A Walk in the Woods is even better than it sounds
Lee Blessing’s A Walk in the Woods is one of those shows, that for me, would have probably been lower on the have-to-see list. When it comes to theater, I’m usually more apt to crave a show with flare, flashiness, and high impact. On the other side of these cravings, kind of like the dessert after a beautifully plated and equally tasty entree, are those rare shows that dramatically change the way you see humanity and have you clutching at your heart and wiping tears. A Walk in the Woods is political, minimal, and historical. But Serenbe Playhouse – under the direction of Harrison Long – turned this play, that would have been low on my radar, into one of this years favorite shows.
How this was the first time this play, set entirely in the woods, was performed outside blows my mind. Serenbe’s location and surroundings were perfect for a play that needs the isolation, quiet wilderness noise, and interaction with elements. The lightning bugs and other mysterious flying creatures added to the honesty of location and allowed for the rare moments, during this serious meeting, of pure serenity.
The scenario of the play, laid out in plain and simple terms, is about two negotiators – one American, one Russian – who meet to come to an agreement between both countries in Geneva, Switzerland. The topic at hand: the fate of the world, arms deals. Though this gives you all the essential answers to the “W” questions, it does not give you what makes this play sing so very very loudly for its much deserved supper. It’s about an likely friendship amongst unlikely individuals, it’s about peace, the state of the world we live in and how we keep on fucking it all up, because who knows why.
The two man cast allow this play to be focused and for the relationship and oddities to be front and center. Serenbe Playhouse introduced Allan Edwards as Andrey Botvinnik and Robin Bloodworth as John Honeyman, two actors that made each of their roles glimmer in the most opposite and wonderful ways. Edwards Botvinnik was one of those characters that you are forced to love because of his personality, mannerisms, and lovely humor. And though, some may get stuck on the praises of being able to craft such a believable, lovable, and charismatic person on stage, in this play it takes two to make it complete. Bloodworth was the stoic, icy, and regimented governmental American. His Honeyman began as steel and ended, well, as honey. Though, fierce as to not fall for Botvinnik’s charms, he could not resist in the end and the two came to an understanding that wasn’t planned on.
A Walk in the Woods is the summers sleeper hit for Atlanta theatre. The ability to see this scene played out in it’s natural elements and still traverse seasons during the heat of the South is magic. And the characters will have you seeing the world, humanity, and, maybe, even government in a whole new light. Moon light really does have a special power. The show is running till July 14 and is completely worth the short drive outside of city limits. For more information on show times and tickets, visit serenbeplayhouse.com.
