Embrace the Light – A Review of “Refracted Light”
Originally published by ‘Burgh Vivant
By Lonnie the Theater Lady
“Refracted Light” centers on Penny’s (Maya Anabella) discomfort as she anticipates living away from home for her freshman year in college. She’s conflicted and uncertain if she’s ready for such a major life change. Her overprotective mother, Lucy (Rebecca Godlove), worries that her daughter’s mood disorder will make it difficult for Penny to function without her daily guidance. Penny’s father, Ted (Patrick Daniels), is confident that Penny will function well on her own.
When Penny runs away from home, her parents and her “cool” Aunt Becky (Kaitlin Marie Cliber) are unsure of how to best proceed. Their conflicting ideas make it clear that they must all learn ways to clearly state their opinions in order to successfully communicate with each other.
Therapist, Dr. Daker (Joe Eberle) provides helpful strategies that eventually allow both Penny and Lucy to achieve some clarity in approaching their interpersonal interactions.
Anabella depicts Penny’s angst authentically and sympathetically. Her struggles are a reminder of the difficulties everyone faces in their fragile teenage years.
Every mother can relate to Godlove’s anxiety filled Lucy. Her alcohol fueled unease exudes from every pore of her being. The audience fully feels her pain.
Photo: Patrick Daniels, Kaitlin Cliber
Cliber is perfectly cast as the out of work actress. She creates a vibrant, glamorous, eccentric, yet damaged Aunt Becky. She telegraphs Becky’s raw suffering brought on by the generational dysfunction of her family.
Daniels embodies the likeable, long-suffering Ted. His skillful comedic timing, as he goes to war with a backyard squirrel, brings welcome comic relief.
Eberle’s Dr. Daker is the voice of sanity and reason amidst the chaos. His comforting demeanor and soothing voice exemplify the textbook approach expected of therapists.
Compliments to Ponny Conomos Jahn, director. Her astute casting choices assemble a cast of believable characters who share great chemistry in their every interaction.
Dana Hall (playwright) addresses themes of mental health, grief, alcohol addiction and drug dependency with sensitivity and respect for the characters. Her experience as a mental health therapist must certainly have influenced the genuine nature of the characters. By injecting bits of humor throughout, she makes it more palatable to digest the sensitive topics being discussed.
The actors’ strong performances as they navigate difficult challenges are both painful and inspirational. The Becoming Arts Collective, as part of their mission, states, “Through powerful storytelling, we invite audiences to experience theatre that sparks empathy, resilience, courage and most of all HOPE.” This poignant, achingly beautiful production successfully fulfills that lofty mission.
LTL
Runs November 20-23 at Carnegie Stage. Produced by Becoming Arts Collective.
