Last night offered a delightful introduction to the Washington Stage Guild and their production of See Rock City, staged at the intimate Undercroft Theatre in Washington, D.C. Don’t let the location within a church basement fool you; this venue boasts comfortable seating, excellent concessions, and, most importantly, exceptional theatrical productions, proving that captivating theater can thrive anywhere. Artistic Director Bill Largess skillfully directed this rendition of Arlene Hutton’s See Rock City.
Arlene Hutton penned See Rock City in 2006, drawing inspiration from her parents’ relationship, family stories, and her grandmothers’ experiences. As the second play in a trilogy centered on the young romance of Raleigh and May, See Rock City follows Last Train to Nibroc, which Washington Stage Guild presented in a previous season. Patrons who enjoyed the first installment will find themselves further immersed in the couple’s journey. For newcomers, the Director’s Note provides helpful context, setting the stage for the narrative that continues in the trilogy’s final play, Gulf View Drive.
One of the most striking aspects of this production is the immersive set design. The play unfolds entirely on the front porch of May’s family home, a setting meticulously brought to life. This porch is not just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself, immediately establishing the play’s lived-in, slightly weathered atmosphere. The detailed painting of the house, crafted by set designers Carl F. Gudenius and Xiaoxiao Wang, truly transports the audience to the scene.
Complementing the visual landscape, sound designer Frank DiSalvo, Jr. masterfully employed radio broadcasts and popular songs from the 1940s to bridge scene transitions. This bittersweet soundscape effectively highlighted the contrast between the distant horrors of World War II and the relative peace and joy experienced at home. Well-timed sound effects further enhanced the play’s realism. Noelle Cremer’s impeccable costume designs solidified the 1940s setting. From the vintage dresses worn by the women to the precise crease in Raleigh’s trousers, every detail felt authentic. Marianne Meadows, the lighting designer, subtly guided the audience through the passage of time, using tree shadows and light intensity to indicate the shift from midday sun to evening twilight.
Lexi Langs as May, Wood Van Meter as Raleigh, and Lynn Steinmetz as Mrs. Gill in See Rock City at Washington Stage Guild, showcasing the family dynamics and porch setting.
See Rock City features a quartet of compelling characters: May (Lexi Langs), Mrs. Gill (Lynn Steinmetz), Raleigh (Wood Van Meter), and Mrs. Brummett (Laura Giannarelli). Lexi Langs and Wood Van Meter reprise their roles as May and Raleigh from Last Train to Nibroc, a familiarity that translates into palpable on-stage chemistry. Their portrayal of a couple navigating life’s complexities feels genuine and deeply relatable. A standout scene is May’s return home to recount the District Meeting to Raleigh, where Langs and Van Meter delivered a powerful display of emotion and connection.
Lynn Steinmetz as Mrs. Gill embodies the quintessential sweet yet firm mother, radiating genuine care even when her understanding of her children falters. In contrast, Laura Giannarelli delivers a brilliantly sharp performance as the overtly critical Mrs. Brummett. Giannarelli’s portrayal of veiled insults and unsolicited advice is so effective it elicits a delightful cringe from the audience.
This production, brought to life by a dedicated cast and crew, offers a poignant glimpse into the 1940s and the war’s impact on those on the home front. It’s a narrative perspective less frequently explored in mainstream media, which often centers on battlefield heroism or strategic war rooms.
See Rock City play banner at Washington Stage Guild, Undercroft Theatre, highlighting show dates and ticket information.
See Rock City is playing at the Undercroft Theatre, located at 900 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, until February 11, 2018. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online. The running time is approximately two hours, including one intermission.
