Review: Theatre Raleigh's THE WEIGHT OF EVERYTHING WE KNOW

As one of the first critics to review this brand new play, what did I think?

By: Jun. 01, 2023
Review: Theatre Raleigh's THE WEIGHT OF EVERYTHING WE KNOW

The Weight of Everything We Know centers on the scientific shift in May 2019 to base a kilogram’s mass on mathematical precision instead of physical weight. That shift was a breakthrough in human knowledge but a complete disaster for Lucia and Darrow, a couple on a Bumble date. This is a world premiere production for the play. Author Allan Maule worked on it when the manuscript was selected for the competitive 2022 N.C. Playwrights Lab held at Theatre Raleigh last summer.

On paper, you’d think a play exploring this subject matter wouldn’t be all that interesting. However, through Allan Maule’s clever writing, it manages to keep the audience's attention from beginning to end. The arc of Darrow & Lucia’s relationship is quite a rollercoaster ride. At first, it’s hard to see how they could possibly wind up together. Yet as the play goes on, they really grow feelings for each other. Both of the lead characters may have their own individual moments where they basically provide exposition, but it’s handled in such creative ways. Like a TV screen is brought out on stage to show everyone what the characters are talking about.

Under Michael Berry’s direction, he keeps everything in his staging suggested. He has Sonya Leigh Drum’s sparse set put to great use. When we first meet our main characters, it’s easy to tell that they’re supposed to be in a bar. Later on, it’s easy to tell that they’re supposed to be in an office. I really love minimalist directing like that because it allows the director to be more creative and lets audiences fill in the gaps themselves. Not to mention that the lighting designed by Andrew Parks proves to be quite effective. Both lead performances are first rate. Jeff Ronan is very charismatic as freelance writer Darrow while Shubhangi Kuchibhotla is very sassy as scientist Lucia.

For those who are planning to catch Theatre Raleigh’s production of The Weight of Everything We Know, you should consider yourselves very lucky. You’ll be among some of the very first people to see Allan Maule’s thought provoking play before anyone else in the world. I may not be able to predict what’s in store for its future, but I hope it finds success through subsequent productions. The whole thing is funny and pretty moving. Did I mention that it’s also only 80 minutes long and well paced? The Weight of Everything We Know is currently playing at TR Studio Theatre through June 11th.


For more informaion, please visit: https://theatreraleigh.com/twoewk/



RELATED STORIES - Raleigh

1
Single tickets Now on Sale for Theatre Raleighs BARBECUE Photo
Single tickets Now on Sale for Theatre Raleigh's BARBECUE

Single tickets are now on sale for Theatre Raleigh’s production of 'Barbecue,' a comedy by award-winning playwright Robert O'Hara. Learn more about how to get tickets here!

2
Wilmingtons Opera House Theatre Company Announces 2024 Season Photo
Wilmington's Opera House Theatre Company Announces 2024 Season

Opera House Theatre Company has announced its 2024 season, celebrating 39 years of producing live theatre in Wilmington, North Carolina at Historic Thalian Hall featuring a variety of titles including some classics and Wilmington premieres!

3
The North Carolina Theatre Names Eric Woodall as New Executive Artistic Director Photo
The North Carolina Theatre Names Eric Woodall as New Executive Artistic Director

The North Carolina Theatre names Eric Woodall as the new Executive Artistic Director. With 30 years of experience in the field, Woodall's leadership promises a bright future for Raleigh's premier professional theatre.

4
Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood: Asking For Trouble Tour Comes to the Martin Marietta Cent Photo
Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood: Asking For Trouble Tour Comes to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in January

Get ready for an evening of sidesplitting laughter as Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood take the stage in a one-night-only uproarious live show, Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble, January 4, 2024 at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!

From This Author - Jeffrey Kare

Jeffrey Kare currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. Having been born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Jeffrey took interest in live theater at age 11. He also had the great pleasure of seeing show... Jeffrey Kare">(read more about this author)

Videos


#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Little Shop of Horrors
John H. Gattis-Wendell Tabb Theater (11/10-11/12)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Mean Girls (Non-Equity)
Durham Performing Arts Center (11/24-11/26)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# A Little night Music
Burning Coal Theatre Company (4/04-4/21)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Hymn
Burning Coal Theatre Company (1/25-2/11)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Beautiful- The Carole King Musical
The North Carolina Theatre (10/10-10/15)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Mamma Mia!
Durham Performing Arts Center (7/30-8/04)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Romantic Masters
Wilson Center (10/07-10/07)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# 12 Angry Jurors
The Justice Theater Project (10/13-10/29)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Peter Pan (Non-Equity)
Durham Performing Arts Center (2/27-3/03)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Girl From the North Country
Durham Performing Arts Center (1/02-1/07)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You