Review: CONSTELLATIONS at Dallas Theater Center

Choose your own adventure stories are generally reserved for young readers, but toss in some quantum theory and a handful of dramatic adult situations, and you've landed somewhere among the intricate stars in Dallas Theater Center's new production of Nick Payne's CONSTELLATIONS.

The story begins unremarkably as physicist Marianne (Allison Pistorius) approaches beekeeper Roland (Alex Organ), asking him, "Do you know why it's impossible to lick the tips of your elbows?" She demonstrates an attempt and Roland dismisses her, seeming to immediately end their interaction. But with a swift flicker of light, the scene restarts with subtle changes that drastically alter the outcome of their scenario. No, the actors aren't attempting to correct any opening night mistakes: we've entered a hypothetical compilation of alternate worlds (the multiverse, for any quantum physics fans) where every possible scenario plays out in front of our eyes. For the following 70 minutes, this pattern recurs in place of a singular storyline.

In any scenario, Pistorius and Organ build convincing chemistry opposite one another with characters that are easy to invest in. As they ping pong between themes of new love, joy, fear, illness, adultery and heartbreak, the truthfulness of their relationship is never in question. Under the strategic direction of Wendy Dann, the pair fills the stage with honesty and raw emotions. Most impressive is the fact that these two skillful actors were able to repeat scenes over and over and make it interesting to watch each time.

The brilliance of the piece is the self-reflection that it inspires as you ponder all of your life's choices and the subsequent consequences. As Marianne and Roland continuously interact, Payne's text demonstrates how a momentary change in inflection or even minor difference in factors can cause a butterfly effect that majorly changes the outcome of any given circumstance. The piece serves as a lesson of how intensely our lives are affected by even our smallest thoughts and decisions.

Set in the round in DTC's fittingly intimate Studio Theatre, the scenes play out on Steve Tenyeck's sleek, abstract set, which consists of one circular platform with two symmetrical ramps that double as prop storage. With neither actor ever disappearing from view, the stage (along with Tenyeck's effective lighting) allows the pair to create-and recreate- each moment in clear sight of each corner of the audience. The subtlety of the creative elements, including Melissa Panzarello's apt costume pieces, allow the intricate plot to take center stage.

Although each situation onstage is engaging and generally relatable, the structure of the piece doesn't allow the outcome to be dramatically satisfying. That being said, the process and philosophy behind the plot are still thought provoking. See for yourself at Dallas Theater Center's Wyly Studio Theatre, running through October 9th. For tickets and more information, visit www.DallasTheaterCenter.org.

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