Let’s just get this out of the way.
I highly recommend experiencing the exceptionally talented Melissa Gilbert (Little House on the Prairie) and the charming Mark Moses (Desperate Housewives, Mad Men) in this humorous, compelling, and heart-wrenching story.
“STILL,” is a captivating play and delves into profound questions that resonate with contemporary society.
The playwright, Lia Romeo, astutely observes that the world has become more perilous, and the challenges we all face demand our attention. Instead of dismissing differing viewpoints, Romeo urges us to engage in constructive dialogue as the only means of effecting change.
The play unfolds in a sophisticated lounge within a chic hotel wine bar. Successful East-Coast Novelist Helen, portrayed by the effervescent Melissa Gilbert, and Colorado-based Finance Attorney Mark, portrayed by the subtly buoyant Mark Moses, engage in a playful conversation, old friends catching up over drinks, enjoying their warm familiarity.
Their banter explores the evolution and constancy of human nature over time. They incorporate philosophical concepts such as “Cell Regeneration” Theory and the “Ship of Theseus” paradox, prompting the central question: is the enduring relationship they share still the same after three decades apart?
Beyond its exploration of love and relationships, “STILL” delves into broader themes of identity and the conflict between duty and desire. These themes are particularly resonant for reunited couples with long shared histories.
The play presents a nuanced portrayal of a relationship that has endured for three decades, raising questions about the nature of love and commitment.
The play’s most intriguing inquiries, however, revolve around the possibility of loving someone, perhaps even the “love of your life,” yet harboring deep-seated animosity towards their beliefs.
“STILL” skillfully navigates the cultural divide between its protagonists, who initially engage in the harmonious dance of long-lost lovers, but eventually square off in a spirited rapid-fire verbal sparring match. Arguments laced with side-splitting comedy and acidic tragedy.
The play’s seasoned actors deliver a masterful performance, engaging in a verbal battle that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
As the audience collectively endeavors to discern the true nature of Helen and Mark’s relationship, “STILL” serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of love and the enduring power of dialogue.
The audience I was a part of knowingly nodded, chuckled, and gasped aloud at playwright Lia Romeo’s erudite and unvarnished whirlwind script in her Off-Broadway Premiere teasing apart the harsh realities of aging, the regretful paths not taken, and diametrically opposing beliefs in a romantic relationship.
The bittersweet labor of “STILL” is the unpacking of a decades-long relationship brought to life by the talented duo of Gilbert and Moses.
Strengthened by the insightful direction of Adrienne Campbell-Holt and smartly written, authentic dialogue by Playwright Lia Romeo, the play is a profound exploration of love and relationships.
As an audience member, I found “STILL” thoroughly satisfying and poetically touching. There are several critical twists that I will refrain from spoiling for you.
These revelations are subtly hinted at throughout the play. Each clue dropped guides you as the couples’ story unfolds, truths are unveiled as tensions rise to a crescendo, and the myriad pieces of the puzzle that is Helen and Marks’ decades-old relationship finally come together.
Regardless of one’s personal stance on their issues, you can discern a genuine argument from each empathetic lover’s perspective, delivered with remarkable pathos and unflinching honesty that elevates this quirky yet engaging love story into something rare, timely, and essential.
This play holds immense significance for me. The core questions it poses are fundamental to our identity as Americans: Can we reconcile our differences for love? Is love sufficient?” – Melissa Gilbert, “HELEN” in “STILL.”
“STILL” transforms from a coy romantic comedy into a politically charged paradox that is expertly paced and creatively delivered.
The sparse yet richly executed scenic designs, staging, and lighting by Alexander Woodard, Elizabeth Allen, and Resa Behjat, respectively, lend a crisp authenticity to both the wine bar and hotel room scenes that ground the performance.
Costumes by Barbara A. Bell and sound design by Hidenori Nakajo enhance the atmosphere and contribute to the storytelling. Props supplied by Andy Miller, such as a cleverly utilized, tension breaking avocado and a ukulele solo that near brought me to tears, further enhance this stellar production.
“STILL” presents no straightforward answers, leaving viewers with more perplexing questions at the conclusion. As Helen and Mark contemplate whether pursuing their new endeavor is worth the time remaining, the audience is left with a sense of anticipation. I personally hope they do.
A sequel would be highly welcome, as the open-ended conclusion leaves the audience yearning for more of this flawed yet relatable odd couple. This is a positive outcome for a play, as it allows for further exploration of their characters. I predict that “STILL,” once discovered, has the potential to extend its run indefinitely.
“STILL” refuses to preach but encourages dialogue by posing thought-provoking questions. It would be a disservice to miss this production.
Tickets are available for purchase at $39. Click here to buy.
“STILL” will be performed January 28 – March 23 at The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture’s Loreto Theater (18 Bleecker Street, NYC). The official opening night is Thursday, February 6 at 6:30 PM.
The regular performance schedule is held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM; on Fridays at 6:00 PM; and on Thursdays at 2:30 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 PM. Tickets, priced between $39 and $99, are now available for purchase online at SheenCenter.org, by phone at 212-219-3132, or in-person at The Sheen Center box office, which is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5:00 PM and one hour prior to performances.
**Theater:** Performances commenced on January 28th at The Loreto Theater, located within The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture at 18 Bleecker Street, New York City, between Elizabeth Street and Mott Street. (Click here for a map.)
**Running Time:** The performance will have a duration of 75 minutes, excluding intermissions.
**Recommended Age:** The performance is intended for individuals aged 13 and above, as it may contain strong language and adult themes.
