We are situated in the living room and study of a country house with rustic finishes, from where we can see an exit that leads to the kitchen, another with stairs leading to the bedrooms, and a final one that reveals part of the lawn and the outdoors, through which all the characters in this story will enter and exit. In the study is the central character of this story, Benjamin Braxton, played by the magnificent Hamish Linklater, who through his gestures, the constant trembling of his hands, his unsteady walk, and his excess of words presents an egocentric film director who appears incapable of writing his own projects and who now, using his position, intends to redirect his life. In this way, he places us inside a time bomb in which any element can become the trigger for his imminent collapse.
Two great actresses enter the frame: Miriam Silverman as Mira, a bestselling author and Ben’s wife, and Madeline Brewer as Julie Wells, an actress. Both are at the top of their form, with solid and contrasting characters that will majestically weave this web. Mira is a successful and seemingly perfect wife, while Julie Wells is willing to use her attributes to secure a position in the industry.
To balance the drama, two more ingredients are added to this recipe: Michael Bloom, Ben’s boss, finely portrayed by Dylan Baker, who brings bittersweet, comic, and refreshingly necessary tones; and Dolly, the sweet and adolescent daughter of our successful artist couple, embodied by Anna Mirodin.
Last but not least, we season the mix with Raf Night, the handsome and talented actor of the moment who happens to be a devoted fan of Mira’s work, portrayed by Kelvin Harrison Jr., adding balance and refinement to our blend.
Now all the elements are laid out on the table. It is a perfect recipe in which what is familiar and acceptable will begin to feel acrid and oppressive, while the unknown becomes that refreshing halo of light, that small breath of air that will grow necessary and for which one would risk an entire life.
A magnificent set design, impeccable lighting and sound design, a blend of good taste and intelligence, and the closeness to the actors achieved by Audible Theater at Minetta Lane Theatre, envelop us in a hyperrealistic journey, leaving theater as the living art that survives the technological hecatomb of our future days.
In the finest style of the classics of Tennessee Williams, and directing her own writing, Erica Schmidt delights us with this piece, exploring loneliness, truth confronted with illusion, and the fragility of the human being.
We left the theater fulfilled, amazed that this was the opening night, predicting the inevitable growth of the show over its run. Our prediction was confirmed as at the time of posting this review we have learned that due to popular demand The Disappear has been extended past its initial 6 week run at Audible Theater at Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City, now running until February 22nd.
More information and tickets available here: https://audiblexminetta.com