Jessi Hafer
Assoc. Editor, the Undercurrent

Marisol’s achievement is that by managing to be simultaneously strong and subtle, the audience feels interest and even familiarity in the plight of the characters as they deal with their fantastical and apocalyptic world. As a result, Marisol is intense without being overwhelming as well as thoroughly thought-provoking.

Through Gabriela Lawson’s portrayal of Marisol, the audience feels the panic and exasperation that has overtaken the world. She is greeted by a compassionate yet soldier-like Angel (Deanna Pierro). Adam Meredith plays Lenny, a character struggling with his identity. Kandace Stokes portrayal of June in the first act provides a much-needed sense of grounding and safety. In addition to the potent performances from the major characters, characters with shorter times on stage (played by Lori Gamero, Ricci Mazzuca, C. Tim Quinn, and Luis Ramentas) leave lasting ferocity augmented by the seeming randomness of their encounters with the other characters.

The smooth transitions ensure perfect pacing. Well-chosen transitional music and brilliant lighting design grips and guides the audience, following the characters through their homes, work place, and commute, through their battles and through their observances of the surrounding chaos. One scene incorporates live music from Fresno musician Jessica Taylor. Gracing the backdrop are paintings from Valley-connected artists, including Jaydee Borba, Gary Christiansen, Ruth Olivar Millan, Sylvia Savala (most of the artwork is available for sale after the production as a fundraiser to support Epic Theatre). Debra Crockett Bolen’s costuming for the Angel is striking. All these elements together generate high production value that makes you forget the minimalist look of the black box stage you see before the show starts.

Through the show, the audience is challenged to think about birth, death, cooperation, compassion, and beliefs… among other things. Like the best of the genre, Marisol uses elements of fantasy to provide a commentary on reality. Strong choices from writer Jose Rivera as well as from Epic director Janine Christl invoke powerful symbolism. For me, some of the symbolism was immediate, while other images left me pondering long after I left the theatre. You continue thinking about the production not only because the show was great, but also because you’re still trying to figure out what it all meant. It’s a fulfilling theatre experience, and it’s refreshing not to have everything made obvious.

One has to appreciate that not only does Epic Theatre make superb repertory selections, but they also embrace their responsibility to the pieces and their audiences, creating high quality productions. Marisol is not to be missed; remaining performances (as of this writing) are April 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22. (see: http://www.epictheatrecompany.com/ for more informaton)