The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe at WaterTower Theatre
From the first moment you see Marianne Galloway, you know you’re going to bear witness to something singular. As she spoke her first line, I thought, “If she can manage to commit, this is going to be quite the show.” Well, she managed. Actually, she more than managed. I don’t want to rave too quickly. Reviews have a formula. You’re not supposed to rave until the middlish/end. Please make sure to stick around because you must read the rave.
The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe by Jane Wagner is a one-woman show that explores a multitude of themes ranging from the meaning of art to the feminist movement. First staged in 1985 with the brilliant Lily Tomlin, this show is as fresh and as timely as ever. It follows Trudy, a bag lady who happens to be a creative consultant to aliens from outer space, and a host of other characters to whom Trudy is kind enough to introduce us to.
Kae Styron’s scenic design is out of this world. The world she created on the stage is absolutely incredible. She does a fantastic job transporting you to New York in the 80s. It’s a little grimy but has lots of character. The scaffolding was undoubtedly my favorite part of the scenic design. I love the levels it introduced, and it acts as a perfect starting point for the second act of this tour de force show.
Rebecca “Becki” McDonald’s sound design worked hand in hand with Styron’s glorious scenic design. The goal was to put you smack dab in the city with Trudy and the other characters that Galloway expertly embodied – hold on; I’m going to rave soon. McDonald definitely achieved that goal. For her part, costume designer Hope Cox understood the assignment as she always does. The costuming here isn’t fussy. It doesn’t need to be. I was mesmerized by the iridescent stripes on the t-shirt. Iridescent stripes? Really? Yes, the stripes, much like Galloway, appeared differently depending on the light and Galloway’s position in the light. Since we’re here, Bryant Yeager’s lighting design was wonderful. The lighting shines the most during the second act when we’re introduced to Lyn. Yeager does a wonderful job of creating a visual distinction between Lyn’s inner thought life and her lived experiences.
Ashley Puckett Gonzales’ direction is a thing of beauty here. One-person shows can run the risk of becoming boring. I know. I’ve seen a couple that didn’t quite keep you engaged the whole time. Gonzales kept Galloway traveling. Her usage of the stage kept the piece fresh. Gonzales also managed to work with Galloway to ensure every character felt grounded and real.
Now, it’s time for the rave that I promised. Marianne Galloway is a revelation. This show requires Galloway to embody twelve different characters. It requires twelve specific voices and twelve specific bodies. She delivers across the board. The first act was solid. The second act was magical. Brandy and Tina were my favorite characters! These two ladies of the night get picked up by a writer who wants the spill about life as a prostitute. Galloway flows in and out of these characters with an ease that almost feels unreal. You never doubt that these two people exist on the stage simultaneously, even though you can’t see them both simultaneously. Galloway’s performance bewitches you in a way that only a true craftswoman can.
The Search For Signs of Intelligent Life In The Universe is exactly the kind of show we need right now. In a time when alienation and division seem to be the order of the day, this show helps us understand how we are all connected and that, collectively, we are all art worthy of observation.
RUNNING: Through November 17, 2024
VENUE: 15650 Addison Rd, Addison, TX 75001
TICKETS: https://watertowertheatre.org/