Theater Online - New York Theater Reviews

An empirically cursory evaluation of the matter (quantum physics) of Carole Buggé's "Strings" may instinctively intrigue New York Off Broadway theater goers who graduated from Bronx Science or Brooklyn Tech High School. Conversely, one need not be a rocket scientist to appreciate the theatrical and intellectual pleasures that result in being in the company of several characters (real and reality based) who have been influential in shaping knowledge of and speculation about our universe and the logical laws which govern us.

The true-life event upon which the play is loosely predicated involves a scientific Big Bang Theory breakthrough arrived at by three prominent physicists. After attending a conference at Cambridge a few years back, they came together on a train ride to London to see Michael Frayn's "Copenhagen," which also depicts a historic meeting of great scientific minds.

The hypothetical characters they have become are skillfully played by well seasoned actors: Keir Dullea as George, an aristocratic poetry-quoting British cosmologist; Mia Dillon as June, his appealingly feminine American wife-a scientist in her own right; and Warren Kelley as Rory, an emotive but down-to-earth English particle physicist who is a strong proponent of the String Theory. The two hour journey is spiced with not only scientific debate but the conflict inherent to a love triangle and the periodic appearances of the protagonists' long-departed academic heroes-a slightly wacky Sir Isaac Newton (Drew Dix); a dignified, unassuming and humorous Max Plank (Kurt Elftmann); and a stately and sincere Marie Curie (Andrea Gallo).

A few surprises also enliven the evening. One is provided at the beginning of Act II with an absurdist plot element twist, and the other is a wonder-inspiring effect at the end of the play.

Although "Strings" at times may seem a bit manipulative (with snippets of artificially induced suspense) and a little quantum physics top heavy, the play ultimately pleases with smooth direction by Marvin Kaye, genuine moments of humor, and its ability to induce one to speculate about the mysteries of the universe and man's relentless quest to learn more about them.