"Exit Wounds" Seeks Redemption
“Exit Wounds,” by award-winning playwright Wendy Graf, focuses on the lives of a family deeply scarred by a long-festering trauma. Starring Suanne Spoke, Michael Polak, and Hayden Kharrazi, and directed by caryn desai, the play opens a window into the painful yet touching attempts of a family that finally finds a reason to reunite years after their lives were knocked askew.
First, we meet Linda Sadowski, played masterfully by Susanne Spoke, sitting in her dirty, cramped living room. Much more a hovel than a home, you can almost smell the decay in the masterfully designed set. From her living conditions and slovenly appearance, Linda shows us that she isn’t quite operating with a full deck—and yet we don't immediately quite know why.
Bit by bit, Graf unfolds the story. Arriving first is Linda’s son, played by Michael Polak, still hurt and enraged with his mother after a nearly quarter-century absence. Then comes her teenaged grandson, played by Hayden Kharrazi, whom she's surprised to learn even exists and who is coming unglued after recently learning of his family's dark secret.
Mother, son, and grandson then engage in a masterful dance—sometimes gut-wrenching, sometimes humorous, often painful, occassionally even musical—as they come to grips with the full truth of the signal event that sent their lives on such destructive directions.
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While a sad story, "Exit Wounds" leaves the audience with a bit of hope and, yes, a bit of regret. Bring a box of tissues—and don't miss it.
Set designer Yuri Okahana-Benson and lighting designer Donna Ruzia have created a space that greatly enhances the believability of the three fine actors' letter-perfect performances. This was a Sunday afternoon that we all enjoyed.
Presented by the International City Theatre, "Exit Wounds" is showing at the Beverly O’Neill Theater, 330 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach, California. After opening on August 25th, it runs Thursdays through Sundays, until September 10th. Go here for tickets and information.
The opinions expressed here are solely the author's and do not reflect the opinions or beliefs of the Hollywood Progressive.
