Stargazing with a Side of Sass
- mdellaquila6
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
A review by: Marianne Dell'Aquila
Sean Grennan’s, A Rock Sails By blends sharp humor with emotional depth while exploring the fragile beauty of human connection. The play follows Dr. Lynn Cummings, a brilliant astrophysicist, confronting existential questions about life, death, and the pursuit of understanding. A Rock Sails By manages to combine science with sentimentality, and this production truly shines.
Laura Shapella’s portrayal of Dr. Lynn Cummings is analytical and emotionally guarded, her intellect a shield. As Lynn’s journey continues, we see a vulnerability begin to seep through the cracks of her seemingly hard exterior. Her transformation as she struggles to reconcile intellect with emotion is beautiful.
Lynn’s daughter Olive, played by DCP newcomer Bryanna Pye, effortlessly counterpoints her mother’s logical, scientific mind with empathy and warmth. Ms. Pye delicately balances her independence and her evolving relationship with her mother. Ms. Pye’s Olive is the resilient “heart” of this story. DCP newcomer Shawn McCoy as Jason, is likeable and humorous. He challenges Lynn to step outside her comfort zone with clever banter. Don’t let that fool you- Mr. McCoy’s Jason is not just funny. He reminds Lynn- and the audience- that sometimes the most profound truths are not rooted in science, but in humanity.
DCP veteran Tiffany Peoples embodies several roles as the Player. Each of her characters is distinct and wildly entertaining. Ms. Peoples plays each character with a cheekiness that draws the audience in and keeps them engaged.
Kristin Cichowski Kratzer is often a scene
stealer as the symbolic Messenger. Ms. Kratzer plays her character with tenderness and wonder, forcing Lynn to recognize that not everything can be explained. I do not want to spoil the audience experience by saying anything more about this character, but Kristin's performance is wonderful. The Messenger helps drive Lynn’s transformation from intellectual rigidity to the acceptance of ambiguity.
Dynamic duo, director Ray Thompson and producer Beth Cohen, once again demonstrate their infamous recipe for success by assembling a phenomenal cast and crew. Mr. Thompson’s masterful direction delicately intertwines the cerebral with the emotional, captivating both science and theatre buffs. Ms. Cohen’s leadership and creative insight are clearly reflected in the cohesion of the production team. Her ability to unify the technical aspects with the artistic, has resulted in an incredibly nuanced production.
Cameron Purdy’s impeccable set design does not overwhelm but rather invites introspection. Coupled with scenic artist Colleen Algeo’s flawless painting technique and color choices, the set is practical, celestial, and nothing short of stunning. Stage manager Caitlyn Swartz leads her crew (Casper Spigel and Madeline Braun) through seamless set changes that flow like a dance. Costume Design by Nancy Server Thompson offers class and realism while supporting the themes of the play throughout. Light and sound design by Bill Algeo is perhaps my favorite technical aspect of this production, and arguably the most integral to the story. The lighting and sound exquisitely transitions between locations, mood shifts, and the appearance of the Messenger, while providing emotional texture.
DCP’s production of A Rock Sails By offers something for everyone: intellect, humor, and emotion. Ultimately, it is a story that invites reflection, empathy, and awe. You do not want to miss this!
Performances are September 12th-13th and 19th–20th at 7:30 PM, and September 14th and 19th-20th at 2 PM.