Review: Marisol/The Artistic Home

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Playwright Jose Rivera once studied with author Gabriel Garcia Marquez and it shows; “Marisol” is saturated with the magical realism Marquez is famous for. Rivera’s serio-comic poetry makes terrifying celestial warfare just as believable as the cruelty New Yorkers inflicted on each other in the early nineties.

Marisol (Marta Evans) struggles in a pre-apocalyptic Bronx, New York. Her guardian angel (Leslie Ann Sheppard) informs her that a heavenly battle approaches; revolting angels plan to replace the current dying god and restore earth. As the war commences, Marisol struggles to find co-worker June (Kristin Collins), encountering bizarre obstacles on the way.

Director John Mossman makes creative use of Aaron Menninga’s graffitied set; the performances are broad but the script demands it. Evans’ wide-eyed fear and plucky bravery is affecting, while Collins and Brandon Thompson nail the comic relief. The piece wallows a bit too long in degradation, but leaves room for hope. (Lisa Buscani)

At The Artistic Home, 3914 North Clark, (866)811-4111. Through July 31.

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