Review: THE EDGE OF OUR BODIES at 59E59 Theaters-A Compelling Coming of Age Story

by Bernie in The Edge of Our Bodies

The New York City premiere of The Edge of Our Bodies is now being performed at 59E59 Theaters through April 22. Written by Pulitzer Prize finalist, Adam Rapp and directed by Jacqueline Stone, this is a coming of age story like no other. The show stars Carolyn Molloy who performs Rapp's well-crafted dialogue superbly.

In the play, Bernadette is a 16 year-old boarding school student from Connecticut who performs in school plays and wants to be a short story writer. Reading from her diary, she recounts situations from her young life. Bernie, as she is known, is madly in love with her boyfriend, Michael who is bound for Brown University. Her plan to surprise him with a visit to his home in Brooklyn leads to unexpected circumstances. Bernie winds up visiting with Michael's terminally ill father and she also ventures to a Greenwich Village bar where she pretends to be an NYU student. Bernie takes the audience on an emotional and humorous journey that includes personal dilemmas and family anecdotes.

Carolyn Molloy delivers a compelling performance as Bernie, the dramatic teen who is trying to make sense of the world around her. She seamlessly plays multiple parts to present conversations that Bernie has with other people. These interactions serve to round out the story. Malloy is joined briefly on stage by Robert James Hickey who plays the Maintenance Man.

The Creative Team has done a great job of bringing The Edge of Our Bodies to the stage with scenic design by Martin Andrew; costume design by Branimira Ivanova; lighting design by Keith Parham; sound design by Joe Court; and props design by Letitia Guillaud. The Movement Director is Aileen McGroddy and the Production Stage Manager is Andrew C. Donnelly.

The Edge of Our Bodies is a refreshingly honest show that is relatable for people of all ages. See it now while it is being performed in the intimate space of 59E59 Theaters.

Produced by Chicago's TUTA Theatre, The Edge of Our Bodies is produced by Chicago's TUTA Theatre. It runs for 85 minutes with no intermission. It will be on stage at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59thStreet, between Park and Madison Avenues) through April 22. The performance schedule is Tuesday - Friday at 7:30 PM; Saturday at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM; and Sunday at 2:30 PM. Single tickets are $25 ($20 for 59E59 Members). Tickets are available by calling Ticket Central at 212.279.4200 or by visiting www.59e59.org.

Photo Credit: Anthony LaPenna