Goodman Theatre presents HOW TO CATCH CREATION Review: Powerhouse Ensemble, Stunning Design

Goodman Theatre presents World Premiere of How to Catch Creation

“I want a kid.”

That’s the first line in Christina Anderson’s How to Catch Creation. It is spoken to Tami (Karen Aldridge, with what strikes this writer as stunning emotional depth and honesty) by Griffin (Keith Randolph Smith, with impeccable comedic timing), It is 2014.

We are then introduced to two other storylines. First, there is the relationship between Riley (Maya Vinice Prentiss, full of fun energy) and Stokes (Bernard Gilbert) – one that is struggling due to Stokes’ rejection from art school. And then we meet Natalie (Karen Aldridge) and Author G.K. Marche (Jasmine Bracey), whose relationship challenges have a sense of truth, in this writer’s view, that are powerfully portrayed by the actors portraying two women in the 1960s.

Over the course of the play, the three worlds find their way to intersect. Riley approaches Tami, the Director of Painting at Francisco Bay Art Conservatory, to discuss her boyfriend’s rejected application. In his period of loss and confusion, Stokes finds comfort in the books of G.K. Marche, and happens upon Griffin who feels a similar love for the author. Three seemingly separate spheres find their way into one. , In Anderson’s skillfully crafted script—rich in honest, emotional depth in the midst of lighthearted comedy— she brings to light this very real need to be seen. We are reminded-- no matter the person or time period, this is part of what it means to be human.

Striking Aesthetic and Creative Staging

Helmed by Niegel Smith, the artistic team brings this concept of three separate worlds melding together to stunning life. One of the brilliant qualities of the stage, in this writer’s opinion, is the open space that allows multiple areas to be seen at once, creating exciting moments of staging. The worlds may begin separate, but slowly they meld together, and Smith creates moments of characters living in their spaces simultaneously, showcasing the overlap.

Set Designer Todd Rosenthal utilizes two revolves – allowing each of the stories at the beginning to have their own space on stage. As we reach a new storyline in the play, the set circles around, revealing new locations full of furniture that perfectly highlights the characters. Stokes and Riley are artists in their 20s, and the apartment as such is full of slightly mismatched color and blank canvases thrown about. In contrast, Tami seemingly has her life more together, and her bright apartment is full of order.

One especially striking scene is in the midst of Act One, when Tami and Riley are sitting at a bar at the forefront of the stage. Tami hides beneath a shell that protects her from years of hurt, and Aldridge and Prentiss create a lovely sense of chemistry that highlights how these two opposite energies can help each other – a relationship we see beginning to grow in this scene. In the background lives Griffin’s apartment, and he and Stokes are bonding over their love of writing and the inspirations of G.K. Marche. Riley and Stokes just had a fight, and are finding comfort in their new friendships that continue to grow alongside each other. As the two worlds that began separate come together, the audience has the opportunity to see that quality beautifully physicalize before them.

A brilliant ensemble and gorgeous stage make How to Catch Creation what this writer believes is a show to see. Anderson invites her audience to learn from the characters before them and reflect in the midst of a story full of hope. This writer certainly has not stopped thinking about it since.