Arcadia

       Tom Stoppard's Arcadia is a bit like a Stephen Sondheim Score, you're not quite sure if you like it at first, but by the end it's got you both excited and confused. The play exists in two different time periods, the early 1800's and present day. The action takes place in the same room, 150 years apart.

      Without revealing too many of the details, the modern characters are attempting to solve a "mystery" of what happened concerning a duel, a hermit, and Lord Byron, yes that Lord Byron. While these characters draw their erroneous conclusions, we see what actually played out before us during the scenes from a bygone era.

    Mixed within all of this time traveling are some pretty lofty ideas involving unsolved mathematic theorems, thermodynamics, history, literature, god and the universe, carnal embrace, and many other things. I can't say that after only one viewing that I understand it all. I can say that I did enjoy it tremendously.

     This production is as near to perfect as a play can get. The actors each perform their roles dutifully, and with gusto. most notably Tom Reilly as Septimus Hodge, Bel Powley as Thomasina Coverly, Raul Esparza as Valentine Coverly, and Lia Williams as Hanna Jarvis.

     Set design and Costume design are simple and effective. The lighting is very smart, but the sound could stand to be a bit better. Sitting up in the Mezzanine I did find myself straining to hear some of the dialogue, which in this play one misheard word can mean everything.

    In my opinion this is a strong contender for Best Revival of a play, Best Direction of a play, and quite possibly a few performance nods as well. The costumes may also get a nod, but I think the set may end up being forgotten in favor of more ostentatious designs.

      The play itself is incredible.It is both artistic and scientific. It will leave those who see it with just as many theories to discuss as the characters they've just seen. Stoppard gives you all the answers to these questions, he just doesn't come right out and say it. You've got to do a little digging for yourself.