Review: The Great Distance Home at WaterTower Theatre

THE GREAT DISTANCE HOME is quite possibly the greatest theatre experience I have ever had. Kelsey Leigh Ervi, her cast and creative team left me completely speechless and in awe with this new devised work. The piece came out of the question, "What does it mean to go home?". In a previous interview with The Dallas Observer, it was stated that the piece was not to be done until it opened on the first of December, but you would not believe that from the final product.

Thanks to a fantastic ensemble cast of five, spectacular lighting and wonderful sound choices, the audience is immersed in the tale of a character called "boy" simply trying to find what he is looking for in his life. The ups and downs of everyday living come alive in the cast's interpretation of mundane tasks such as going to school, walking down the street or typing up a paper at work. There is a beautiful dance-like quality to the work this cast actively puts into this piece.

Now, comedy without much dialogue is something that is very hit or miss, a cast that tries their hand at something of the sort and succeeds is one in a million. Employing an abstract use of props, vocalizing without speaking actual words and simply pleasant pantomiming, this cast is definitely one in a million.

In being in this audience, I related to so many moments in this boy's life, as I am sure you will too. His is a story of wonder, loss, confusion, love and new beginnings, I myself was moved to tears multiple times. Never have I felt like I could breathe in a cast's pure passion for their art as well as I could sitting in that audience.

Do make time this holiday season to get to WaterTower Theatre in Addison, TX and experience THE GREAT DISTANCE HOME. It runs through Dec, 17th, so get your tickets now.

THE GREAT DISTANCE HOME, Watertower Theatre 15650 Addison Road, Dec. 1-17, $28, watertowertheatre.org.