The recent staging of Jack Neary’s “First Night” by Post Productions at The Shadowbox Theatre was a delightful blend of nostalgia, romance, and humor, encapsulating the essence of Neary’s original vision while embracing the unique character of the venue. The transformation of the stage into a 1980s video rental store not only paid homage to the era but also added a layer of immersive charm, making it an ideal backdrop for this tale of lost dreams and rekindled love.
The story revolves around Danny Fleming, a man who now finds himself living an unremarkable life as a video store clerk. Danny’s mundane existence is jolted when his high school crush, Meredith O’Connor, unexpectedly walks into the store. Meredith, who spent a large portion of her life as a dedicated nun, has an air of mystery about her. As the night unfolds, the store becomes a stage for Danny and Meredith to revisit their past, unearthing old dreams and unspoken feelings. The play is infused with references to 1980s culture, particularly through the vast collection of VHS tapes that serve as silent witnesses to their unfolding drama. The narrative delves into themes of lost dreams, the passage of time, and the complexity of human relationships.
As the evening progresses, Danny and Meredith engage in conversations that are both humorous and heartrending, revealing the paths their lives have taken since their school days. The play navigates through their shared memories, regrets, and the stark realization of what their lives have become. The interaction between them oscillates between the comfort of shared history and the awkwardness of confronting what they have lost and gained over the years.
Michael Potter and Fay Lynn, in the roles of Danny Fleming and Meredith O’Connor, brought an authenticity and depth to the production that only a real-life couple could. Potter’s portrayal of Danny was a nuanced mix of humor and pathos, capturing the essence of a man caught between his unfulfilled aspirations and the realities of adult life. Lynn, as Meredith, navigated her character’s complexities with grace, balancing the external facade of success with internal longing and vulnerability.
The chemistry between Potter and Lynn was a driving force of the production, infusing each scene with an authenticity that heightened the play’s emotional impact. Their performances were a testament to the depth and versatility of Neary’s characters, who, though rooted in a specific time and place, continue to resonate with audiences today.
Neary’s script, which has evolved significantly since its inception as a 45-minute piece for a playwriting festival, was presented in a form that reflects both its historical journey and the adaptability of great storytelling. The intermission, strategically placed at a moment of heightened tension, exemplified Neary’s knack for pacing and structure, allowing the audience to engage deeply with the unfolding drama.
The set design of “First Night” at The Shadowbox Theatre was an element that significantly contributed to the depth and impact of the production. Central to this design was the presence of a glass window positioned at the back of the stage. More than a mere structural feature, this window served as a poignant symbol, hinting at a larger world beyond the confines of the intimate video store setting. The window, in its strategic positioning, provided a visual contrast to the cozy, enclosed space of the video store. It reminded the audience of the world outside – vast, unknown, and full of possibilities, just out of reach yet ever-present. This contrast beautifully echoed the themes of the play, where the characters grapple with the realities of their lives within the store, while the outside world loomed large, full of what-ifs and might-have-beens. It represented the unseen and unexplored paths of life, much like the window in the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” offering a glimpse into the vast tapestry of experiences and choices that shape our lives.
Surrounding this symbolic window was a meticulously recreated 1980s video rental store, complete with a counter and an extensive collection of over 200 VHS tapes. This detailed and authentic setting did more than visually impress; it enveloped the audience in a tangible sense of nostalgia, transporting them back to a time where such stores were communal hubs of entertainment and social interaction.
“First Night” at The Shadowbox Theatre was a heartwarming, thought-provoking production that showcased the enduring power of Neary’s writing. It reminded us that the best stories are those that can adapt and evolve while retaining their core, resonating across different times and places. It’s a reminder to aspiring playwrights and theatre lovers of the magic that can be created on stage, with a script that has lived and evolved just as we do.
