A DELICATE SHIP by Carol Kaufman Segal

            A  Delicate Ship is a play about a love triangle, written by Anna Ziegler, and playing at The Road on Magnolia.  It takes place in an apartment in Brooklyn on a cold and snowy Christmas Eve night (appealing set that offers realistic feelings of the outside weather by Sarah B. Brown and lighting by Jared A. Sayeg).

            Sarah (Paris Perrault) and her boyfriend Sam (Hunter Garner) are relaxing enjoying a pleasant Christmas Eve in her apartment when they are interrupted by an unexpected knock at her door.  Sarah is nonplussed by the arrival of an old friend, Nate (Josh Zuckerman), who she had known since childhood.  He barges in as if he was expected and takes over the evening’s conversation in an attempt to damage the relationship between Sarah and Sam. 

            He insults and belittles them both, and insists that he is the one who Sarah loves and always has.  He goes back in time to their younger years together, leaving Sam feeling like an outsider.  He goes into details about their relationship, which takes a lot of chutzpa (nerve) and leaves Sarah in a quandary and Sam at a disadvantage.  Sam begins to feel less sure of Sarah’s feelings when she appears unsure of her situation at the moment, and he threatens to leave.  However, he thinks better of doing so, and instead, he becomes enraged and punches Nate. 

            Nate finally accepts defeat and leaves.  He is different from Sarah; he has never grown up   and still lives with his past memories, unable to accept that others have grown up and moved on.   This realization proves to be his undoing.   

            This play is unusual in its way of looking at love, memories, and decisions that change lives.  It is well directed by Andre Barron with a most capable cast.  Josh Zukerman’s portrayal of Nate is especially gratifying.

            A Delicate Ship plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM, through March 11, at The Road on Magnolia, located in The NoHo Senior Art Colony, 10747 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood.  Tickets are available by calling (818) 761-8838, or online at www.RoadTheatre.org.   This is a charming venue where stadium seats allow for perfect viewing from anywhere.

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