Nothing can move an audience emotionally like live theater, especially when the play is powerfully written, carefully directed, and performed with intensity and talent. All of these factors come together in “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” being performed in its final weekend at the Durango Arts Center.
The content is challenging and gritty, but in the end the story is authentic, reflective and – trust me here – a revelation. The first act of the play may lead you to believe that the moral is going to be that “hurt people hurt people.” We’ve all been witness to that. But in the end, the final lesson is that kindness and love are not only attainable, but that both are the lock and key to all else. Open the door, and others may just walk through.
The chemistry between Jason Lythgoe and Mary Quinn is well worth the price of admission. Their characters are hard, imperfect and damaged, but it is easy to believe that they are striving for something better in one another – and the actors achieve that goal for us. They meet in a bar, both haunted by pasts that have made them dysfunctional, violent, petty and ... needy. For some reason, these characters open up to one another, slowly and reluctantly. Together, Quinn and Lythgoe build off one another in a way that lays bare their humanity and makes us confront our own. These are highly skilled performances that only come around rarely in these parts.
The production is sparse but clean, sharp but effective. It is the handy-work of director Michael Grais, who wrote the screenplay for Stephen Spielberg’s “Poltergeist” among other film and television scripts. That he is comfortable with presenting both the hardships and sweetness of life is clear in his execution of this stage play. Grais is new to Durango and is willing to most generously share his career and experience with us.
“Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” is challenging and hard, meaningful and redemptive. Where else right now can you find this combination? This play highlights the fact that time is short to heal our wounds, but that the rewards, true love and small joys, are worth the effort.
Take time this weekend to see this play in its last weekend. You will be impressed by its power to move you.
Playing at the Durango Arts Center: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $20 adults/$15 students, available online at durangoarts.org.
- “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea,” a play by John Patrick Shanley. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $20/$15 students.
- 24 Hour Theater: Eight plays go from blank page to stage in 24 hours. 7 p.m. Nov. 19 and 2 p.m. Nov. 20. $15.
- Adult Improv Class, Tues. Green Level-with Mary Quinn; Thu. Blue Level-with Cindy Laudadio-Hill. Four classes. 6-8 pm, begin Nov. 8-Dec. 6. $40 discounts for students, teachers, service workers and for referring a friend.
- “WE WILL ROCK YOU,” the Durango Youth Theater presents a musical featuring 20+ hit songs by rock band Queen, Dec. 10-17, various showtimes.
- Pots & Pints Ceramic Hand Building Happy Hour: every Friday 4:30-6 p.m. $30
- Clay to Canvas, Art Classes for those with Parkinson’s: 1-3 p.m. (ongoing) $10
- Build-a-Bong with Mr. B: 1-3, 4-6 and 7-9 p.m. Saturday. 21 and older. $50.
- Handmade Gift Giving Workshop: Weaving, pottery, glass fusion and painting. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 19. $135.
More art classes for all ages and abilities are on the website.
