Theater in NYC: A Blanket of Dust at the Flea Theater until June 30, 2018

Controversial drama brings back a national tragedy and a desperate search for truth at the Flea Theater in Downtown NYC until June 30, 2018

“A Blanket of Dust” written by R. Squires and directed by C. Murrah brings back the painful memories of September 11. The story centers on the main heroine Diana Crane played by Angela Pierce who is well known for her acclaimed performance in OSLO on Broadway. Diana’s grief and desperation in the face of a senseless loss of her husband string the stage action together in this 90-minute run. While Diana is supported by her parents, US Senator played by Anthony Newfield, the recognizable face On and Off Broadway, and his wife played by Alison Fraser, a two-time Tony nominee, they are too complacent and powerless to answer her probing questions. The rebellious bookstore owner Andrew Blake played by Tommy Schrider storms into Diana’s life igniting it figuratively and literally with distrust in the government and an itch for action. The main characters and the rest of the cast do a decent job in this fast-paced production based on the recent history that extends to our time. The stage, costume, and lighting designs are all well-calibrated putting all the accents on acting. This empowers the cast leading to a balanced and convincing with some exceptions run. However, the main problem with the play is the storyline’s reliance on the conspiracy theories and confusing logic. And while the production’s energy and the beat engage the audience, it can not make up for the jumble of accusations and the tragedy in the play finale. For tickets click here.

The play starts with a phone call from Diana’s husband who is trapped in the World Trade Center on September 11. Diana finds her way to the site when it is all over with the dust the only thing left to touch. In a state of utmost distress while talking to the emergency volunteers she starts believing that it was more than the planes slamming into the towers and with that pinning the guilt and responsibility on the government. Fast forwarding to our time, she meets a political activist Andrew Black who is sympathetic to her quest for truth and distrust for the government. His rebellion against the authority literally inflames him in a fraught attempt of sacrifice. With Joan of Arc being invoked a couple of times, the finale suggests Diana taking on that role as the only way out.

The schematic characters taking actions that are hard to justify coupled with the unconvincing narrative weakens this otherwise solid production. The cozy and welcoming Flea Theater which is just a few blocks from the World Trade Center site makes it a perfect experimental ground for a political play put up for people’s judgment.

With The New York Pass you can enjoy free visit to the 9/11 Ground Zero Museum and much more.

 

Dates: June 7 – June 30, 2018 

Time: Monday – Friday: 7pm; Saturday: 2pm & 7pm

Tickets: here 

 

 

 

Venue: 20 Thomas St, New York, NY 10007