Eureka Day - review

[Jane Zussman]

Peppermint Creek has lobbed another excellent conversation-starter over our theatrical fence. Eureka Day is the name of the Berkeley, CA, elementary school setting — and “Eureka” could also be a cry of discovery that the codified rule of “consensus” may not be achievable when a mumps outbreak raises deep divisions.

Their website says it well, Jonathan Spector’s script “...satirizes performative inclusivity, the subjectivity of facts, the conflict between individual and public health, and the difficulty of maintaining consensus in a polarized world.” Very timely.

Board members begin with humorously polite bickering in their beautiful library set (designer/consultant Jeff Boerger; construction lead Bryan Dryer.) Principal Don (Michael Phelps) fusses and placates during the breakdown of polite, progressive discourse in the face of irreconcilable, emotional issues. 

The board members are a diversely fascinating group, each believable and sympathetic. Emily Clark embodies Suzanne, earnest and conciliatory but deeply rooted in anti-vaccine views sparked by past tragedy. Filonna Thomas is Carina, a pragmatic Black parent, new to the school, challenging Suzanne’s anti-vax views. Connor Kelly is Eli, a wealthy, well-meaning stay-at-home dad having an open-marriage affair with Asian single mom Meiko, who crochets with increasing intensity until she reaches her breaking point. 

A highlight of the show is the scene where Don and the board try to have a consensus-building Zoom meeting with the school’s parents. Board members’ discussions bubble into verbal jousting in the library, as a litany of “comments” from the parents scrolls down the projection screens in disturbingly funny contrast to the onstage chaos.

Carman Zavala appears as a grace note in the final scene as the board ominously looks forward to a successful future school year, 

Eureka Day continues through May 17 at Stage One at Sycamore Creek Eastwood 2200 Lake Lansing Road across from McAlister’s; driveway on the east side, parking in the back. General seating tickets at http://peppermintcreek.org

Jane Zussman

G.L.U.T. List

(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)

cell 517-930-0932

JSZu...@gmail.com

http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net 

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