By Megan Holley
In Ogden, Utah the Good Company Theatre is performing Constellations, an introspective piece that takes us across the universe, written by Nick Payne and directed by Tracy Callahan. Constellations follows one couple, Roland (Jesse Nepivoda) and Marianne (Haley McCormick), through a series of alternate scenarios exploring how their relationship might have turned out differently if they had made different choices. The result is an intriguing exploration of how infinitesimal changes can make a huge difference. The Good Company Theatre itself is very small yet surprisingly cozy, and the atmosphere is more laid-back and relaxed as well, making it easier to leave your worries behind. With no intermission and a run time of 75 minutes, Constellations is the perfect little getaway for a date or a fun night out with friends.
Nepivoda and McCormick superbly navigate switching from one scenario to the next in an extremely short period of time. As a cast of two, McCormick and Nepivoda are so real and believable that every outcome seems completely possible. At the beginning of the show, Marianne starts showing symptoms of a debilitating disease. As the story progresses, the audience starts to realize that she has a tumor on her frontal lobe, which is why she struggles to remember words. Throughout the story, Roland tries to help and comfort Marianne while she struggles with the tumor, and the pure love he shows to her is so heartwarming that by the end of the story you can’t help but cry. While that storyline is all serious, there is a boatload of comedy throughout the show that will keep you laughing. One of the best lines from the show is when Roland asks Marianne if he could be honest with her, and she sarcastically says no.
The stage design by Camille Washington is minimalistic yet simply amazing, because even though the set never changed, those few pieces are just what the show needs. William Peterson’s light design is stellar; I love the way that he makes the balloons light up, and how he uses the lighting when the performers change to a different scenario. The sound design by Lydia Oliverson and Kelly Wideman made me feel like I was going back in time to see how different things would play out; it worked nicely to further the story. Costumes by Karli Lowry and theater co-owner Alicia Washington are very simple, fit the culture of the show perfectly, and are designed to work as various costumes with little to no alteration. At one point there is a scene where the characters have to use American Sign Language, and the ASL consultant and interpreter Anthony Fellows has done an impeccable job at helping the actors use ASL effectively during the show. You can definitely tell that the performers all work extremely hard to perfect their signing, because in the performance the ASL is so smooth, it’s as though they have been signing all their lives.
Have you ever wondered what things would be like if you had said things differently, or even not said anything at all? If that’s the case, Good Company Theater’s Constellations is just the show for you.
Due to the language content and the crude humor, this show is not recommended for anyone younger than 16.
The Good Company Theatre Presents Constellations by Nick Payne
The Good Company Theatre, 2404 Wall Ave, Ogden, UT 84401
Tickets: $20
Contact: 801-917-4969
January 19 – February 3, 2019, 8:00 PM, 4:00 PM Matinee Sun. and second Sat., ASL Interpretation Feb. 2.
Good Company Facebook Page
For more information about Good Company Theatre and Constellations, read our exclusive interview here with GCT’s co-owner Alicia Washington.
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