don't expect.
A Mirror is an intense, thoughtful examination of the stories we tell ourselves and others. Throughout the production, the characters are forced to confront their motivations; decisions; and understandings of truth, duty, and hope. The fractures that occur between and within themselves as a result are heartbreaking and revelatory, both for them and for the audience. Holcroft’s intensely beautiful script is full of striking lines that force both the characters and the audience to confront their own narratives (along with some fun quips). Prologue Director Jason Tamborini puts the same level of intensity into the details of the production itself—from adaptable props and set pieces to precise movements from the performers, every bit of minutiae is economic and revelatory. Any piece of art that examines the role art plays runs the risk of naval-gazing, but Holcroft’s script and Tamborini’s direction deftly evade this pitfall, instead creating a pensive and engaging production.
Holcroft’s play is full of twists and turns, surprises and deep, introspective moments. The script is thoughtful and engaging, and Prologue’s presentation of it is masterful. Prologue has shown adeptness in its creation of immersive, layered performances, and A Mirror is a thrilling example of this particular skill. The audience is part of this story, invited to sit on the bride or groom’s side when they enter the theater space. The whole building, an art gallery where the nuptials are set to take place, is decorated with careful details to mark the occasion, from a photo wall with celebratory props to curated artwork on display to puzzles and clues scattered throughout the space and the production itself. Every detail serves the story Prologue is telling from the moment the audience enters, and the immersion elevates the urgency and the sincerity of Holcroft’s thought-provoking work.
Credit for the production’s profound effect should also go to the immensely talented cast. Shaan Sharma brings an intriguing mix of cockiness and pain to his performance, creating a fascinating depth for his character. Jordan Brown subtly evolves throughout the production, portraying a quiet fierceness and sincerity that capture the audience’s sympathy and loyalty. Lily Burka's visible journey, from a learned stiffness to a passionate advocacy for her cause, beautifully shows the impact of each decision made by both the characters and the leaders of their world. Maboud Ebrahimzadeh rounds out the core cast with a commanding presence always underscored by a hint of something more; his subtle movements and careful placements stunningly evoke both sympathy and skepticism. Gary DuBreuil has a small, powerful part in the story, but his verbal sparring is captivatingly fitting for the role. The rest of the ensemble cast—Matt Bassett, Bayou Elom, Chandler Jordan, Mollie Greenberg James, Matthew Sparacino, and Brian Grehoski—may play smaller roles individually but help create A Mirror's immersive world, and their presence makes its message all the more pressing as a result.
The creative team at Prologue also deserves praise for their work bringing this world to life. In addition to his work as director, Tamborini is responsible for the versatile and practical set designs and staging. Costume Designer Lynly A. Saunders creates a timeless but familiar feeling with her adaptable and well-defined costumes, featuring small details that help reveal the characters’ inner selves. Dan Deiter’s sound design is unobtrusively competent, balancing the cast’s performances with world-immersive background noises. Lighting Designer Emma E. Smith creates a convincing space and deftly uses light cues to signal both scene changes and heightened dramatic impacts. Sierra Young’s fight and intimacy direction elevates the performers’ movements on the stage, highlighting the tiny, telling details as well as the realism of the key moments. Stage Managers Maria Mills and Audrey Kosterman also deserve immense praise for the production’s controlled chaos; A Mirror's constant humming undercurrent always feels perfectly contained, and that dichotomy helps solidify the overall production’s sense of urgency.
Prologue Theatre’s evocative production is a wonderful examination of storytelling in an age where our sense of truth and reality feels constantly under attack. It asks the audience to consider the stories that are fundamental to our core — about ourselves, about our loved ones, about our nation — and how we feel when those foundations break. A Mirror examines how people can and do navigate these moments and the consequences of our choices.
A Mirror runs at Prologue Theatre through May 17, with performances running Thursday through Sunday. Production run time is approximately 150 minutes with one brief intermission. This show is recommended for audiences ages 16 and up because of explicit language, sexual content, and simulated violence. Additional information about performances (including the option for plot spoilers) and tickets can be found on the Prologue Theatre website.
Photos Courtesy of DJ Corey Photography
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Left to Right: Lily Burka, Maboud Ebrahimzadeh, Jordan Brown, Shaan Sharma
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