Review: THE SEEDBED at NJ Rep is Fascinating Family Drama

"It all boils down to what's honest at the end of the day."

-THE SEEDBED

THE SEEDBED is making its World Premiere at New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) now through November 15th. This emotive family drama is written by Bryan Delaney and directed by the company's Artistic Director, SuzAnne Barabas. You will want to see this one. It is a thought provoking play with compelling twists and turns.

THE SEEDBED is set in the present at a family home in Ireland. Thomas and his wife Hannah welcome their troubled daughter Maggie home after a long absence. It's Thomas and Hannah's wedding anniversary and it should be a time of celebration, yet underlying tensions soon surface. To complicate matters, 18 year-old Maggie brings home her much older fiancé, Mick. Information about Maggie's past, Tom and Hannah's marriage, Mick's hopes for the future and so much more is revealed as the foursome comes to grips with their respective relationships.

Delaney's play is meticulously crafted, enhanced by Barabas' excellent direction and the show's stellar cast. A sense of mystery pervades the scenes. As the conflicts unfold onstage, it is unclear whether they are borne of real events or very unfortunate misunderstandings. The stakes are high with relationships that are on the edge of collapse. You get the feeling that anything can happen. Yet there are just enough humorous moments to balance this intense family drama.

The cast of four completely captures the essence of their roles. Kevin Hogan plays Thomas, an aloof man with a penchant for birds. His outbursts are wholly unexpected but lend real context to the family intrigue. Gina Costigan portrays Hannah, a modest, often thoughtful woman who appears to be both a loving wife and dedicated mother. Cathryn Wake plays the role of Maggie, a spirited young woman trying to understand the value of love in her life. Michael Louis Serafin-Wells plays Mick, a rather bombastic character that is often confounded by the family's dynamic.

The production team brings THE SEEDBED to life with set and prop design by Jessica Parks, technical direction by Brian Snyder, lighting design by Jill Nagle, sound design by Merek Royce Press and costume design by Patricia Doherty. Jennifer Tardibuono is the Stage Manger.

Make a trip to New Jersey Repertory Company, the intimate Long Branch theatre and see THE SEEDBED, a fascinating theatrical piece. It will be onstage through November 15th. The theatre is located at 179 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740. For more information and ticketing, call 732.229.3166 or visit their web site at www.njrep.org.

Photo Credit: SuzAnne Barabas

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