Grounded Lyricism
Icarus
Edward Sanchez’s new play Icarus strives to be a lyrical, surreal meditation on dreams and beauty, fueled by the tale of a physically disabled young man, Primitivo (Christopher Galindo), whose dreams of fame and fortune are fostered by his physically unattractive, love-starved sister, Altagracia (Jennifer Berg). An earnest production by Trumpet Vine Theatre Company, directed by Vincent Worthington, doesn’t lift the play to the transcendent level of theatrical poetry to adequately support its meandering two-and-a-half hours.
Still, there are some affecting performances to observe along the way. Keith Waters gives a nicely understated quirkiness to Mr. Ellis, a homeless man who accompanies the similarly destitute Primitivo and Altagracia to a vacant California beach house where they take up residence. Jack Baker is an impressive presence, visually and dramatically, as a washed-up, once-glamorous actress known as “the Gloria” who lives next door. And the gorgeous John Driscoll, whom you may recognize from a fifth season stint on Dawson’s Creek, is mesmerizing as the mysterious stranger Beau — even if his washboard abs and bedroom eyes cast a stronger spell than his acting ability.
Icarus‘s significant weakness is its slow-to-build conflict, capped off with a rushed conclusion that belies its otherwise sedate pacing. There may have been more Worthington could do to enhance momentum, although it’s more likely that Sanchez’s piece is too fundamentally flawed at this point to soar instead of saunter.
Through Dec. 22 at Theatre on the Run, 3700 S. Four Mile Run Dr. in Arlington. Tickets are $18 to $20. Call 703-912-1649. Visit www.trumpetvinetheatrecompany.org.
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
