Review: NO WAKE at 59E59 Theaters is Affecting Drama

"I felt stronger knowing that I didn't have to be strong."

-by Rebecca in No Wake

The New York City premiere of No Wake, written by William Donnelly and directed by Veronica Brady is now onstage at 59E59 Theaters through Sunday, October 15. This is an affecting drama, one that truly captures the emotions of people who are dealing with an indescribable tragedy.

A few years after their acrimonious divorce, Nolan and Rebecca experience a tense reunion at their adult daughter Suki's memorial service. Rebecca has remarried, and her husband Padgett is thrust into the middle of difficult and sometimes awkward situations. Together, Nolan and Rebecca confront their sorrow, relief, and regret but they also share tender reminiscences and experience some unexpected revelations. No Wake is an honest depiction of how people cope in the aftermath of death, yet it also shows the humorous moments that occur in everyday life.

The three-person cast features Tim Ransom as Padgett, Tricia Small as Rebecca, and Stef Tovar as Nolan. The actors are excellent in their portrayal of the play's complex characters. Rapid scene changes that include a local bar, Nolan's hotel room, and Suki's apartment are done seamlessly and work well to round out the story.

The Production Team has done a fine job of bringing No Wake to the stage with set design by Tom Buderwitz; costume design by Michael Mullen; lighting design by Brian Tovar; sound design by Lindsay Jones. The Master Electrician/Assistant Lighting Designer is Eric Mitchell; Fight Choreographer is Ned Mochel; Stage Manager is Abbie Betts and the Assistant Stage Manager is Matthew Bonaccorso.

See No Wake while it is on the 59E59 Theaters Stage. It is a show about relationships that is poignant, relatable, and very memorable.

No Wake is produced by Route 66 Theatre Company and Bella Vita Entertainment. The show's run time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with no intermission.

It will be performed for a limited engagement through Sunday, October 15. The performance schedule is Tuesday - Thursday at 7:30 PM; Friday at 8:30 PM; Saturday at 2:30 PM and 8:30 PM; and Sunday at 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Performances are at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues). Single tickets are $25 ($20 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or visit http://www.59e59.org/.

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg

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