Review: BACK TO METHUSELAH Completes Its Journey

BACK TO METHUSELAH: AS FAR AS THOUGHT CAN REACH is part three of three, of Washington Stage Guild's multi-year retelling of George Bernard Shaw's thousands-year journey.

Supposedly the first science-fiction piece to ever make it to the stage, Bernard Shaw dissects humanity with realism and satire. Disturbed by the calamity in World War One METHUSELAH was his "reaction to the childishness of civilization had displayed in all but destroying itself," Bill Largess wrote in his artistic director's note.

I wouldn't say there is exactly a plot to AS FAR AS THOUGHT CAN REACH; I would basically call it a prolonged philosophical discussion on stage. Five "Newly Borns" find themselves in the battle of wisom against the "Ancients." The children are at the center of a commentary on what it means to grow up quickly and be mature adults as soon as possible. However, as the original play written by Berndard Shaw is in five parts, this commentary goes back to Adam, Eve and Lilith, the woman who actually preceded the two.

Largess and his team did a good job catching the audience up. Not only could you read about it in the program, there was also a vocal overview at the show's open. I was told the overview was supposed to include photos from the previous parts in order to better visualize the story. Due to a technical glitch that didn't happen, regardless I don't feel this detracted from my experience. Listening to the explanation in darkness just ask effectively set the tone for this out-of-this-world (sort of) show. Even without this catch up as well, this piece stands alone. The catch up gives context of course, but ultimately the play I sat through is a relevant discussion, in the 1920s and present day, on how we act against our self-interest.

This staging of BACK TO METHUSEHAL was well executed. It was well casted. Initially, it seems all wrong. Further explanation might ruin the story, but as the play unfolds age and actor choice becomes increasingly clear. This is a difficult play to produce because there isn't a lot of action. It is in reality almost two hours of talking. Despite this challenge, the cast was able to make it a dynamic and relatable show. They certainly focused on the serious points, but also well played the humor.

From an acting perspective, I just wish I saw these characters age a bit more. What is so compelling about part three of BACK TO METHUSEHAL is that in theory, these characters are rapidly aging in front of the eyes of the audience. I acknowledge the likely challenge this must be and that it is a challenge you do not want to overdo. I just would have liked for the aging to happen in more than just the text of the play. That said, the actors did a good job of displaying their differences in age through their voice and body even though technically they are merely months apart. It was clear that Malinda Kathleen Reese and Madeleine Farrington played the youngest characters, Brit Herring was the fighting middle aged character and Michael Avolio was transitioning to full adulthood/wisdom. These differences were well played and very important for understanding the story.

BACK TO METHUSELAH: AS FAR AS THOUGHT CAN REACH stays true to its name for it is definitely a play that will have you pondering more questions than answers being answered. It is full of surprises and is a theater experience you don't often get these days, but one that is well timed and certainly an interesting piece to watch.

BACK TO METHUSELAH: AS FAR AS THOUGHT CAN REACH run about 1 hour and 45 minutes without an intermission.

For tickets, visit http://stageguild.org/ or call 240.582.0050.

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