Kindness - review

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Jane Zussman

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Apr 10, 2026, 10:24:20 PM (7 days ago) Apr 10

to Jane Zussman

Adam Rapp’s Kindness is a psychologically twisted mini-thriller, described on the Concord Theatricals website as "a play about the possibility of sympathy in a harsh world and the meaning of mercy in the face of devastating circumstances.”

A dying mother hopes to have quality time with her teenage son by taking him to a Broadway musical. He’s not interested — so she invites the friendly cab driver instead. While they’re gone a “mystery woman” appears and entices our teen into a whole other subplot.

Director Miranda Hartman led a cast of four on this twisted psychological journey, hinting at the difficult emotions underlying surface interactions; sometimes funny; sometimes sad. Maureen Sawdon took on the challenging role of Mom, called on to be both enthused and sickly, annoying and loving. As her conflicted son, newcomer Kyan Camarillo weathered her contradictions. Ralph Simms played the folksy, friendly cab driver who was “kind” enough to take the son’s place as Mom’s date to Broadway. The pace turned up a notch when Rachel Mender arrived, flirting and conniving Kyan into a plot best discovered in person. No spoilers.

I have a couple critiques of the printed program: 1. no time/date “setting.” I’m guessing it’s NYC hotel room, circa 2008? There were a few seemingly dated references — and some wonderful old-ish background music (Thanks Miranda.)

And 2. No bio for Rachel Mender. You can look her up at Matt Ottinger’s Lansingtheatre.org database. (Yes, he is still updating it from his new home in California when theatres send their program info.) Rachel's done 23 shows since 2008, not to mention a lot of Audio Air Force radio shows.

Ixion Ensemble’s Kindness continues at Stage One at Sycamore Creek Eastwood (same place as Peppermint Creek) the church with the colorful mural across from McAllister’s on Lake Lansing road; parking in the back. General admission tickets $15 at the door or at:

https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/ixion-ensemble/69b5bf6d78c4561306864e52?ots-cmpgn-refer=PATRONEMAIL&utm_source=OnTheStage&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PATRONEMAIL

Jane Zussman

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(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)

cell 517-930-0932

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http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net

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