Review: REPLAY at 59E59 is a Captivating One-Woman Show

"I know how hard it is to forgive someone you love for leaving"

by W in Replay

The Brits Off Broadway Festival at 59E59 Theaters continues with the United States premiere of Replay, a one-woman play that will be on stage through May 13. Written and performed by Nicola Wren, it is directed by George Chilcott. With Wren's talent for storytelling and Chilcott's superb direction, Replay proves to be a totally captivating one-hour show.

In Replay, W is a dedicated female police officer who is preparing to be interviewed for a promotion to Sargent. But when she receives an audio cassette for her birthday from her mother, the recording changes her focus. As W plays it over and over, the tape evokes stirring memories from her childhood. It was made by her older brother Jamie and includes a message along with the song, "Sit Down," a tune they enjoyed when they toured London together. Replay effectively brings the audience right into W's life and her feelings of love and loss. It is a warm and wonderful piece of theater.

Nicola Wren's performance as W in Replay is riveting. There are many aspects to her story from the daily police work with her partner, Derek to the haunting, yet loving memories of her brother. You will feel an intimate connection to the moments Wren brings to life as she directly addresses the audience. The show is complemented by the voices of Mark Weinman as Jamie; Will Brown as Police Officer; and Tanya Kraljevic as Young W.

The Creative Team has done a fine job of bringing Replay to the stage with set design by Jen McGinley; lighting design by Tom Kitney; and sound design by Max Perryment. The Production Team includes Producer, Milly Smith, Dramaturge, George Chilcott, and Production Stage Manager Raynelle Wright.

Replay is an affecting show that you will long remember. See it while it is being performed on the Upper East Side stage.

You can follow Replay on social media at #replay59.

Produced by DugOut Theatre, Replay will be performed for a limited engagement through Sunday, May 13. The performance schedule is Tuesday - Friday at 7:30 PM; Saturday at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM; Sunday at 2:30 PM. Performances are at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues). The single ticket price is $25 ($20 for 59E59 Members). Tickets are available by calling Ticket Central at 212-279-4200 or online at http://www.59e59.org/.

Photo credit: Carol Rosegg