“The Coast Starlight” (MILWAUKEE) reviewed by Amy Menzel

***** The magic of a studio theater starts with its intimacy. The players and the audience are in such close proximity that when the house lights dim, it’s as if the stage zooms in. There’s no choice but to be fully present. The Coast Starlight capitalizes on the immediacy of the Stiemke Studio theater with a combination of bold lightening structures, simple prop use, striking sound, and subtle video to create an immersive experience.

Sitting in the house, you could easily imagine yourself as another passenger on the Coast Starlight train, on enroute to Seattle, people-watching and wondering. This production is as much a reminder that every person you encounter is wrestling with something, as it is a reminder of the power we each have to support one another through the common yet distinctly different struggles of the human experience.

We meet six characters on the Coast Starlight. While each is rich in backstory and personality, the focus is on T.J., a young man harboring a secret. He has a big, time-sensitive decision to make, the consequences of which will greatly alter the trajectory of his life.

Jack Ball makes his Milwaukee Rep debut as T.J. and his powerful performance is bound to garner him new fans. Emily S. Change (Jane), Yadira Correa (Anna), and Justin Huen (Noah) also make their Milwaukee Rep debuts and each bring nuance to their roles. Kelley Faulkner (Liz) and Jonathan Wainwright (Ed) return to the Rep to round out the cast. Faulkner’s performance of a brash and big-hearted woman with plenty to deal with and even more to say is particularly impressive. This is a strong ensemble whose performance you will not soon forget.

The Coast Starlight is beautifully written and my notes from last night’s performance are full of elegant and thought-provoking lines. Consider me an instant fan of playwright Keith Bunin. As soon as I send in this review, I’ll be seeking out more of his work.

Director Mark Clements has a knack for bringing truly exciting and enriching theater to the Milwaukee Rep. Milwaukee is stronger because of his talent and dedication.

Get your ticket for The Coast Starlight, running now through October 6 at the Stiemke Studio.The address is 108 E. Wells in Milwaukee.

★★★★★

Saturdays – 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sundays – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tuesdays – Fridays – 7:30 p.m. (Tuesday, 9/10 – 6:30 p.m.; matinee W, 9/18, 10/2 – 1:30 p.m.)

Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased at www.milwaukeerep.com

The show runs 1 hour and 35 minutes without intermission.

Special performances include:
Audio Described Performance – Thursday, September 26, 7:30 p.m.
ASL Performance – Friday, September 27, 7:30 p.m.
Talkbacks are Tuesday evenings after the performances on September 20, 24 and October 1

Special Events
Post-Show Panel on PTSD/Trauma with Veterans – Friday, September 27
Dinner Dialogue Series – Monday, September 30
Mental Health Seminar – Tuesday, October 1
Visit milwaukeerep.com for more details.