By Iman Bakhit
Staff Writer
Circle X Theatre’s newest original play, “ICU,” ignites laughter and maintains its intensity from beginning to end.
“ICU,” is complete with an astounding storyline, stunning actors and an original set.
The play is thought-provoking, because it highlights the challenges and the emotional rollercoaster a family goes through while waiting for news about their loved one’s condition.
The play focuses on the life of a dysfunctional New York family who relentlessly circles a hospital waiting room, hoping that their drug addict son lives after falling into a coma. After being kicked out of his hospital room for disruptive behavior, the family is forced to socialize with each other after many years of not getting along.
Fielding Edlow, the playwright, is also an actress and producer who is known for movies such as, “The Red Circle” and “Cranky Puss”. Director, Brian Shnipper has directed various plays all over California and was a regional finalist for the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival. “ICU” is located at the Circle X Theatre, a non-profit organization located in Hollywood.
Granted, the seating was especially good because it was arranged so that every viewer got a good view. Seats were arranged in only one row, allowing every viewer a front row seat while actors circled the audience.
With this is mind, the brilliantly planned set is an ICU waiting room and the audience is seated around its perimeter in wooden chairs, only seating about 20 people. The actors perform in the middle of the waiting room, only inches away from the audience. The viewing experience this provides is truly revolutionary by stepping away from the ordinary play delivery of sitting in rows away from the stage.
Above all, the play was attention-grabbing and thrilling by boasting many dramatic twists and surprises that leave audience clenching onto each other in frantic anticipation of another twist. All this hustle made the first half of the play seem only five minutes long, due to the fact that it was full of activity, and the intermission an eternity. The play was so entertaining, everyone lost track of time.
Altogether, the actors gave flawless portrayal of the modern dysfunctional American family member, one who has trouble communicating their thoughts with one another. They acted fiercely and loud while also making sure to clearly express their mood in the dialogue and when performing actions.
A distressed, outspoken character of the mother colliding with feisty character of her grossly misunderstood daughter is the central spectacle of the play. One can relate to these characters, because of how they each act and how they react under certain circumstances.
Overall, “ICU” contains an original plot and storyline, that was acted out by fearless actors, all in what seemed like an ICU waiting room. Nevertheless, “ICU” is a play unlike any other that surprises many and doesn’t disappoint whoever the audience may be.
“ICU” is playing at the Circle X Theatre on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays at 7:00pm, through October 31. Tickets cost $20.
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