Ashley Jacobson has devised a hauntingly stunning world that is so fantastical yet all too real. The Tunnel Play watches as a series of characters are brought together by happenstance as a superstorm threatens New York City. A storm of this magnitude has never been heard of before and allows Colin, the down and out man, and Priddy and Birdy, the homeless duo, to reexamine their lives through impending doom. Jacobson’s script is accessibly poetic. Her characters have elements of whimsy and mystery, but they also have authenticity. The themes and ideas Jacobson presents are quite interesting. The superstorm represents a cleanse and rebirth for the trio, both physically and metaphorically. What Jacobson does well is she presents her ideas in a subtle manner, allowing the audience to take their own stance.

Director Courtney Laine Self did an incredible job bringing Jacobson’s world to the stage. With the ingenious aid of Stephen M. Cyr’s set, the mobile and multifunctional world was transformative yet simple. Self’s vision and guidance was wonderful to see portrayed through her company. The costumes by Holly Cain evoked the spectrum of money quite well. Jacob Subotnick’s sound set the mood of the impending storm.
The Tunnel Play is an intriguing and innovative play about loss and solitude. And as fitting as possible, there was a giant storm brewing outside the Kraine Theater as the show concluded. You almost have to wonder if The Dirty Blondes paid mother nature for such a beautiful coincidence.