LCP reaches for the stars with ‘A Rock Sails By’
By Marilyn Jozwik
Watching anyone slip into dementia is heart-breaking, but even more so when those of superior intelligence begin to forget.
Such is the case of Dr. Lynn Cummings, the protagonist in Sean Grennan’s “A Rock Sails By,” being presented by Lake Country Playhouse. The show is directed by Jim Baker.
Jason’s editor (Angie Rodenkirch) explains that she wants him to write “1,200 sexy words” that gets lots of “clicks” in a scene from Lake Country Playhouse’s “A Rock Sails By.”
Cummings (Sandra Renick) is an award-winning astrophysicist, a long-time professor, chairman of her department with a whole list of accolades. She is assertive, quick-witted, demanding of herself. She also has hyperthymesia, which allows her to remember every day of her life in detail.
Her husband, Tom (voiced by the playwright) – whom she dearly loved – died suddenly a couple years earlier, leaving a huge hole in her heart. She frequently finds herself listening to his old voice messages on her phone.
In recent weeks people have noticed changes in Lynn. Her daughter, Olive (A. Schultz), notices her mom forgets things she has mentioned in the same conversation and students notice her “spacing out” in class.
During this time, Jason (Todd Herdt), a magazine reporter, has been ruthlessly stalking Lynn to get her expert opinion on a strange object that is hurtling past the earth. He finally gets to talk to her for a few minutes for the story, but at the insistence of his editor – who is only concerned about readership -- he takes her words out of context. The story that is published makes it look like Lynn believes the object might contain aliens, which puts her job in jeopardy.
A white-clad Messenger (Goo) creates a celebratory moment with Dr. Lynn Cummings in a scene from Lake Country Playhouse’s “A Rock Sails By.”
Jason, who believes there’s a chance of ETs on the object, agrees to write a new article if Lynn will travel with him to the desert, the best place to watch “the rock sail by.”
While sitting alone under the stars, Lynn is visited by a white-clad messenger, who helps Lynn see and understand her past and the challenges facing her in the future.
Baker has elicited some wonderful performances from this small cast, starting with Renick as Dr. Lynn Cummings. We see Cummings in many settings, such as a classroom, her office and home, and finally at the site of the rock sailing by. In all these situations, Renick captures Cummings’ sharp wit, passion and sense of loss as she deals with her diagnosis. “I can remember what I did every day of the week. Soon I won’t be able to remember anything,” Cummings says. Renick’s Cummings is totally relatable, likeable and engaging, allowing the audience to fully realize her character.
I also enjoyed Herdt as the reporter, Jason, whose persistence is endearing as he begins to gain the trust of Cummings. The actress Goo does a wonderful job as the Messenger, a sort of robotic angel. Goo handles the role beautifully, giving the Messenger a distinctive other-worldliness. Her mechanical gestures and speech and occasional spasms give her character a kaleidoscope of personas as she guides Cummings through her journey of discovery.
Other roles were also handled capably, including Schultz as Cummings’ daughter Olive. The scene in which her mother remembers in vivid detail the time the infant Olive fell asleep on her chest is most touching. Sydney Faris as Cummings’ assistant, Mack Bates as her university’s chancellor, Angie Rodenkirch as Jason’s editor and Mike Crowley as Cummings’ doctor round out this fine cast.
Also impressive is the staging of the show. Three large video panels at the back of the stage create settings for various scenes, such as the view from Cummings’ office window, a park, an airport and, finally, starry skies for the final scene. Also enhancing each scene are well-placed background sounds. Especially effective is the ambient sound during the final scene with Cummings and the Messenger. Breanne Brennan handled light, sound and projection design.
Lake Country Playhouse reached for the stars with “A Rock Sails By.’ Luckily for audiences, the cast and crew hit their mark!
If you go:
Who: Lake Country Playhouse
What: “A Rock Sails By”
When: Through May 24
Where: 221 E. Capitol Drive, Hartland
Tickets/Info: LakeCountryPlayhouseWI.org