Shooting Star, Everyman Theatre (2011-02 USA-MD Play)

Characters: 2
Structure: 2
Technical: 2
Emotional: 4

Overall: 3.0

The two characters, Reed McAllister (Paul Morella) and Elena Carson (Deborah Hazlett), are former lovers who cross paths on their layovers. Snow causes delay after delay, and the strangers' conversation traverse the superficial small talk, amusing reminiscing, and awkward recollections.

Interspersed are well placed lines of wit and throwbacks to college romance of their time, of which not everyone can relate to. As the delays pile up, how much will they open up to each other? It's one of those rare opportunities, usually just a thought experiment, where you can go back with your ex-significant other and say or ask anything with no consequence. It's not like anything you say will be of any real consequence.

The two characters, on the surface, appear to have drifted down different paths with the decades that separated them. In a feat of discovery, they uncovered their misunderstandings and misconceptions about each other and their relationship. Slowly they begin to trust themselves with secrets long past and deep in their lives.

There is a wee air of fabrication with the unwinding of the story, and the airport feel just wasn't there, but the director made the right choice in focusing on the characters. I couldn't help but get wrapped up in the emotion and messages. The play felt intimate with one set and two actors, who did a great job. The concept itself is great, and the execution is good (though lacking a certain something), but the ending was surprisingly well suited.

The characters eventually realize that there isn’t much point in focusing on the past, so they move to their imperfect lives and connect on a new level. Once the snow blanket is lifted, the magic is gone once again as they revert to the usual formalities.

The ending hits home for me. They talk, they make plans, but never actually show up. They are strangers once again.