Review Roundup: CONSTELLATIONS is both "tender and brainy"
Wednesday | Jan. 25, 2017
With its heady script, stellar performances and effective diection, Constellations is wowing audiences in its St. Louis debut.
We're compiling all of the local critical reactions in this space, so be sure to keep checking back as the reviews continue to roll in!
Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
"Tender and brainy. ... British playwright Nick Payne has found a terrific way to dramatize the (necessarily abstract) notion that captivates him."
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has put together an engaging evening of theatre that is challenging and moving, opening us up to the myriad of possibilities that exist. I found it engrossing, and sometimes mesmerizing, and I think you will too.
"The best part of the presentation, though, is catching the subtle variations in tone, gesticulations and body language utilized by Adair and Gilde as they present so many possible results to the original, happenstance meeting of Roland and Marianne."
"The Rep has a wonderfully talented pair of actors to carry the burden of what strikes me as a very challenging script from the performer's point of view. As Marianne and Roland, Ellen Adair and Eric Gilde (who are married in real life) navigate all the twists, turns, and switchbacks of Mr. Payne's multiverse with impressive skill."
"My hat is tipped to director Steven Woolf. Each aspect of this production was visually arresting and extremely well thought-out. From the dozens of blocking cues to giving the subject of the story the needed emotional weight, to creating a moment using sign language, every facet of this production is exquisite."
Paul Friswold, Riverfront Times:
"Secretly I love an intelligent, well-written romantic comedy. And despite its minor problems, Constellations is both."
Richard Green, Talkin' Broadway:
"But there's one thing that singles out the successful relationships in Constellations from the infinite number of unsuccessful ones, and that's simply finding a way to endure, and proceed, and not throw away one universe on the promise of another."
Michelle Kenyon, Snoop's Theatre Thoughts:
"Constellations certainly isn’t the first dramatic work to explore the idea of alternate timelines, but its strong script and intimate focus on just two characters makes it compelling. ... There’s every possibility that you will enjoy it!"
Ann Pollack, St. Louis Eats and Drinks:
"A deceptively simple set from Bill Clarke is quite wonderful, and Rusty Wandall’s sound design and original music is noticeably excellent. Steven Woolf directed Constellations, and overall got it just right."