New Light Theater Project
In Association with Access Theater
presents

IN THE SOUNDLESS AWE

Written by Jayme McGhan and Andy Pederson
Directed by Sarah Norris
Scenic Designer: Brian Dudkiewicz
Choreographer: Corrie Blissit
Costume Designer: Genevieve Beller
Lighting Designer: Michael O’Connor
Sound Designer: Andy Evan Cohen
Film Consultant/Video Editor: Zach Griffin

Featuring: Amanda Berry, Gregory James Cohan, Eric Cotti, Leo Farley, Bethany Geraghty, Brandon Jones, Chris Kipiniak, Janae Mitchell, Halile Wage

Press Representative: Ron Lasko, Spin Cycle

Access Theatre
380 Broadway
November 21 - December 12, 2015
http://soundlessawe.brownpapertickets.com


The worst Naval disaster in US History was the sinking of the USS Indianapolis on July 30,1945 and reimagined in this 90-minute play. After being torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, there are initially 896 survivors (of the 1196 crew). Left adrift, Captain Charles McVay and his men keep hoping the Navy will find them. When finally rescued, five days later, only 321 men are still alive.

The play acts out the tragedy chronologically. Seven actors reenact the days lost at sea. You feel their desperation, their thirst and many delusional moments. With Death around every corner (played by a seductive blonde in gray who dances around them), the men are lost one by one. There are some light moments early on of singing, storytelling and games to help them forget their tragic circumstances and pass the time. There is also some nifty choreography as the actors go through so much together. A projection screen in the Navy gray background provides videos and additional scenery.

Twenty-two years later, Captain McVay’s life is still a nightmare. Stemming from a long-line of decorated Naval officers, he is now haunted by the souls of the dead. During his court martial, they question whether McVay did all he could to prevent the disaster. In his dance with death, he assuages his guilt by responding lovingly to every letter he receives from grieving family members.

- Gloria Talamas -