Review: Brilliant EXPECTING ISABEL Balances Humor and Heartbreak at Annie Russell

There is simply no overstating how fortunate Central Florida theatre fans are to have quality collegiate theatre programs in the area. While ticket sales are obviously still important for Theatre UCF and the Annie Russell Theatre at Rollins College, ultimately, their mission is not to produce the most commercially viable theatrical season in town; their goal is to give their talented students opportunities to challenge themselves, to learn about all aspects of their chosen profession, and to become the most well-rounded theatre artists that they can. And, because of this fact, Orlando is regularly blessed with brilliant productions like EXPECTING ISABEL, running at Rollins through Saturday, February 20th, that they might not otherwise be privileged to see.

This touching comedy follows a pushing-40 New York couple who suddenly decides that they want to have a baby, and how they navigate the difficulties they face along the way. While the play is nearly 18 years old, it is not a well-known title, even amongst avid theatregoers, nor is its playwright Lisa Loomer. While the Annie does sell season tickets, and is supported by the Annie Russell Theatre Guild, I don't think a theatre company relying primarily on selling subscriptions and the support of donors would take a risk on this under-the-radar title.

For most of the show, high strung, compulsively cynical Miranda (the magnificent Rachel Comeau) narrates, breaking the fourth wall to commiserate directly with the audience. Her struggling sculptor husband Nick (the charming Nicholas D'Alessandro), always endearingly optimistic, steps in when the couple's trials become too much for her. Miranda at first is hesitant to commit to the idea of upsetting her tidy life by having a child, but as their efforts grow more tangible, it becomes her all-consuming focus.

As the couple climbs the peaks and valleys inherent in a difficult conception, Loomer's script covers every emotional angle on this tumultuous journey. However, despite the highs and lows, Nick and Miranda's relationship remains consistently relatable; a testament to the talent of D'Alessandro and Comeau.

As she did in last year's MACHINAL, Comeau proves that she is one of Central Florida's best actors, regardless of level or experience. The depth she shows as Miranda evolves from an isolated individual with a sardonic sense of humor into a woman desperate to share her love with a child is breathtaking. Simply put, she is a treasure, and I hope that after she graduates we continue to see her perform in Central Florida and beyond.

As each of the couple's attempts fail, your heart breaks for them. This story is more common than most people realize, but often it is kept secret out of shame or a need to grieve in private, but to see how the roller coaster of expectations and disappointments impact these two and their relationship is quite powerful.

D'Alessandro provides a wonderful counter to Comeau. While his arc isn't as broad as hers, he is positive and strong while Miranda is the medical Guinea Pig, and afraid and defensive when faced with a hamster test of his own. All the while, D'Alessandro provides a nuanced performance that connects with the audience.

In addition to the lead couple, director David Charles has assembled a fantastic ensemble, with each actor taking on multiple roles. Specifically, Lauren Finn runs the gamut with three very different, but each delightful characters. Lena Barker is extremely funny as Miranda's upper-middle class, alcoholic mother and an adoption broker. Casey Casteel shines primarily as Nick's brother and therapy pal, and Chloe Brewer brings three different kinds of wacky as Nick's scandalous sister, the couple's hippie therapist, and as the eponymous Isabel.

Most of the show's characters are fairly flat and stock, but whether that is because of unreliable narrators, or as a shorthand to understand the revolving roles, the familiarity adds an extra layer to the show's humor, especially as the stakes continue to rise.

Perhaps this was simply an Opening Night issue, but there were more than a handful of occasions in which cast members tried to speak over laughs and their lines were lost. I assume that after a few performances with an audience, Charles and company have addressed that, because there are plenty of laughs in the remarkably impactful play.

EXPECTING ISABEL is a theatrical experience that you don't want to miss. When you see a show this unique, and performances this special, "You just know." To get tickets, visit the Annie Russell website, or call 407-646-2145.

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Did EXPECTING ISABEL deliver for you? Let me know in the comments below, or on Twitter @BWWMatt. If you want to follow along with my "366 in 366" articles, you can check out #BWW366in366 on Twitter.

Banner Image: Nicholas D'Alessandro and Rachel Comeau. Photo Credit: Tony Firriolo

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