Review: TIME STANDS STILL is a Cathartic Theatrical Journey

The TSS Collective is presenting a remount of last summer's hit Toronto Fringe show, TIME STANDS STILL by Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies. Director Jordan Merkur expertly stages this Tony Award-nominated play with a strong cast, set and direction.

From start to finish, the audience was captivated by the heartbreaking screenplay and moved by the vulnerability of the actors.

Set in present day Brooklyn, the play revolves around Sarah (KIRSTEN RAE HINTON), a recently injured photojournalist, and her boyfriend James (JASON JAZRAWY), a reporter, as they begin to cope with her recovery and return from war-torn Iraq. In the midst of trying to pick up the pieces in their lives, they receive a visit from their friend Richard (SAM ROSENTHAL) and his new, and much younger, girlfriend Mandy (CARLEIGH BEVERLY).

Richard and Mandy's relationship begin to make James and Sarah wonder what affect her injury and time in Iraq had on their relationship. The preceding events deal with issues of morality, guilt and love, all while trying to answer the question of - why do we live the way we live? Throughout the course of the play, the relationship between Sarah and James continuously evolves as they try to rediscover a sense of normalcy.

The original Fringe cast returns for this remount and give honest, compelling and genuine performances. The chemistry between the four actors on stage creates an extraordinary dramatic experience. Carleigh Beverly is a source of fresh comedic relief that balances the heavy subject matter in an appropriate way.

The development of her character Mandy throughout the play is truly remarkable. However, the stand out performance in my eyes was Jason Jazrawy's portrayal of James. His performance was one of the most authentic and real performances I've seen in a long time.

From his charming ways as a supportive and devoted boyfriend, to being heartbroken and conflicted - everyone in the room felt his wide range of emotions. All the cast members were remarkable, and exceeded all expectations.

The simplistic set, coupled with the intimate Theatre Passe Muraille space creates a truly immersive theatrical experience. Every tear, breath, and vein of the actors on stage is noticed by the audience, making for an unforgettable night of theatre. I cannot stress enough how strong the ensemble of actors are; their chemistry brought the text to life. It was a cathartic journey for everyone in the audience - a must see!

TIME STANDS STILL was one of the most acclaimed productions at the 2014 Toronto Fringe Festival. You do not want to miss this second opportunity to catch this outstanding production. It is playing at the Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace until March 29th.

Ticket Prices range from $22-$38 (including HST) and can be purchased in person at the Theatre Passe Muraille Box, by calling 416.504.7529 or online at www.artsboxoffice.ca. For more information visit http://www.tsscollective.com

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