Northampton Community of College Theatre Department takes a fascinating look at group dynamics in its premiere of “Circle Mirror Transformation,” Annie Baker’s play about an adult drama class at the school’s Lipkin Theater in Bethlehem Township Jan. 30 to Feb. 1.
The play is intriguing and uses realism with awkward silences and clumsy exchanges between characters to show the shifting relationships in the small class in a Vermont community center.
Laura Riker is enthusiastic and energetic as Marty, the perky teacher of the class who put the other adults through their paces in improv exercises during the six week session. Riker slowly lets her character’s vulnerability show as she faces uncomfortable truths about herself and her marriage.
Nick Lopez is Marty’s husband James, who begins the play as good natured goof going along with the program and humoring his wife. However, Lopez lets the cracks in his facade slowly begin to show as peeks of suppressed anger and an admission of former infidelity hint at larger problems.
Chris Tempel is endearing as the hesitant Schultz, a recently divorced carpenter who still wears his wedding ring. Tempel’s Schultz is unsure, but falls into a romance that doesn’t end well. Tempel aptly show’s the character’s confusion and determination as he transitions through the stages of he relationship.
Azelia Dos-Santos’ appealingly exuberant Theresa seems to be the most confident of the group at first, but it is slowly revealed that she is stuck in her past and she comes to a satisfying reckoning.
As Lauren, an introverted high school junior, Maricel Wheatley conveys frustration and insecurity.
Her arc is the most fulfilling, as she slowly comes out of her shell and finds her way over the six weeks. A final exercise, in which Lauren imagines herself meeting Schultz in 10 years, shows both character’s growth, but especially Lauren’s.
Darah Donaher’s direction is measured and deliberate in a play that is slow to start but gradually begins to come together in a satisfying way.
The set by Brett Oliveira is simple, and made up of chairs and a line of mirrors. The play cleverly uses a backward projection announcing each week that is reflected correctly in the mirror to good effect.
Ultimately this is a slow burn of a show that takes a while to get going, but packs a punch in the end.
For information, call 484-484-3412, or go to www.northampton.edu/about/college-theatre/theatre-season/.