Nicolas Gamboa,Brenda Arellano/Photo: Brandon Dahlquist
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The Greek story of Icarus has often been told as a warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition. Fly too close to the Sun, and you’ll get burned. Edwin Sanchez’s hauntingly poetic play, partly inspired by the myth, instead suggests, if you don’t risk getting burned, how will you ever touch the Sun?
Nicolas Gamboa charms as Primitivo, a young, wheelchair-bound man whose goal is to be the first person to swim out to touch the Sun. His sister, disfigured Altagracia, played affectingly by Brenda Arellano, acts as his trainer, manager and cheerleader. They only have each other, until they meet Beau (Luke Daigle), a man who refuses to take off his ski mask, Mr. Ellis (Tom Chiola), a lonely man with a suitcase full of dreams, and the Gloria (a hilarious Heather Townsend), a sad, aging starlet.
P. Marston Sullivan’s direction gives the right dreamlike bent to this episodic, absurdist comedy. A play largely about disability, the show never exploits the potentially preachy moments. The design, especially Sally Weiss’ minimalistic beach-house set, provides a fitting backdrop for this lyrical production. (Neal Ryan Shaw)
Bohemian Theatre Ensemble at Theater Wit, 1229 West Belmont, (773)975-8150. Through July 24.
