The Theater Within has once again chosen a play that tackles a complicated subject. "Proof," the 2001 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, deals with the thin line between genius and madness and the strain it can place on a family.
The story begins with Catherine on the eve of her 25th birthday. After years of caring for her mentally unstable father, a famed mathematician, she now has to cope with his death. She put her life on hold to care for him and the years have made her caustic and distrustful.
The cast finds its footing in the second half, moving past stereotypes into the meat of the roles. Glenn Dobbs plays the struggling mathematician and he shines in his scenes with Catherine (Danna Sheridan). His convincing paternal nature makes the audience understand her devotion to him. Jeremy Kinnett is fittingly awkward but sincere as Hal, Robert's social-stunted former student.
Kristin Katsu excellent as Claire, Catherine's older sister. With her A-type personality she swoops in, all crispness and calm, to try to rescue Catherine from herself. Claire is the oil to Catherine's water, so different that they can find no middle ground.
Director Rod Isaac presents an ideal setting in which we can explore family dynamics. The play looks closely at the relationship between a father and daughter and the one between diametrically opposite sisters. Like every family, love is blended with frustration and resentment to create a toxic mix.
Don't Miss the Show
For more information about The Theater Within, visit their website. The theater is located at 1125 Spruce St., Indianapolis, IN 46203, just four blocks east of Fountain Square along Prospect Street immediately south of the KFC.
Performances: The show runs until June 26 and offers two performances a week, Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 8 p.m.
Tickets: To purchase tickets, call (317) 850-4665. Prices range from $13 to $15.
Photo courtesy of The Theater Within
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