Curtain Call Theatre in Monte Rio invites you to yet another entertaining production of live theater, filled with imaginative staging, witty dialogue, interesting concepts, and almost overthetop characters. “On The Verge, or The Geography of Yearning” by Eric Overmeyer is a play of language, that follows three Victorianera lady adventurers as they spin through time travel. The play was originally produced in New York City in 1985 to outstanding reviews.
As “On The Verge” begins these adventures of the three Victorian women explorers, it is 1888 and we find them on a beach in what they believe to be Terra Incognita, a new, unexplored land. The three are from very different geographic backgrounds but all exhibit their own form of independence from the world in general and specifically men. During the course of the play the three together discuss many aspects of their past exploring adventures, with Mary played by Gretchen Belgrave, and Fanny played by Lisa Posternak frequently trying to outdo each other. Thalassa Papakonstantis as Alexandra, the third and youngest of the group, and Bill Young who plays a variety of characters, eight in all, round out the cast. As the ladies progress on their travels, it becomes apparent that they are not on an ordinary journey, and as well as trekking, they realize they are time traveling.
Since this is a play about language, the most challenging aspect of “On The Verge” is getting the actors comfortable with the language of the play. The language and rhythm of the Victorian lady traveler is quite different from our contemporary forms of slang and speech. It’s fun to watch the construct of their language deteriorate as they move from one time zone to another as they grow nostalgic for the future.
“On The Verge” features a small cast, great script, and a great approach to imaginative theatre. Audience members might leave the theatre following performances of “On The Verge” thinking about how far they themselves have “traveled” in recent years. The play is clearly about women and their particular travel through time. It is also about humans as they move and develop through history and into the future.
Directed by Michael Tabib, the managing director of Curtain Call Theatre at The Russian River Hall. The play features a seasoned cast of talented actors well equipped to provide an evening of fun, frolic, and joyous laughter for all who attend. “On The Verge, or The Geography of Yearning ” will open on Saturday, August 9th and run each weekend thru Saturday, August 30th. Each Friday and Saturday performances will start at 8pm. Sunday matinees at 3pm. To make theater more accessible to all, the first two Friday performances are “PayWhatYouCan” events. Our Champagne Buffet Gala fundraising event will be held on closing night, Saturday, August 30th, with a delicious buffet of delectables and desserts plus Korbel Champagne & wines and nonalcoholic beverages. Your donation is fully tax deductible. For this special Gala Event, doors will open at 7PM, Curtain at 8PM. For reservations and further information, please call (707) 5248739.