Alleyway’s 45th Season Catches a Big Wave

Surf’s Up on Alleyway Theatre’s 45^th season and it’s cresting on a big wave with Wipeout by Aurora Real De Asua.

The first thing you’ll notice when you enter the house is that the stage and house are turned 90-degrees to create a much wider set. Since the 95-minute show is set in the Pacific Ocean, this full sweep of stage is necessary. Bryce Cutler’s scenic design and Emma Schimminger’s lighting are elegant and create a compelling first impression. And when the actors glide on stage, they don’t leave it for 95-minutes.

Director Josie Divincenzo picked a cast with significant chops to keep up with this script and the physical and emotional stamina it tells. It’s the story of three old friends trying a new thing: surfing, as women of a certain age. Julie Kittsley is Wynn, with multiple marriages and a concern for her Botox melting away as a metaphor for lost youth and appeal. Christina Rausa is Claudia, the organizer, the reliable, dependable one, who is struggling now to hide her break point. Diane McNamara is Gary, the former public defender whose life is changing as illness clouds her brain and her indomitable spirit. Jacob Applegate is Blaze, the 19-year-old exuberant instructor who is going to show this trio how to surf.

Yes, there is surfing, skillfully depicted with surf boards (on wheels that are nicely blocked by the curl of a wave) and actors who propel them from end to end while rocking their bodies with the flow of the ocean. Their stage movements are constant, sometimes broad and sometimes subtle and so incredibly well done by those group.

This is a lovely story of mature friendship, three women who have known each other forever, through the constant evolution of their lives. Their ups and downs like the swell of the ocean are reflected in their stories and the memories that still make them laugh and the new life realities that can bring an ocean of tears. Between the many funny bits, there is powerful poignancy in moments of isolation, anger, fear, and confusion that come with aging. And from friends who can’t or won’t keep up. Or realities that are disturbing and distressing. Blaze the instructor has his backstory, too, that he reveals as he teaches this trio how to paddle and wait for their wave. Patience, trust, nerve, and more than a little letting go of fear to just live and let live….lots to pack in here.

It’s all so well done, and (spoiler alert), the closing scene is a triumph. It’s a spectacular start to the new season.

Alleyway is trying something new with its program: mercifully, the most important elements are still printed in an eye-appealing format, which also include the ubiquitous QR code that leads  you to more content about the actors and the team. Please don’t go full-on digital on us: some of us still like to hold a piece of paper.

Wipeout is hanging 10 until September 28. Find tickets and details at alleyway.com.