Theater Online - New York Theater Reviews

jaka vinsek ©2025  Micah B. Chartrand (Xavier) and Leah Bachar (Isis) i

In its world-premier, Degeneration X is an original multimedia production marking the first show by emergent company Perf Productions. Written by Leah Bachar and directed by Meredith Edwards, Degeneration X tells the story of artist and Brooklynite Xavier  as his vision degenerates and takes his mental stability with it. The ambitious production combines “live theatre, film, motion graphics, illustration, and music to chronicle the different aspects of one man’s psyche.” Needless to say, the production is a technical coup, impressive in both its imagination and execution. Creators Bachar and Edwards successfully tell the narrative by alternating stage scenes and filmed episodes, giving the audience the opportunity to follow the story into the wider world and also to get behind the character’s eyes.

Along with Degeneration X’s technical accomplishments, the Living Theatre is replete with a polished set by Zach Serafin, featuring three similarly-toned but distinct spaces, each haloed by a projection screen. Michael De Pasquale lends his rich, textured lighting design along with emotive music choices by sound designer Jeff Jowdy and top notch costumes by Helen Antsis with hair and make-up both fantastical and naturalistic by Jillian Halouska, Brittney Hina, Ciara Griffin, Rachel Rodriguez, and Liza Mann.

jaka vinsek ©2025  Micah B. Chartrand (Xavier) and Gordon Gray (Dr. Hendrix)

The projections, by far the most successful element of the show, are used to continue the narrative in filmed sections of the story, but are also utilized during the stage scenes to create setting and as an expressionist device for emotions. The editing, lighting, and camera work are superb, matched only by Kevin Boudreau’s visual effects. Designed by Mark Costello with cinematography and editing by Jonathan Wing, the filmed element is so successful, in fact, that it threatens the balance of the piece, outshining the rest of the work and giving the impression that the multimedia is wearing the show. This method of storytelling also provides a contrast between the casts’ abilities on stage and on film.

The cast is led by Micah B. Chartrand as Xavier. The crux of the show, Chartrand gives a compelling, honest, and unwavering performance. He is particularly preponderant in his film work. Sometimes what is compelling and simple on film, though, seems bland and underplayed on stage. Director and company co-founder Meredith Edwards plays Simone, a striking brunette with whose smoldering voice matches uniquely beautiful features. She represents Xavier’s “animal instincts,” and as such makes some of the strongest choices in the cast, if sometimes questionable. Writer and company co-founder Leah Bachar is lively and fun as Xavier’s spontaneous party girl sister Isis, but is less convincing in emotional scenes. As Renee, company co-founder Lin Lauren has a halting delivery on stage, but becomes emotive in filmed sequences. Gordon Gray brings a Richard Attenborough essence to his role as Dr. Hendrix, warm, energetic, and natural with a smooth, sweet voice like caramel. And perennial favorite Lauren Hennessy (roommate Marty) once again threatens to steal the show, imbuing the part with her own undeniable personal charisma, although her presence is strongest in staged scenes where she dominates the space. All together Perf Production assembles a stalwart cast, each bringing their own charms to the performance as a whole.

Bachar and Edwards should be lauded for both the size of their undertaking and the triumph of accomplishing it. Weaving a story between film and stage and pulling in music, illustration, and an element of the fantastical, the hours of work are unfathomable. They pursue a story of twenty-something wandering without falling into the trap of malaise. Sometimes overburdened and heavy-handed in dialogue, Bachar’s text reaches its zenith in emotional speeches. But the piece is a little long and it’s unclear what the intended culmination of these moments should be. Perhaps the summation finds that in rock bottom there is resolution“ While there are weak points, it is obvious that Generation X is the first step on a road to great and impressive things.

Whatever the final tally, with so many moving parts, the true star must be stage manager and company co-founder Maria Aparo, who guides the show seamlessly.

Degeneration X is a worthy and adventurous production with stunning film work. It pushes the medium of theatre and successfully employs media both filmed and illustrated. Downtown theatristas everywhere should see this and discuss.

Degeneration X runs through May 12^th at the Living Theatre, 21 Clinton Street. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www.perfproductions.com or by calling 1-866-441-9962.