BWW Reviews: The Hampton Theatre Company's TIME STANDS STILL

Time Stands Still, a Tony nominee by Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies, is one of the more powerful plays that you will see. Now running through January 25th at the Quogue Community Hall, the Hampton Theatre Company (HTC) produces this gripping production superbly directed by Sarah Hunnewell. To note, this is HTC's second show of their 30th season and marks the HTC debut of each cast member.

The story revolves around Sarah Goodwin, a photographer, and James Dodd, a freelance journalist, as they are trying to move forward in life after experiencing very troubling times due to experiences from covering the war. For the record, this is not a play about the war; its focus is Sarah and James and their difficulty moving on.

Sandy York wonderfully portrays Sarah who gets terribly injured in an enemy attack. Before Sarah got hurt, though, her live-in boyfriend, James, strongly portrayed by John Carlin, had a break down and left the area while Sarah stayed behind. Though she survived, he feels terrible not being there right away and leaving her in the territory. It is this that makes it difficult for them to progress. They are not on the same page anymore as they are both wrecked with guilt and James longs now for a more settled life with Sarah, but Sarah is still career oriented. You will see that Ms. York and Mr. Carlin truly make a great team.

Also part of the stellar cast is John L. Payne and Kate Kenney as Richard and Mandy.

Richard, a little older, is Sarah's long time mentor and friend and Mandy is his new girlfriend who is on the younger side. Incidentally, seeing Richard and Mandy together - and actually happy - seems to be another one of the triggers that sets Mike decide to have a more "normal life" with Sarah.

Everyone simply works well together and they all seem to become these characters. Additional highlights are Sean Marbury's set and the fluid teamwork of the creative team.

Set in present day - t-shirts and sneakers abound in Teresa Lebrun's costumes - the tale solely takes place in a Brooklyn loft over the course on several months. A homey feel on the stage is enhanced by Sebastian Paczynski's fantastic lighting and Diana Marbury's set décor. The intimate Long Island theatre is also cozy with maroon walls, high stage, and framed show posters all around. Everything seemed flawless, really.

And so, Time Stands Still is certainly another hit for the Hampton Theatre Company. It is relatable exemplifying how difficult it can be to build a life with someone. A deep, substantial story and an extraordinary cast make for a thrilling night of theatre.

Time Stands Still is presented by The Hampton Theatre Company at Quogue Community Hall through January 25th. By Donald Margulies, Directed by Sarah Hunnewell, Set by Sean Marbury, Décor & Properties by Diana Marbury, Lighting by Sebastian Paczynski, Costume Design by Teresa LeBrun, Stage Management by John Zaleski. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 653-8955 or visit www.hamptontheatre.org.

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