Like fingerprints, no two people share the same kind of grief. Whether it be a significant other, friend, or relative, the way we process loss is unique to each of us. In “Rabbit Hole” by David Lindsay-Abaire, the main characters need to deal with the grief of losing their 4-year-old son.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning play was produced by Trinity Theatre Company and directed by Eddy Lukovic. The show included some stellar performances, a creative set and real love put into the production.
“Rabbit Hole” follows Becca (Jordyn Case), a woman dealing with the loss as best she can. For her, processing the grief of losing her son means slowly putting away the toys, books and refrigerator artwork into storage; she even thinks of selling their house. For her husband, Howie (Michael DiRoma), he wants to remember their son and keep their home just as it was, toys and all. The two clash and argue over whose way is right and whose is wrong. Fellow family members include Becca’s sister, Izzy (Kimberly Weinberger), and their mother, Nat (Vicky Dawson). Eventually, we meet Jason (Paul Bonner), the high school kid involved in the car accident. Becca opens up to the idea of hearing him out. Howie flies into a rage. Nobody is right, and nobody is wrong. Everybody is angry.
The show is full of arguing, and rightfully so. However, the Trinity Theatre space was so intimate that certain moments seemed a little blown out. In this production, the strongest moments occurred in the quiet, pensive scenes where characters silently processed their situation. Howie sits in a room of darkness, only lit by the glow of a television, as he replays home movies every single night. It’s absolutely heartbreaking, and DiRoma does a great job with such a subtle moment.
The standout scene is when Becca finds the strength to sit down with Jason and discuss the accident. Both Case and Bonner deliver powerhouse performances in one of the show’s most emotionally charged moments.
Scenic designer Dennis Floyd provided a colorful yet bleak set, with certain items taking on all the colors of the rainbow contrasted against a world of grey. Becca and Howie’s late son provided the only remnants of color in the house. The concept was just a bit too on the nose, but Lukovic executed it well.
It was clear from every actor’s performance that a lot of time, energy and passion went into this project. Lukovic and the creative team brought their vision to life, and it paid off. “Rabbit Hole” at Trinity Theatre is a thought-provoking production that left a lasting impact long after the curtain closed.
(Photo credit: Megan Goyette)
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