Constellations

Wilbury Theatre Group's production of "Constellations" features stellar performances in a story about life's seemingly infinite possibilities.

Rachel Dulude ("The Night Watch") is Marianne, an expert in quantum physics who enthusiastically shares her theories. Josh Short ("The Caretaker") is Roland, a beekeeper just coming out of a relationship. The two meet at a barbecue and sparks fly. Their romance experiences some stormy moments including confessions of infidelity and a serious health crisis.

British playwright Nick Payne likes to explore the theory of multiple timelines, as one basic scenario has the tendency to unfold slightly differently.

Payne presents relationships, choices, and emotions as jigsaw puzzle pieces floating in a grand universe, "constellations" as you may call them. Are we really living one life or several? The play makes us think about what we believe is real. Our perceptions of time can be twisted, slowed down, and rewound. It's an intriguing premise and enhances the fragility of the relationship between Marianne and Roland.

"Constellations" engages the emotions, as well as the senses. Without giving anything away, Marianne and Roland find their world shifting beneath their feet. Their shared reality is about to transform into something very dark.

Under the capable direction of Aubrey Snowden ("Betrayal"), Dulude and Short have never been better.

Dulude beautifully conveys Marianne's deep intelligence and vulnerability as she becomes increasingly dismayed with a situation spiraling out of her control.

Short is also in top form as Roland deals with the pain of betrayal and the shock of seeing the woman he loves struggling to survive. He creates a tender portrait of a man who has been searching for love.

There is a lot of serious drama arising from Marianne's plight but there are many funny moments as well. Short's description of what happens to male bees after mating is a comic highlight.

Dulude and Short have the challenge of re-enacting the same scenes and dialogue without anyone else to share the stage with. They prove to be up to the task and have an enjoyable chemistry.

Max Ponticelli's set design features long white sheets suspended from the ceiling, with star fields projected onto them. It's ethereal and fits the theme of the play very effectively.

"Constellations" may be frustrating to those looking for a linear storyline but anyone who wants to be challenged on an intellectual level will find the experience satisfying. It's a cosmic love story for the ages.

"Constellations" runs through April 14. Wilbury Theatre Group. 40 Sonoma Court, Providence. For tickets, call 401-400-7100 or visit www.thewilburygroup.org