Sympathetic Magic
Any attempt at plot summary is probably pointless, because so much is going on. Wilson conjures with eight highly educated, volatile characters, ranging from astronomers to artists. Topics range from a scientific breakthrough to the thrill of hearing Mozart (done right); the complex and prickly relationship between a mother, daughter and son; academic politics; devastating romantic disappointment; religion; gay and straight relationships; the onset of fatal illness; and a shattering eruption of domestic violence that puts two people into the hospital. The way Wilson traverses science, sex and art in pursuit of a broad-angle view of the universe raises the obvious comparison to Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia. (Steve Martin’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile, currently on offer by the Sacramento Theatre Company, also dabbles with these topics—but Martin’s script is utterly one-dimensional by comparison.)
It’s very much an ensemble piece, and eight local actors do very well in the major parts. Maggie Upton is delicious as an aging, cantankerous anthropologist. J.D. Rudometkin is memorable as a brilliant astronomer and popular lecturer, Michelle Armstrong also is very good as the artist who lives with him. Blair Leatherwood is a starchy academic bureaucrat. Gabriel Montoya delivers a very fine supporting performance (and gets in a great drunk scene) as another scientist. Cast members David Harris, Ken Figeroid and Jessica Mayhew also make substantial contributions.
As with most plays that have a lot to say, Sympathetic Magic operates on its own time frame, independently of the usual rules, and it takes a while to absorb. But the payoff is considerable, so settle back in your chair and watch it unfold.
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