Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Abby Rosebrock’s BLUE RIDGE is overwrought, despite some distinctive qualities and a courageous cast

• By drediman
• January 9, 2019
• No Comments

Marin Ireland (left) and Kristolyn Lloyd (right) in the Atlantic Theater Company production of “Blue Ridge” by Abby Rosebrock at the Linda Gross Theater. Photo by Ahron R. Foster.

Last night, Abby Rosebrock’s new play Blue Ridge opened at the Linda Gross Theater, Atlantic Theater Company’s mainstage venue. The play tells the story of a small group of men and women on the mend (recovering from various ills) who have voluntarily entered themselves into a religiously-based self-help camp. I think it’s safe to say that, given that this is theater, things don’t go quite according to plan.

I liked Ms. Rosebrock’s biting previous effort Dido in Idaho, which was presented by Ensemble Studio Theater last season. Although Blue Ridge shares many of that play’s qualities – a knack for snappy exchanges that are both spontaneous and smart, complex characters who are capable of unexpected actions – I ultimately found this latest effort to be strained. This is particularly true of its final third, during which the characters’ pasts and motivations are revealed and their hopes for themselves (and each other) are dashed. Unfortunately, the play ends on an inauthentic note of unearned emotion.

The production is directed steadily by Taibi Magar, who does her best to honestly uncover the emotional core of the piece – but alas to limited success. I would say the same for the attractive and talented cast. Despite some courageous work, these actors – particularly the typically excellent Marin Ireland in the central role of a manipulative, terrorizing, and deeply damaged woman – Blue Ridge in the end feels overlong (at two full hours), overwrought, and unbelievable.

SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED

BLUE RIDGE
Off-Broadway, Play
Atlantic Theater Company (Linda Gross Theater)
2 hours (with one intermission)
Through January 26