Making its regional debut at TheatreWorks, Donald Margulies’s “Time Stands Still” brings us an emotional and seldom looked at page from the Iran and Afghan wars – or for any war zone for that matter. Successful photojournalist Sara Goodwin (outstanding Rebecca Dines) has barely survived a roadside bomb attack in the Afghan area. Brought home by her burnt out foreign correspondent longtime lover James (an inspired Mark Anderson Phillips) after weeks in a coma, her world has become a rocky place of frustration and doubt about her relationship and moving forward with her life as it was. The vulnerability of not being in absolute control is at times completely unacceptable. She has returned scarred with a leg and arm in a cast, and is dependent on others while she heals.
The well-designed New York loft designed by Erik Flatmo gives a panoramic view of the performance. When Richard (compelling Rolf Saxon), Sarah’s editor, arrives completely enamored with his new, young and naive, seemingly oblivious girlfriend Mandy (endearing Sarah Moser), nerves are jarred. A push to get Sarah back to work is met with a negative wall from James. All but Mandy have heavy baggage and as the story develops, in her own way she shows the most humanity and integrity of the four.
Margulies’s writing is sharp and witty. Leslie Martinson directs with stopwatch timing that keeps her actors on their toes delivering their best. This is a super cast made up mostly of TheatreWorks finest. They make this material convincing without edging on the melodramatic.
For a deep and humorous look at a profound, relevant subject that touches so many, “Time Stands Still” is a well done piece of work. As usual TheatreWorks gives us quality theatre.
Where: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View
Through: Sept 16
Running time: 2 hours 10 minutes with one intermission
Tickets: $23-$73
Details: (650) 650-1960 or visit www.theatreworks.org
