Act Reviews 2024 / 2025 Season

complemented by a subtle sound effect of trickling water. This juxtaposed with the warm white lighting that flooded the garden area, effectively highlighting the contrasts between the characters' internal and external worlds. The lighting design worked beautifully alongside the stage transitions, helping to set the tone for different moments in the story. The interplay between the various locations on stage, coupled with the thoughtful lighting design, elevated the performance and kept the audience engaged. As the play unfolded, a shocking revelation about Ruth’s past sent waves of emotion through the audience. It was revealed that Ruth had a one-night stand with Bardolph, resulting in a child who was now in his thirties. This twist brought a mix of sympathy for Grace and tension between the sisters. The emotional friction between the two characters felt real and relatable, with passive-aggressive remarks escalating the tension. Grace’s histrionic breakdown, as she processed the secrets of her family, sent the storyline into an emotional rollercoaster, keeping the audience’s attention from start to finish. A particularly impactful moment came when Grace delivered a heart-wrenching monologue in a single spotlight, recounting how her husband had passed away. Kathryn Bland’s portrayal of Grace in this scene was stunning — the raw emotion she conveyed, combined with her controlled hysteria, created a deeply moving moment that

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