Rabbit Hole

A review by Patrick Shannon, III

DON'T MISS THIS PRODUCTION of the Pulitzer prize winning play Rabbit Hole by David

Lindsay Abaire currently running at The Actor's Theater of New Orleans.

This play about how families can or cannot handle the unexpected death of a young child is

neither maudlin nor full of clichés. The script sounds so authentic and real, and as spoken by

this polished cast, you will be entirely mesmerized and feel as if you were spying on neighbors

through a window as they gather around the kitchen table and try to communicate their pain and

loss and share their compassion.

On a solid and serviceable set conceived by Rene J. F. Piazza which manages to create the

illusion of a kitchen area, a living room, and an upstairs child's bedroom on the small stage of

this venue, the actors give performances that make acting look so easy and without bumping into

each other they add to the illusion of space galore. This cast fits together perfectly and Mr.

Piazza has managed to keep them all, and the set, moving smoothly and professionally in such

limited playing areas. Now that's fine directing. Piazza directed the show with a very sensitive

touch but a lot of strong honest understanding. He did a remarkable job and he plays the father,

Howie, of the dead son, with an honestly that becomes moving without being unmanly.

Playing his wife with perfect timing and another honest example of acting talent at its peak is the

wonderful Chelle Ambrose in the roll of Becca. Gina Abromson plays her wisecracking sister,

Izzy, who brings a life affirming secret into the plot and she just shimmers with talent. Equally

as bright a spirit on stage is Nat, the mother of these two women, Isabel Medina, played with

poise and poetic stage presence mixed in with a steely inner core of understanding. And playing

the teenager, Jason, who accidently killed their son/grandson in a car accident is Dylan Young,

who brings an unusually mature sensitivity and talent to his role.

For a local community theater, Rabbit Hole is as good as it can ever get. True Patrons of this

fleeting and insubstantial art should flock to the theater and see it. (504-456-4111)