UNIQUELY DIFFERENT "CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION"

How much courage does it take to speak to a stranger? Are you one of those people who believes strangers are just friends you haven't met yet? Or maybe you are one of those hippie New Age sensitives who lives cautiously for fear of ever saying anything to anybody that might possibly offend them in any way.

The mystery of communication is being explored quite inventively with Invisible Theatre's production of "Circle Mirror Transformation" by Annie Baker, directed here by Betsy Kruse Craig. The play won an Obie in 2010 for Best New American Play.

Yet, the off-Broadway theater culture of Obies is a long way from Tucson's own thespian way. The more abstract structure of "Circle Mirror Transformation" could be a bit of a stretch for the Baked Apple's theater crowd, as well.

For one thing, we don't get the usual protagonist to root for while battling through mountainous difficulties to reach a triumphant ending. For another, the humor is amusing, but the jokes don't come with the traditional set-up and a punch line. The comedy we see is more like the comedy of life itself. 

There's not a plot, either, though each of the five characters on stage does evolve through this lengthy one-act performed without an intermission.

To some extent, to fully enjoy "Circle Mirror Transformation" you have to be ready for something a little different.

Be assured, however, the effort will be well worth it, because this play will also stick in your head on the way home. Each of us could be asking "How much different would my life be today if I had just spoken out that one time, so long ago?"

First of all, recognize that every communication with another person – no matter if it is a spouse, lover, friend, neighbor or colleague at work – involves a certain amount of risk. We like to believe those closest to us will always forgive us for any mistakes.

But will they? Really?

Annie Baker the playwright reminds us not to be so sure. The structure she chooses is ingeniously perfect for the task at hand – let the audience sit in on an experimental acting class for adults in the insular town of Shirley, Vermont.

The set design by James Blair and Susan Claassen is an empty dance studio, a ballet bar on one wall and another wall with posters proclaiming touchy-feely thoughts about being proud of your inner self.

Time is divided into six weekly classes where the leader, Marty (Molly McKasson) takes her four students through exercises designed to explore uncomfortable feelings or to stimulate their imaginations. It's all meant to give each student a chance to trust someone they barely know and to look within themselves for deeper expressions of more meaningful thoughts.

Whether it does or not is anybody's guess. 

In the class are: Theresa (Carrie Hill), who just gave up on her dreams of an acting career in New York and has moved here to re-group; Schultz (Brian Wees), a local furniture maker recently divorced who is hoping to get lucky in class; Lauren (Lucille Petty), a shy 16-year-old who dreams of becoming an actress…or a veterinarian; James (James Henriksen), a local college professor and Marty's husband.

The cast is excellent and well balanced. It's always fun to see McKasson back on stage, her eyes twinkling bright as ever. Henriksen, a veteran Los Angeles actor, makes an engaging Tucson debut. Petty, just starting her career upon the stage, keeps getting better and better. Long-time acting friends Hill and Wees are always solid professionals.

"Circle Mirror Transformation" continues through Nov. 20 at Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. First Ave., with performances at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. A seminar follows the Wednesday, Nov. 9, performance. Tickets are $25, with group discounts available. For details and reservations, 520-882-9721, or visit www.invisibletheatre.com