Northlight Theatre presents HOW A BOY FALLS Review – erasing identities

A psychological thriller, as opposed to a thriller, adds a why-dun-it to the whodunit question. Steven Dietz’s HOW A BOY FALLS, now its world premiere at Northlight Theatre, makes that clear from the outset: A boy will fall off a cliff and we won’t know who did it till the end. What really propels the story, however, is “why?”: the psychology of the parents and the nanny and two others who get involved in the plot that goes well beyond simple motives of gain or revenge.

Mostly set in a coldly modern home on the precipice of an unseen ocean, HOW A BOY FALLS fills the stage with psychological textures. The intrigue is rooted in exactly what made the parents wealthy – a company that specializes in wiping its clients’ histories clean. Power in the 21^st century lies in manipulating our electronic footprints. According to their separate accounts of their first date, tech whiz Miranda scribbled an algorithm that erases identities on a napkin for Paul (Tim Decker). They married quickly, Paul used Miranda’s idea for a profitable business and, late into their 40s, they had a child.

Halena Kays directs this 75-minute yarn with brisk efficiency, in this reviewer’s opinion. Yet, the production design doesn’t quite support the cast’s well-defined characterizations. Though Rick Sims’ sound effects indicate the water below, the set and lighting do not build on its glorious but perilous presence. Fortunately, Dietz’s script pulls us into his psychological thriller like an Artful Dodger who keeps us guessing about which wallet – which virtual identity card – he’ll pick next.

Title: How A Boy Falls
Written by: Steven Dietz
Directed by: Halena Kays