Rabbit Hole…make your plans now.

The cast of "Rabbit Hole": In back, from left: Ann Cozzalio, Will Tranfo, Carolyn Marie Monroe. In front: Dan Mayes and Krista Strutz.

Let’s get it straight right now…whatever else you thought you were doing this weekend, ditch it. You need to go see Island Stage Left’s “Rabbit Hole” by David Lindsay-Abaire this weekend. You’ll be glad you did.

The show revolves around a grieving couple who have lost their greatest joy, and are faced with coming to terms with the continuing reminders of their loss (and chances for denial) that everyday life brings their way. Although the little boy who passed away is never forgotten by any of the characters (or the script), the play is neither sentimental or sappy.

Every one of the five actors plays a key part in holding this ensemble piece together, and all play off each other well. Ann Cozzalio is the perfect mother to her two daughter-moms, played with airy conviction by Carolyn Marie Monroe and a haunted anguish by Krista Strutz. Working together, and against each other, as their days are colored by their loss, Krista’s connection with her husband (Dan Mayes) frays as they try to solve the problem of the hurt that never goes away. The high school senior who is seeking his own absolution in all this is played by Friday Harbor High senior Will Tranfo, and his polished performance melds seamlessly with this talented, veteran cast.

Wow, I just read over what I just wrote, and it sounds like this play is depressing or something – it’s not. There’s wit, there are clever turns, and there’s honest emotion… It’s the kind of play you’ll find yourself saying, “You know, that part of the play (or that character) reminds of when I….”

Go see it – you’ll find yourself, and people you love, in it.

“Rabbit Hole” is directed by Helen Machin-Smith, and runs this Friday & Saturday night (7:30pm) and Sunday (4pm) at Roche Harbor Pavilion. The show runs Thursday-Sunday till Nov. 29th (excluding Thanksgiving)…make your plans now.

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.