On the Verge
About the show
The Attic Theater Company revives Eric Overmyer's comedy in which three Victorian sojourner sisters safari through space and time. More…
'On the Verge' tracks the time-hopping journey of three intrepid Victorian women, who venture into unknown territory in search of Terra Incognita and uncover a world stranger than they could have ever imagined. With the help of some unlikely allies, Alex, Fanny, and Mary find their place in time by bravely questioning societal norms. Part sci-fi adventure and part romp, 'On The Verge' is a witty exploration of discovery and adventure.
“A small, mostly skillful revival...Austin deftly handles each of the males that the women bump into. Possibly even better is the immensely charming and funny Kitchens...While the show's action, such as it is, starts off slowly, there is a wealth of wit in the show, and the second act is quite delightful...Be prepared for the fact that the show's first act is overlong, and it's two hours, twenty minutes with intermission. But, if you can handle that, you should have a good time.” Full Review
“Without any updating from the playwright, the script’s now-31-year-old comedic anachronisms may be incomprehensible to playgoers not yet born in 1985...The women portraying the explorers are a talented and game trio, and they play well together. But the production may have worked better had older performers been cast as Mary and Fanny...Neither performer fully captures the authoritativeness, smug self-satisfaction, and keen competitiveness of these seasoned adventurers.” Full Review
"Mr. Overmyer’s language-based script becomes overburdened with alliterative plays on words and other common literary devices and – after time – waxes somewhat tiresome...Both acts are overly long and the second wobbles off base…The actors grapple with their characters in a heroic fashion and traverse their psyches with the same bravado and skill utilized in the imaginary journey...Unfortunately, there are occasions when the three capable actors seem to lose their footing." Full Review
"A funny and challenging play by Eric Overmyer…This intellectual romp is currently being performed by an impressive cast in a revival that seems both timely and somewhat overdue…Director Laura Braza guides her actors skillfully through a complex world evoked on a modest stage…Be prepared to laugh one minute, then furrow your brow the next. This rare and groundbreaking play, concerned with history and women’s space within it, is worth the trip." Full Review
See it if You want a unique, unpredictable story with three strong female lead characters and a big streak of silliness.
Don't see it if You need everything in a show to make complete perfect sense. You find it difficult to get into Victorian language.
See it if you have a geek inside you. You like sci-fi-ish somewhat absurdist musings.Things do pick up in the 2nd act. Clear staging.
Don't see it if acting is uneven. Some writing feels dated. It's not very logical, but some of the threads to connect here and there. It's a niche play.
See it if you're interested in a play that examines how modern/progressive values evolve over time and how people react to these shifts.
Don't see it if you can't handle a super slow pace-- it wasn't until the end of the first act that anything in this play started to come together for me.
See it if you like strange little plays that have a confusing plot line.
Don't see it if You don't like confusion.
See it if It's a quirky show with a clever concept.
Don't see it if Too long at 2.5hrs. Too much setup in Act1. Interesting concept but dated material. Hard to relate. Kept asking "what's the point?"
See it if Like intimate Off-Broadway experiences with an edgy plot and well produced.
Don't see it if You prefer something lighthearted and fluffy.
See it if It's a show great for all ages but children probably wouldn't fully understand. A true piece of art that connects too you on multiple levels
Don't see it if You're a small child
See it if you like clever, well acted shows.
Don't see it if you have a bias against retro pieces.
See it if you're looking for a fun summer show with actors who totally embrace their roles (even as a Yeti) & great direction, costumes,&design.
Don't see it if you are looking for standard theater fare
See it if You are looking to be entertained by a terrific cast and a fun, quirky play
Don't see it if You want a serious, boring evening.
See it if You like comedy, woman, sci-fi and/or VIctorian costumes! Really witty production, smart, fun and incredibly well acted and designed.
Don't see it if I can't think of any reason to not see it... it works for all ages and is easy to relate to.
See it if you ever wonder if you were born in the wrong time period. See this if you ever think about where America came from and where it is now.
Don't see it if You don't enjoy complex language and word play.
See it if You can overlook acting that ranges from adequate to poor. A decent, interesting offbeat play ruined by the cast (miscasting) and director.
Don't see it if You can't stand to see good writing and humor falling flat. The ensemble never clicked. The staging was clever but looked too rehearsed.
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