Gordon Dahlquist's intelligent trek through time tightly holds onto our attention. It's like the clip above, yeah it'd be cool to be John. And thus it's cool to want to see a nearly 3 hour sci-fi production in the delightful space that is the Undermain. The acting is quality, the ambiance is rich and the story is gripping if not a bit mind-boggling. Click through for my full review.
Tomorrow Come Today is broken into three acts and so here are my three thoughts from this inquisitive production.
Act One – Story
Gordon's material can sound overwhelming but overall was rather easily decipherable. The story of the richest and most powerful future 1%'s have figure the secret to immortality. They simply jump from body to new body through the miracles of future science. Basically a vampire without the teeth, hunger, and garlic hatred or think of Dorian grey engineer who likes to drink tea. Add in the house that is a superior artificial intelligence. Gordon's tale does take a captive audience and he totally sucks you in. The conversations are crisp and clean while the emotions ebb and flow nicely. The changing of bodies for the characters is more a fun element of this being a theatre production . When it comes down to it Gordon needs you to bring your imagination. I can easily show you science fiction in movies and TV.
Movies capture the power of science fiction. Gordon relies on something more entertaining. Be prepared to imagine what the hopes, dreams, fears, and sorrows of those that figure out a scientific fountain of youth. And then when you figure it all out. The story has one more twist. One more jump into that dying light aka the bright sun that slowly melts us all away.
Act Two – Acting
Montgomery Sutton dazzled in Second Thought Theatre's Booth and in Tomorrow Come Today he continues to showcase one hell of a good 2014. He really commands the scenes. But the fact that these actors are playing multiple and dynamic characters really heightens their performances. Oh and their happens to be a lot of scientific jargon. Gregory Lush has a delightful turn through his three key characters. He jumps from crazy lie for you life bad guy, insane lead explorer, and finally coping bystander who knows all. Lush's performance really held every moment he's involved. The ladies are also strong in the production, especially the fiery third act from Vanessa De Silvio. Her interpretation of the Poul character was the most raw and emotionally driven. Lastly Ricco Fajardo can play stiff and rigid robot, sexual cross-dressing ball of fun, and hard-working case worker with a real spark for each sequence.
Act Three – Set and Design
The columns of support that are the backbone of the Undermain Theatre really help create a dark future concept. Mixed in with a good lightening design and a strong soundtrack that really helps add the umph of each scene. The set is simple with just some benches, a table and a few chairs. Instead its the quirky costume choices that help create the perfect fearful domain. The wigs are a bit annoying, but overall the intent of the wardrobe came across. The music really does create a spooky vibe, and during a pivotal action filled sequence.
Overall a production worth your attendance!
More information found at undermain.org
