Review: TOUCH at 59E59 is Affecting Drama Wonderfully Performed

Touch is an affecting play wonderfully staged with superb acting. It is now onstage at 59E59 Theaters through September 4th. Written by Toni Press-Coffman and directed by Nathaniel Shaw, this is a show that will capture your mind and heart. The theater's intimate setting is ideal for this complex human drama

In Touch, Kyle Kalke first sees the love of his life, Zoe during a chance meeting in his high school physics class. A self-proclaimed "loner" and "science guy," Kyle is immediately attracted to the outgoing, flamboyant and big-hearted young woman. The teens marry just after graduation and spend six loving years together. They both finish college and Kyle pursues his passion for all things celestial and becomes an astronomer. When a horrific act of violence takes Zoe from Kyle, his life is upended. Kyle rejects the support of his lifelong friend Bennie and that of Zoe's sister, Serena. He strikes out on his own to make a much needed, yet unexpected, human connection. Touch tells a very personal story of abiding love, the deep pain of loss, and the potential for healing after a tragedy. It is a completely enthralling show.

The four-person cast is exceptional in their roles as capture the raw emotions and often unsettling moments in Touch. Pete McElligott delivers a powerful portrayal of Kyle. It is a demanding role that he completely masters as he tells of the joys and heartaches of his life. Amadeo Fusca brings just the right combination of logic and compassion to the role of Bennie, Kyle's loyal, longtime friend. Emily Batsford is ideal as Serena, Zoe's thoughtful, grief stricken sister. And Katrina Lenk is excellent in the role of the provocative woman, Kathleen who has frequent liaisons with Kyle after Zoe's death.

The Creative Team has done a great job of bringing Touch to the stage with set design by Craig Napoliello; costume design by Kristin Isola; lighting design by Carl Wiemann and original music and sound design by Juian Evans. The Production Stage Manager is Sydney Golden.

Touch is a show like you've never seen before. The distinctive characters and emotionally charged plot make it unforgettable. See it while it is on a limited engagement at 59E59 Theaters.

Touch is presented by Libra Theater Company. The show runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission. The performance schedule through September 4th is Tuesday to Thursday at 7:30 PM; Friday and Saturday at 8:30 PM and Sunday at 3:30 PM. Performances are at 59E59 Theaters, 59 East 59th Street (between Park and Madison Avenues). Tickets are $18 ($12.60 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or go to www.59e59.org.

Photo Credit: Nikhil Saboo

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