Dallas Review: Millennial Poison Theatre Company Presents “Circle Mirror Transformation”
Shawn Stalter, Chief Dallas/Ft. Worth Critic
Millennial Poison Theatre’s production of “Circle Mirror Transformation” crafts an engaging and genuine theatrical experience. The talented cast assembled here brings characters to life in an accessible way to capitalize on the play’s steady crescendo of gripping personal transformations.
For those unfamiliar, “Circle Mirror Transformation” is a critically-acclaimed work by playwright Annie Baker. Set in the small town of Shirley, Vermont, the play focuses on the ever-evolving relationships between five members of a drama workshop for adults. Here, “Marty,” the instructor and course facilitator, leads students through a series of increasingly dynamic role-playing exercises, relaxation techniques and memory games. In this space, a guarded 16-year old, “Lauren,” a struggling, recently-divorced carpenter, “Schultz,” a vibrant former actress recently located from New York, “Theresa,” and “Marty’s” laid back, former-hippie husband, “James,” meet over a six week period. Initial social awkwardness between them quickly dissipates into a series of deepening, personal connections. These connections, explored through a myriad of vignettes, reward the patient audience with an increasingly-detailed, more intimate understanding of each character.
In the skilled hands of the Millennial Poison Theatre Company, “Circle Mirror Transformation” comes to life with exquisite subtlety and nuance. Each performer in this talented cast conveyed the complexities of their character through well-honed body language, evocative expressions and exceptional use of space. Director, Lucas Haupert, wasn’t afraid to leverage the power of pure silence to build tension and foster a sense of anticipation.
While there are several moments of well-timed comedic relief to help throttle back the mounting tension, Millennial Poison Theatre’s “Circle Mirror Transformation” is, at its core, a deeply evocative and richly-textured show. In his role as “Schultz,” Trace Hughes delivered a phenomenal performance which offered glimpses of his character’s inner pain and frustration. Like a master carpenter, he builds the accessibility of this role slowly and skillfully. Many of us quickly identify with “Schultz” as he fumbles for words and desperately tries to summon the courage to interact with his classmates.
“Theresa,” played by Joan Milburn, aptly captures her character’s exuberance and passion while highlighting her closely-guarded vulnerabilities. Through her inspired performance, the audience slowly unearths “Thersea’s” subtle, yet powerful, personal transformation. Frequently by her side is the young, introspective, “Lauren,” performed by the talented Hannah Fuller. Her interaction with other members of the cast, often antagonist and standoffish, portrays an underlying reluctance to display her vulnerabilities. Rounding out the cast is the duo of drama instructor, “Marty,” beautifully performed by Katie Toohil, and her husband, “James,” skillfully delivered by Shae Hardwick. Together, they celebrate a shared past, but walk a path toward a transformative future.
Overall, this engaging and compelling piece was masterfully delivered by the talented Millennial Poison Theatre Company cast. DFW theatre patrons should not pass up a chance to experience the power of “Circle Mirror Transformation” for themselves.
Millennial Poison Theatre’s production of “Circle Mirror Transformation” is directed by Lucas Haupert and runs through September 22nd at the Core Theatre. The production stars Katie Toohil as “Marty,” Joan Milburn as “Theresa,” Trace Hughes as “Schultz,” Shae Hardwick as “James,” Hannah Fuller as “Lauren” and Hollis Beck as “Swing.” Stage management is courtesy of Alana Henry and Dylan Mobley.
Learn more about Millennial Poison Theatre Company by visiting them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MillennialPoisonDFW/ and reserve your seat for an upcoming production of “Circle Mirror Transformation” at http://mpcircle.eventbrite.com.
Photo Credit: Lucas Haupert