BWW Reviews: CONSTELLATIONS is an Ursa Minor

Call it If/Then without the music or Sure Thing without the bell, Nick Payne's Constellations is the latest addition to the ever-widening genre of theatre pieces that explore the infinite possibilities that exist in every situation and the concept of parallel universes where they do.

The author of the barely fathomable If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet (The title no doubt refers to the existence of a plot.) opens big with a socko line: "Do you know why it's impossible to lick the tips of your elbows?"

This is the socially awkward Marianne's (Ruth Wilson) out-of-the-blue attempt to strike up a conversation with fellow barbeque guest, Roland (Jake Gyllenhaal). When Roland shows no interest, the scene is started again and again until they hit a version where it works. The play continues on for 70 minutes, jumping from moment to moment and universe to universe in their eventful or non-existent relationship.

While Roland is a beekeeper, Marianne is conveniently an expert on quantum mechanics and, when the couple gets drunk on their first date, she explains how, in theory, "every choice, every decision you've ever and never made exists in an unimaginably vast ensemble of parallel universes."

Representing these possibilities seems to be the concept behind designer Todd Scutt's elegant set; a bare platform beneath a galaxy of large white balloons.

Payne's script begins with instructions that a change in formatting indicates a change in universe, but he only uses three formats: normal, bold and italics. Designer Lee Curran's lights make abrupt changes with the start of each new scene, but there doesn't seem to be a set pattern connecting scenes that belong together.

Fortunately, Wilson and Gyllenhaal share marvelous chemistry and blend easily from light romantic comedy to the playwright's attempts at meatier stuff. Between their performances and the captivating visuals, director Michael Longhurst's production has a hip, romantic feel.

As for the play itself, its crowning achievement may be in the number of patrons who go home and try to lick the tips of their elbows.

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