LENOX, Mass. — Experience in both stage and screen is abundant in the world premiere of “Lunar Eclipse” at Shakespeare & Company, with a collective 185 years from the playwright, director, and two actors. The creative prowess of these individuals, along with the contributions of eight other talented individuals, is evident in every moment, nuance, and mood of this captivating and thought-provoking play. Esteemed playwright Donald Margulies, known for his exceptional work, brings “Lunar Eclipse” to the stage in Lenox, Massachusetts, without any prior publication, production, or workshop. The play opened on Sunday and will continue to run until October 22.
Set almost entirely during the hours of a lunar eclipse, the two-character play primarily revolves around George (Reed Birney) and Em (Karen Allen), a married couple reflecting on their nearly five decades together in contemporary America. The couple watches the eclipse from a rotating grassy platform, representing their farm, located on a hillside. This unique setting allows for a mesmerizing stage experience that enhances the impact of their reminiscing.
Margulies takes on an intriguing writing challenge with this play. While very little action occurs as George and Em gaze at the sky, the conversations they have delve deep into their past, spanning years and even decades. Margulies’ expert portrayal of their marriage, based on his own long-standing marriage of over 35 years, is characterized by careful precision and astute observation. Despite the potential for becoming a self-indulgent exploration of baby boomer introspection, “Lunar Eclipse” manages to avoid this trap thanks to the exceptional execution by both the author and the actors.
“Lunar Eclipse”
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble St., Lenox, Mass.
Running time: 90 minutes, with no intermission
Continues: 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, through Oct. 22
Tickets: $26 to $66
Info: 413-637-3353 and shakespeare.org
The play unfolds dynamically as Margulies gradually unveils new details, much like a pointillist painter adding intricacies to their work. Each new piece of information adds layers of complexity to George and Em’s relationship, showcasing the nuances of their individual journeys, the sacrifices made, and the heartbreak they endured with their troubled son, who was adopted from a drug-addicted mother. Under the skillful direction of James Warwick, who has previously excelled with plays like “Mothers and Sons” and “A Walk in the Woods,” Karen Allen and Reed Birney deliver captivating performances that bring this new work to life. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, evident in their embrace and radiant smiles during the standing ovation at Sunday’s curtain call.
Allen, known for her memorable roles in films like “Animal House” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” previously appeared at Shakespeare & Company as Rosalind in “As You Like It” in 1988. She has also established herself as a talented fiber artist with a shop in Great Barrington. In “Lunar Eclipse,” she flawlessly portrays Em, a town girl who found love in George since their high school days when he invited her to watch an eclipse on his family’s farm. Birney, a Tony Award winner for “The Humans,” brings depth and complexity to the character of George, a man hardened by a lifetime of struggle, disappointment, and societal expectations.
As Em ponders George’s capacity for affection, mentioning his affection towards their dogs, the play delicately explores nostalgia, fondness, and regret that often accompany retrospectives of a life shared with a loved one. Margulies skillfully avoids overindulgence in sentimentality and keeps the audience engaged through the interwoven strands of their shared experiences.
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