It isn’t very often that I leave a play thinking to myself, what did I just see? in the most profound sense possible. Tracy Letts’ highly provocative “The Minutes” is one such play that left me a bit speechless, somewhat shaken, and completely obsessed, given how astonishingly good this play is. As produced by the Keegan Theatre, “The Minutes” is absolutely spectacular. The time flies by while you try to wrap your head around the unbelievable goings-on and brilliantly crafted mystery of it all.
The acting, at times, is spellbinding. Featuring an ensemble cast that plays off of one another with near perfection, the production gives each their time to grandstand and shine. A couple of standouts for me include Brett Earnest as Mr. Hanratty. His character is one of the ones who could potentially “save the day” though this becomes increasingly questionable as the meeting wears on. Earnest’s theatrical dexterity when it comes to Hanratty’s emotional push-pull is so satisfying to watch. As the hapless town council clerk, Valerie Adams Rigsbee perfectly channels the “good soldier” vibe. Ray Ficca’s turn as Mayor of Big Cherry stands as the shady, deflecting center, harboring the long-held mystery of a town that’s lost its way.
Susan Marie Rhea directs a script and cast the combination of which is bound to be a long-remembered theatrical triumph. The transitions from one revelatory moment to the next are both seamless and edge-of-your-seat delectable. Rhea has her finger on the pulse of exactly what slow-burn should look and feel like here. The set design by Josh Sticklin harkens traditional with just enough potential thriller undertone to keep audiences guessing. Lighting by Dominic DeSalvio also seems to relish in the mystery of the moment and, in this way, fantastically plays with the various cues.
Admittedly, this was one of my favorite theatrical experiences of this season. I would happily watch this play again, as I don’t think I am wrong to assume there will be something new to uncover with each subsequent experience. I highly suggest you see “The Minutes” before it closes!
