BWW Reviews: SUBJECT 62 at Daydream Theatre Company – Difficult by Design

Written and directed by Lenny Schwartz, Subject 62, which is currently playing at Daydream Theatre Company, is an existential exploration of what make us who we are – cleverly disguised as a mystery.

Subject 62 opens with the questions one expects to be asked in an existential play…"Who am I?" and "Why am I here?'.  Though the questions are expected, the answers certainly are not.

To even hint at the answers in this review would be to ruin the theater-going experience.            

Brad W. Kirton gives a strong, multi-layered performance as Chris, the "I" in the preceding questions.  Chris searches for his identity, suspecting that the people around may be able to help him. He asks to the first person he meets, Nicole (Missy Marine) for help, but Nicole gives only cryptic non-answers to these core questions.

Chris and Nicole search for answers together – though we aren't quite sure why Nicole cares at all. The duo receives answers to questions they haven't asked, regarding things that don't seem relevant. What is missing for them is receive real, substantive, help.

Writer and director Schwartz has created an intriguing piece of art that is at times difficult, vague and annoying – by design.  Subject 62 is also intriguing and intellectually stimulating.

The cast give fine performances, though one suspects that the play could be mounted with only 1/3 of the cast members – with no deficit, though I am glad that it isn't.  I only recently came across the acronym GEAR (Give Everyone A Role). It is fitting for the production and appropriate for the company.  This inclusive mindset also has the benefit of exposing actors and audiences to new experiences.

----

Subject 62, a production of Daydream Theatre Company, plays at the Bell St. Chapel in Providence, RI through April 28, 2012. For more information visit www.daydreamtheatre.com