Joel Moses, Nicole Angeli
Photo by John Lamb
Albion Theatre
Lungs
by Duncan Macmillan
Directed by Ellie Schwetye
Albion Theatre
October 17, 2024
As I think about it, I don’t think the title of the play is ever spoken in the script of Albion Theatre’s latest production, Duncan Macmillan’s Lungs. Still, even though lungs aren’t actually mentioned specifically, the theme of breath, and the giving and sustaining of life–is highlighted in various ways throughout this simple but expansive story concerning a relationship in various stages. In Albion’s simply but thoughtfully staged production, the characters stand out especially due to the memorable performances of two outstanding local actors.
I was most familiar with Macmillan’s work because of his oft-performed one-person show Every Brilliant Thing, which I’ve seen staged locally by three different companies. Lungs expands the cast by one, as a two-hander featuring two characters identified only as M (Joel Moses) and W (Nicole Angeli), whose story begins in the middle of a life-altering conversation and continues through various situations and struggles over the course of a number of years. The characters are a dating couple who are considering the possibility of having a child, but that’s only the beginning. Throughout the course of the story, we see the conflicts and changing dynamics of their relationship and their lives, as well as both characters’ concern for the environment and revisiting the question of whether or not they are “good people”. Although there is a basic plot, and their are many ups and downs in their lives, the characters essentially are the story here, and even though there are some frustrating aspects of their personalities as well as a fair amount of stereotyping, the story is a strong showcase for two talented performers, who breathe life and energy into a story that seems like it could easily be a drag without ideal casting and strong direction.
Fortunately, this production has both of those key elements, and some simple but elegant staging and technical aspects that add to the drama. Angeli, as the often overthinking W, and Moses, as the insistently optimistic but impatient M, are both remarkable, presenting a credible and fascinating relationship of flawed characters who make the audience root for them despite some of their more frustrating actions. The emotional range an chemistry add to the drama, and both performers work together with expert ability and presence.
The set by Erik Kuhn is simple and clever, with three wooden platforms arranged at different angles. Tony Anselmo’s lighting adds much to the atmosphere and the building sense of tension in the story, Ellie Schwetye’s sound design is effective, and Tracy Newcomb’s costumes suit the characters well.
Lungs is an intriguing story, well told and especially well acted at Albion Theatre. It’s a show I hadn’t seen before, and this is an excellent introduction. It’s another fascinating work from one of St. Louis’s newer theatre companies that is continuing to make an indelible impression on local audiences.
Nicole Angeli, Joel Moses
Photo by John Lamb
Albion Theatre
Albion Theatre is presenting Lungs at the Kranzberg Arts Center until November 3, 2024
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