The Details
by James Larson
Directed by Darrious Varner
First Run Theatre
August 1, 2025
Jaz Tucker, Bill Burke
Photo: First Run Theatre
First Run Theatre is focused on staging new plays by Midwestern playwrights. Their latest production, The Details by James Larson, is a somewhat low-key, intimate look at a new and unexpected relationship between two neighbors. As staged at Kranzberg Arts Center under the direction of Darrious Varner, the play served as a showcase for a pair of fine performances, and there are interesting characters and some good ideas, although it did come across as somewhat talky with little in the way of action.
In this show, lonely widower Mr. Hoffmann (Bill Burke) is home alone, talking to his late wife as if she is still there, and the sense of her absence is lingering. There are pictures on the bookcase and other remnants that suggest a couple had lived here for a long time. Hoffmann goes about his evening in a matter-of-fact manner, then goes upstairs. Soon, there are knocks on the door, and Hoffmann doesn’t answer. The knocker, neighbor Bucky Jackson (Jaz Tucker), notices the door is unlocked and lets himself in, whereupon he is soon discovered by Hoffmann and a confrontation ensues that leads to a series of revelations, reflections, and challenges covering the areas of loneliness, loss, various types of dependence, and perhaps most of all, the longing for community.
Although the script is slow moving and rather talky, and there isn’t a lot of action, the performances make the story interesting. Both actors have a measured air of relatability and secrecy, and their guarded attempts at reaching out toward one another give this play its emotional weight. Tucker, as the initially more outgoing Jackson, has a likable presence, making his personal story credible as it unfolds and adding to a believable developing bond with Hoffmann’s equally intriguing but more reticent Hoffmann. The halting but surely developing sense of connection between these two is what gives this play its drama, and ultimately, its sense of hope despite some sad revelations.
The production has a consistent look, with Brad Slavik’s set ably representing a long-lived-in suburban house. The costumes by Tracy Newcomb suit the characters well. There’s also fine work from Mike Gasaparich on lighting and Jenn Ciavarella on sound. The pacing is even and somewhat subdued, highlighting the performances, and although the show is on the slower side, it’s never boring.
For the most part, I would say that The Details is a promising new play that could use a little work on dialogue and plotting, but that features a memorable character relationship that is well highlighting in this production. Its strongest point was clearly the acting, and the two leads are to be commended for creating and maintaining such a believable rapport. I’m curious to see where future revisions may lead this show.
Bill Burke, Jaz Tucker
Photo: Fly North Theatricals
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