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Review: ‘Taking Flight’

Teatro Vision’s ‘Taking Flight’ tests the bonds of friendship

by Staff on Feb 02, 2010
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“Taking Flight,” the one-woman, one-act play running at Mexican Heritage Plaza, is a story about how the bonds of friendship are tested. Actress and writer Adriana Sevahn Nichols portrays a woman who bares her soul, and the emotion, passion and introspection she stirs up had me wanting to dial up old friends by the time I hit the exit.

The story revolves around two New Yorkers, Adriana and her best friend, Rhonda. Rhonda is fashion conscious, outspoken and hilariously brash. Adriana is looking for the answers to life in her shamanic goddess, while Rhonda is planning her wedding, complete with a Bon Jovi cover band.

Things take a turn for the worse when Rhonda is nearly killed by falling debris on 9/11 while going to work. She’s taken to a hospital, and Adriana puts her life on hold to be there for her friend. Day after day, week after week, month after month, Adriana becomes drained and Rhonda turns nasty. She is transforming into someone Adriana can’t recognize. The questions start to surface: Should I still be there for my best friend, even though everything I’ve given doesn’t seem to be enough? Should I stick it out with her, even though my presence seems to piss her off? Who has she become?

Nichols gives an intriguing performance and her ability to quickly switch from Adriana to Rhonda and other characters in between is flawless. She’s not afraid to visit the darkest part of the soul and then contrast the pain with life’s happiest moments. Adriana’s resilience, loyalty and sanity are tested. Director Giovanna Sardelli lets Nichols shine on a stage that boasts only a chair with a sweater on the back and a bowl on a stand. She sways, sings and sets the piece’s many moods. Anyone who’s ever had a true best friend will understand.

TAKING FLIGHT runs through Feb. 14 at Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave. in San Jose. Tickets are $10-$45; 408.272.9926.



by Staff on Feb 02, 2010
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