September, 2022
On The Verge or the Geography of Yearning by Eric Overmeyer
Directed by Sara Thigpen
at the Gene Frankel Theatre
24 Bond Street, New York City
Stage Manager: Timothy Babcock*
Set Designer: Jeff Stander
Costume Designer: Ben Philipp
Sound Designer: Robert A.K. Gonyo
Properties Designer: Heather Cunningham
Lighting Designer: Kia Rogers
Poster Design by Viviane Galloway
Press Representative: Alton PR and Production
Photographer: Connolly Photo NYC
Featuring: Kelsea Baker, Heather E. Cunningham*, William Franke*, Felicia J. Hudson*.
*Appeared courtesy of Actors' Equity Association.
"Revived by Retro Productions, we are treated to Eric Overmyer’s alternative Victorian fantasy, On the Verge or The Geography of Yearning, that takes three vibrant, independent women of 1888 on an expedition not just through deepest, darkest “terra incognita” but also forward 67 years into a very different America... all the males [we meet along the way are] played to great comic effect by William Franke. There are a lot of asides, [and one] an unsaid aside that happens later in the play that is absolutely haunting... Director Sara Thigpen has found a lot to sculpt within this play... The joy in watching this play is in the anachronisms and in the ghoulish humor...
Inventive set and projection design by Jeff Stander places us firmly in Terra Incognita in the first act whereas the 1955 of the second act takes us magically to an Esso station and a “hip” nightclub. Ben Philipp’s costumes for the Victorian women are warm sepia tones evoking the photography of turn-of-the century postcards. His 1955 outfits run from a beautiful ball gown for Fanny to hot pedal pushers and leather jacket for the rock musician Alex. The lighting design of Kia Rogers is appropriately warm toned for Terra Incognita and then cooler and lively for 1955.
Kelsea Baker as Alex has the innocent exuberance and infectious joy of a young person keen to experience everything that comes her way. Felicia J. Hudson as Mary has the true yearning for the unknown that keeps her on the path of wide-eyed discovery. The Fanny of Heather E. Cunningham, with her heart very much steadfast in the conventions of the Victorian ladies of Americana, is touching in her accepting, and then embracing, the life she comes to know in the new century. This On the Verge is not about where you are going, but with whom." - Tony Marinelli, Theatrescene.net
Listen to the GO SEE A SHOW podcast about ON THE VERGE!