THEATER REVIEW: RTC is on track for drama with 'Off Peak'

• By LUCIE K. SCHEUER for the Rogue Valley Times

  There was something just right about sitting in the Grizzly Peak winery auditorium a few days ago, listening to two former live-in lovers trying to make sense of a relationship they had many years ago.

  Maybe it was the sincerity of the couple, the honest conversation or the familiarity of the situation, but it was hard to believe we were sitting in Brenda Withers' play, "Off Peak," which takes place on a commuter train outside of New York. This two-hander is well-situated and engaging. We feel as though we’re sitting on that train with them, just a few rows back, eavesdropping on the entire conversation.

  "Off Peak," presented by Rogue Theater Company and playing at Grizzly Peak in Ashland through the end of March, is one interesting train ride. As in all complicated relationships, there are stops and starts, stalls and unexpected turns, and playwright Withers' has made sure we’re on board for all of them. Withers possesses a flair for writing crisp, believable, dialog and relatable characters — there’s even some comedic moments and a touch of Neil Simon in there.

  Sarita, an attractive woman in her 50s, wearing casual attire and headphones, finds her seat on the train. She’s heading home to Poughkeepsie or some such hamlet, when Martin, her ex-boyfriend, suddenly enters the train car. Sarita is stunned to see him. After exchanging a few remarks of surprise and pleasantries, they launch into a discussion about their former relationship. The discussion feels spontaneous, and real thanks to Robynn Rodriguez’ astute direction.

  The audience is immediately drawn in as Martin begins to apologize for taking their relationship for granted. He insists that he took advantage of her kindness, that he used her financially and was inconsiderate and argumentative.

  “I’ve spent so much of my life being a contrarian,” Martin exclaims.

  Sarita is moved at first, even empathetic — then she feels embarrassed and finally, panicked. She’s not having any of it. She feels insulted, compromised. The two begin verbally sparring — Martin was not expecting this. He believes by “making amends” he is doing the right thing. Sarita's feelings are being stirred up again, leaving her confused and perplexed. How dare Martin show up after so long and try to set things straight!

  She feels his efforts are conciliatory, that he’s trying to make himself feel better. She believes that by Martin apologizing, he is diminishing the good their relationship actually did have.

  As the conversation wears on, Sarita realizes she became his emotional caretaker, and in reality, Martin really hasn’t changed that much. We watch them engage in an awkward conversational dance, each trying to find their footing. You can tell she still has feelings for him. He can tell she does too — and he’s hoping for something. Maybe, just maybe, they might be able to get back together?

  Robin Goodrin Nordli plays a superb Sarita. Observing Nordli spin Sarita’s feelings of betrayal, anger and confusion into a tornado of exasperation and rage is certainly something to see. She has a quality about her where she can be fiercely determined yet vulnerable. Nordli has an extensive background in theater, having played some of the most celebrated West Coast venues — including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival — and it shows.

  Michael Elich, as Martin, is a weighty counterpoint to Nordli’s Sarita. He doesn’t so much create the arguments as cause them. We see he really is truly sorry, even penitent. But he also seems to be coming from a place of regret rather than a resolve to make things right; surrender rather than strength. Elich is also a seasoned actor, perfect for this part. Elich began his career as a graduate of Julliard and has since appeared in dozens of productions, including at OSF.

  You can feel Director Robynn Rodriguez’ influence, having guided these actors, exactly where they need to go. She also directed last season’s "Circle Mirror Transformation" at RTC, which was every bit as interesting and engaging. Rodriguez truly understands Thoreau’s pondering that “most men lead lives of quiet desperation.”

  Compliments to the production team, including sound designer Sue Anderson, lighting designer Chris Sackett, scenic designer Michael Ganio, and technical director Mitch Hrdlicka.

  If you are a fan of character-driven studies, you will appreciate the nuanced performance and heart-rending conclusion of "Off Peak."

  All aboard.

  Performances of Rogue Theater Company's "Off Peak" are scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, through March 31, at Grizzly Peak Winery, 1600 E. Nevada St., Ashland. Regular tickets are $35. See roguetheatercompany.com or call 541-205-9190 for tickets, special showings, talkbacks and further information.