Review: 4000 MILES at Miners Alley Playhouse

A finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Amy Herzog's 4000 Miles is currently playing at Miners Alley Playhouse in downtown Golden.

During a cross-country bike trip, Leo (Curtiss Johns) ends up at the New York apartment grandmother, Vera (Deborah Persoff). It's the middle of the night, and she wasn't expecting him. As his stay with her extends longer than he planned, the two begin to relate to one another on a deeper level.

Directed by Len Matheo, the energy between Johns and Persoff's characters is ideal. Persoff's Vera has a kind of sweet hardness you could only find from a 91-year-old residing in Manhattan. Johns' Leo brought a carefree spirit with just enough relatability that you understood him. But really, both characters were more similar than you expect.

And that's what makes the uncomplicated plot of 4000 Miles so captivating. A relationship between a grandmother and her grandson tends to have its own obstacles, but there's an affection here that bridges the generational gap. While both seem strong and settled, it seems as though there's fragility in both characters the other can recognize and help manage.

Leo's struggling with a tragic incident that occurred during his trip, bringing him to settle for a bit with Vera. And Vera, who is dealing with her own plight of solitude, can offer Leo the companionship he needs, if only briefly. In one of the final scenes, Leo's monologue is heart wrenching. (I'm probably stealing it for my actor life.)

Despite only appearing for short moments, both Jenna Moll Reyes and Alaina Beth Reel make an impression. Reyes plays a couple characters; a random hookup named Amanda and Leo's sister, Lilly. Reel is Leo's ex-girlfriend, Bec, whom he hasn't quite left behind. The actresses bring an added wit, heart and depth to what could just be a show between the two main characters. Their roles are necessary. Reyes' character Lilly has a pretty rad and innovative scene (her only appearance) where she video chats with Leo live. (From the lobby of the playhouse, I heard.)

I was also really jealous of Vera's West Village apartment, designed by Jonathan Scott-McKean. His use of details really gave the set its own charming character. However, depending on your seat in the theater, some parts were a little obstructed.

Short but sweet, this one-act play isn't trying to be more than it is. Throughout the show, Vera and Leo discover a common bond that most anyone who has distant family can relate. There's a power in its simplicity.

Miners Alley Playhouse presents 4000 Miles through March 6 in Golden. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m.; Sundays at p.m. (closing Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m.). Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, $14 for children 12 and under, and are available by calling 303-935-3044 or online at MinersAlley.com. Miners Alley Playhouse is located at 1224 Washington Avenue. Golden, CO 80401.

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