I recently had the chance to interview Howard Meyer, the founder and artistic director of the Axial Theatre company.
I was doing a profile for our sister publication, the Westchester County Business Journal. The focus was on attracting an audience in challenging economic times, especially when the nearly 15-year-old professional company’s mission is to offer productions that showcase original, thought-provoking works.
Not exactly a trip to see “Annie,” as Meyer told me.
Well, Axial’s latest effort, a drama called “Radiance” that was written by Meyer himself, is nearing the end of its three-weekend run in the group’s theatrical home, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Pleasantville.
I was invited to see “Radiance” – and it was quite an intense production led by strong performances by a cast that includes Obie Award-winner Christopher McCann, Sofia Lauwers, Gilbert Cruz and Rachel Ann Jones.
The story, a family and social drama, is a study of toxicity, in relationships and the actual environment set against the backdrop of Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.
It’s at times funny and at others, touching, overall deeply moving and quite memorable.
Isn’t that what the best theater is all about? Catch this production while you still can.
“Radiance” continues through May 19 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Pleasantville. For more details, visit axialtheatre.org.
