BWW Reviews: Tour-de-Force Performances Abound in Synetic's A TALE OF TWO CITIES

Let us get right to it. The always inventive Synetic Theater is offering up something a little different from its usual ensemble-driven, movement-heavy - and often silent - productions with A Tale of Two Cities. Like many of the troupe's productions, this one is based on a classic work of literature, but it's not an original adaptation by the usual Synetic suspects (namely Ben Cunis and Artistic Director Paata Tsikurishvili). This one features two Synetic regulars who use their incredible physical acting skills to bring the story to life as they normally would, but in a more intimate and traditionally theatrical way.

Oh, and before we go any further? No, it's not that story about the French Revolution - at least not in the traditional sense.

Everett Quinton's irreverent take on the Dickens classic involves Jerry (Alex Mills), an aspiring drag performer, getting ready for his big debut at Sally's, presumably a local nightclub. He's a bit excited, but his countdown to transforming himself into someone completely different is unexpectedly interrupted. He goes to the door of his cozy, cheerful, and most certainly cluttered apartment (designed by Luciana Stecconi) that's every bit what you'd expect from a struggling performer working the nightclub scene. Someone has left a baby named Dorian (Vato Tsikurkishvili) there in a basket along with a note. Jerry, though inexperienced, takes on the challenge of caring for the child - at least for the short-term - and finds that it's not the classic fairy tales that soothe the child, but a tale of the French Revolution. Yes, A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens. As he prepares himself to physically take on a new identity for his show - much like Sydney Carton in the classic novel - he transforms himself into Dickens' characters, as the baby intently watches.

Quinton's script is not quite masterful. He relies far too much on low-brow humor that usually involves the child and his bodily functions to win over the audience. Likewise, although the play-within-a-play structure works well for what he's trying to accomplish, he's not exactly subtle about defining parallels between the story Jerry is telling and his own life, and common social themes between the two worlds. Repeat situations - though funny the first time - become tedious to watch as the nearly two hour show unfolds. However, strong direction, staging - and thankfully pacing - from Serge Seiden and a stellar cast make the not-so-solid play worth a look.

Alex Mills has always been a standout in Synetic productions and he's also made an impression in other local theatre productions. This production is no exception. In fact, it's made me appreciate his diverse set of talents even more. The highly physical role is a test of endurance. Mills not only is onstage entire show, but must tell the Dickens story with flair - including the physical variety - as he transforms himself into his flashy nightclub persona (assisted by Kendra Rai's spectacular costumes). Although the multi-tasking certainly not easy, he makes it look like it is. The role requires the actor to be skilled at broad, physical comedy, but also a natural storyteller, able to take on a meaty tale and make it meaningful to his audience. Subtle lighting changes (A.J. Guban) and sound elements (Thomas Sowers) help bring the dark story to life, but most of the heavy lifting is left to the actor - a challenge Mr. Mills seemingly gladly accepts. Simply put, he excels at everything. He's a natural performer, made only more apparent in the final scene (not be spoiled here).

Speaking of natural performer, one cannot discount Vato Tsikurishvili's contribution. Because of the unique staging (not to be spoiled here), his role also requires endurance, but of a different variety than Mills'. With his face and voice alone, Tsikurishvili defies the odds and achieves a certain level of believability that he really is an infant. It would be easy for a lesser performer to let the energy and focus down a bit during the scenes where Dorian is simply listening to Jerry share the story, but there's simply none of that from Mr. Tsikurishvili. Tsikurishvili often excels at bringing the humor to any Synetic production as comic relief. His well-honed comedic skills are put to the test here and hold up.

Overall, there's much to like about this production. The acting alone is worth the ticket price.

Running Time: About 1 hour and 50 minutes with no intermission.

A TALE OF TWO CITIES plays at Synetic Theater's home in Crystal City - 1800 South Bell Street, Arlington, VA - through June 21, 2015. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 1-866-811-4111. The physical box office is also open one hour prior to every performance.

Photo: Alex Mills as Jerry and Vato Tsikurishvili as Dorian; by Koko Lanham.

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