Its Best Play Tony nomination aside, I found Fountain Theatre’s Los Angeles Premiere of Lucy Kirkwood’s The Children to be a depressing, upsetting downer.

Here’s how the Fountain describes its plot:

“With the outside world in chaos following a devastating environmental disaster, two retired nuclear engineers live a quiet life in a remote cottage on the lonely British coast — until a surprise visit from a former colleague upends the couple’s equilibrium and trust.”

Maybe the subject matter (aging, radiation exposure, cancer, death) was just too much. Perhaps I’d feel differently if The Children had debuted before a global pandemic turned our world into one where simply leaving home put one’s life at risk. Whatever the reason, it wasn’t the right play for me at this particular time.

Ron Bottitta, Elizabeth Elias Huffman, and Lily Knight are three remarkable actors doing powerful work under Simon Levy’s assured direction.

Andrew Hammer’s set, Christian V. Mejia’s lighting, Marc Antonio Pritchett’s sound and music design, Naila Aladdin Sanders’ costumes, and Shen Heckel’s props maintain the Fountain’s usual high standards.

Jen Albert’s fight direction is believably real, and an eleventh-hour dance sequence has been entertainingly choreographed by Annie Yee.

Last but not least, Nike Doukas’s accent coaching had me believing that all three actors might be Brits.

The Children is produced by James Bennett and Stephen Sachs. Karen Kondazian is executive producer. Gina De Luca is production stage manager.

There’s nothing preachy about The Children. There’s nothing inauthentic about its dialog. There’s even occasional laughter amidst the darkness.

But when all is said and done, it just wasn’t for me.

The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., Los Angeles.
www.FountainTheatre.com

–Steven Stanley
November 27, 2021
Photos: Jenny Graham

Proof of vaccination and mask-wearing will be required of all patrons. Admittance limited to ages 12+. All current CDC and local guidelines regarding seating and masks will be followed at each performance.

Tags: Fountain Theatre, Los Angeles Theater Review, Lucy Kirkwood