Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Abby Rosebrock’s DIDO OF IDAHO at EST is a crackling new play

• By drediman
• April 8, 2018
• No Comments

Abby Rosebrock and Layla Khosh in Ms. Rosbrock’s “Dido of Idaho” at Ensemble Studio Theatre.

Yesterday, I caught Abby Rosebrock’s Dido of Idaho, a crackling new play at the indispensable Ensemble Studio Theatre. One of the great pleasures of seeing as much performances as I do is the opportunity to catch gifted artists at the inception of their careers. Dido of Idaho is smart, surprising, and very entertaining. Set in present day Idaho, it’s a modern riff on the Dido and Aeneas myth. The play depicts a self destructive, hard-living musicologist as first she unravels and then subsequently endeavors to piece herself back together. Even when the play struggles with coming across too broadly (a common pitfall for many a young playwrights), I was never less than captivated by the ease with this very talented playwright delved into tough, dark places of the human soul. I hadn’t been familiar with Ms. Rosebrock’s voice before, and going by this work, I’m eager to hear more.

The production, directed by Mikhaela Mahoney, is sharply acted and resourcefully staged. As the Dido stand-in, actress Layla Khosh rips up the stage with a fearless performance. Even if Ms. Khosh’s performance reads excessively larger-than-life, so be it. It’s a tough role that she takes on head on, and it’s an impressive sight to see. As her seemingly ditzy nemesis, Ms. Rosebrock herself gives a delicious, skillful performance filled with double entendres and a steady stream of hilarious moments. The rest of the cast – Curran Connor, Dalia Davi, and Dawn McGee – are all very good. Unfortunately, the play ends its run today. I’m hopeful that the play will have a successful life beyond the intimate confines EST.

RECOMMENDED

DIDO OF IDAHO
Off-Broadway, Play
Ensemble Studio Theatre
2 hours (with one intermission)
Through April 8