PowPAC and Stephen Metcalfe’s ‘Strange Snow’

In the program for PowPAC’s current production of “Strange Snow,” the creative team writes, “Many historians, social scientists, and authors have created lenses through which we may come to a better understanding of [the Vietnam War] in the American story. Our best hope is that we learn from the past and, rather than repeating it, we come together to create a better future.” The production delivers this sentiment beautifully with a talented cast and great direction.

Taking place in the 90s, “Strange Snow” follows two Vietnam War veterans, Megs (Steve Murdock) and Dave (Matthew Thompson), who reconnect for the first time in years. They share an experience that no one else in their lives understands, including the guilt of a fallen friend. This bond brings friendship, but also resentment and deep-seated anger. Meanwhile, Dave’s sister, Martha (Rhiannon McAfee), finds a kindred spirit in Megs, seeing a kindness and understanding her brother seems to have lost, but that aforementioned deep-seated anger affects more of Meg’s life than he wants to admit.

Guiding the show with a standout performance is Murdock as Megs. His nuanced delivery portrays a multifaceted individual who can seem both duplicitous and earnest, allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions about the character. McAfee’s emotionally charged Martha is the glue keeping the story and characters together, while Thompson’s performance as Dave is effectively frustrating, with a sympathetic feeling of sadness over it all.

The joint collaboration on set design by Joel Colbourn and Steve Murdock produced a great, multi-story home that felt genuine, with functioning appliances and more. Along with Deb Luke’s lighting design and Marguerite Jackson Dill’s costumes, the entire team created a great foundation for the story and its actors.

Helming the production are co-directors Linda Englund and Julia Smith, who came together to deliver a thoughtful and introspective production that paid off.

Metcalfe’s character drama on life after Vietnam is a moving story about the ties that bind us. PowPAC’s production is not to be missed.

“Strange Snow” runs until April 19 at the Poway Performing Arts Center.

(Photo credit: Adriana Zuniga-Williams)