I seldom get to watch stage plays but I try to at every chance I get. Getting an invitation to watch Repertory Philippines’ latest offering “4000 Miles” provided me the very reason to take time off from work and domestic duties to watch everyday life in the eyes of American playwright Amy Herzog. With my teenage son in tow, I spent one afternoon watching a family comedic drama which according to many industry critics is the best play of the season.

4000 miles

Synopsis

The play 4000 Miles revolves around two main characters- Vera and Leo. Vera is a 91 year-old feisty grandmother living on her own for 10 years after being widowed. Leo is her 21 year-old grandson who lost his best friend in a cross-country bike trip.

The story unravels from the time Leo arrived at his grandmother’s house unannounced supposedly to keep Vera company. Leo’s month-long stay provides a perfect picture of how two people can infuriate and love each other at the same time. It would not take long for the truth to be revealed that it is actually Leo who is seeking solace and has more need for Vera than the other way around.

The Play

4000 Miles debuted off-Broadway in 2011 and had a second run in 2012. It was directed by Daniel Aukin and featured Mary Louise Wilson as Vera and Gabriel Ebert as Leo. It was a finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It bagged the 2012 Obie Award for Best New American Play and was Time Magazine’s choice for #1 Play or Musical for 2012. Herzog herself  was recognized as an outstanding playwright by New York Times.

Repertory Philippines brings this play to the local stage with theater veteran Baby Barredo playing Vera and Jeff Flores portraying Leo, under the directorship of Bart Guingona. Caisa Borromeo and Cara Barredo complete the cast. The show opened to the public last March 6 and is to run until March 29 at the Onstage Theater, Greenbelt One in Makati. My son and I got to watch the play last March 21st during the afternoon schedule. The remaining show dates are as follows:

March 27, Friday 8 pm

March 28 Saturday 3:30 pm

March 28 Saturday 8 pm

March 29 Sunday 8 pm 

My Say

4000 Miles is indeed a drama that is not heavy on the emotions because of the comedic touches intertwined with the characters and situations as presented in the story. It managed to hold the audience, old and young alike , in complete attention to the powerful and witty exchange of words and actions that are totally in control. The audience will never find itself bored even if most scenes would just show the two main characters in the very same setting all throughout.

The four actors all did justice to their respective roles. The apparently simple lighting and sound effects blended perfectly with the whole concept. Overall, watching 4000 Miles was a pleasing experience that left my son and I looking forward to more stage plays in the future.

4000 miles2

Ticket prices ranges from P400 to P600. For more details regarding 4,000 Miles, call the Repertory Philippines at 843-3570 and book tickets through TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit their website at www.ticketworld.com.ph.