The Invention of Lightning
by Colin Healy & Bradley Rohlf
Directed by Bradley Rohlf
Fly North Theatricals
October 22, 2026
Ryan Matthew Whaley
Photo by @studiokaymedia
Fly North Theatricals
Fly North Theatricals is staging a world premiere play at Greenfinch Theater & Dive, which proves to be an ideal venue for this fascinating tale of historical fiction with elements of humor and horror. The Invention of Lightning by Colin Healy and Bradley Rohlf, as directed by Rohlf, has creepy moments, but it’s more of an intriguing story of how people deal with new technologies and past memories. Featuring an excellent cast and a credible historical vibe, this is a show that’s sure to leave audiences thinking.
The electric telegraph may be considered old technology by today’s standards, but there was a time when it was at the cutting edge. This story takes place in 1861, less than twenty years after Samuel Morse sent his first message, “What hath God wrought” with his electric telegraph. It’s also the beginning of the Civil War era, and the very early days of the first transcontinental telegraph, linking the telegraph lines on the East Coast to California by way of relay stations in various Western states and replacing the celebrated but relatively short-lived Pony Express mail delivery service. This story opens as former Pony Express rider Bill Naughton (Ryan Matthew Whaley) arrives to start work at a relay station in Cold Springs, Nevada, joining station master Horace McCall (Michael Musgrave Perkins), who has worked on the telegraph lines since their early days in Baltimore. The tone at first is tense, with McCall being secretive and suspicious of Naughton, who is newly trained and eager to get to work.
Gradually, Naughton gets the hang of telegraph work and McCall eases up a bit on his suspicions, although he’s still a stickler for the various rules and rituals that have been established, looking at electricity as a potentially dangerous force. Meanwhile, Naughton writes stories in his diary about the “Lonesome Postman”, apparently based on his memories of working for the Pony Express. The stories change more and more as they are acted out, however, getting more outlandish with each iteration, eventually involving elements of science fiction. There is also a flashback to his telegraph training days in California, and it becomes apparent that Naughton is hiding some truths about a recent experience. Also, as he carries out his telegraph duties in the “present”, the equipment starts acting in unusual ways that seem more on the creepy side, and McCall starts to become even more secretive.
The performers are excellent, carrying the suspense, humor, drama, and mystery with energy and intrigue. Whaley’s Naughton is memorable especially in his “Lonesome Postman” story sequences, as well as his scenes with the telegraph. Musgrave-Perkins does a great job as the suspicious, secretive McCall and also as a series of other characters in Naughton’s fantasy sequences. These two make for especially memorable characters, carrying across the gradually building tension and unfolding mystery especially well. There are also strong turns from Sarah Lynne Holt and Colin Healy in voiceover roles at key moments.
Technically, the story is served well by some stunning production elements. Leo Young’s set goes well into the Greenfinch venue and creates a believable isolated atmosphere that these two characters inhabit. There’s also stunning lighting by Ryan Thorp, contributing to the eerie atmosphere in memorable moments, as well as excellent music and sound by Colin Healy. The props by Bradley Rohlf and costumes by Jen Blum-Tatara also contribute well to the overall historic vibe of the piece.
The Invention of Lightning is an especially intriguing new show, with especially strong storytelling and mood setting. It looks at a time in the past that has parallels to the present in terms of so much new technology being introduced and inciting fear and suspicion as well as promise. It’s a strong showcase for two excellent performers and some truly stunning visuals.
Michael Musgrave-Perkins, Ryan Matthew Whaley
Photo by @studiokaymedia
Fly North Theatricals
Fly North Theatricals is presenting The Invention of Lightning at Greenfinch Theater & Dive until November 1, 2026