NEWS

Photo by Sydney Schertz Photography

“The Lifespan of a Fact” is a superb current “must-see” production at the Davidson Community Players Armour Street Theatre.

One of the most rewarding theatre experiences is when the opening line of a play captures the audience’s attention and never lets up for a moment ‘til the end. What a fact! I saw it happen at Davidson Community Players Armour Street Theatre on opening night.

Three polished actors directed by Frannie Williams held my interest for eighty non-interrupted minutes, dissecting the facts of “The Lifespan of a Fact,” a fictional tale based on non-fiction facts written by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell, and Gordon Farrell based on a book by Jim Fingal and John D’Agata.

Bobbi Hawk plays Emily Penrose, editor of a once successful, high end New York magazine. The esteemed writer John D’Agata has submitted a powerful essay that could bring new life to the failing publication. Penrose hires Jim Fingal to check the facts, giving him an incredibly tight deadline.

Vincent Raye portrays the talented author John D’Agata, who has written a transcendent essay about a young boy who commits suicide by jumping off the roof in Las Vegas where he lives.

Jake McGraw, fresh out of (Davidson) college himself, plays Jim Fingal, a precise fact-checker, fresh out of Harvard with a degree in English.

Photo by Sydney Schertz Photography

And that’s how gripping comedic bantering begins. Fingal develops a 130-page spread-sheet with challenges to D’Agata’s fifteen-page essay.

“Don’t overestimate your importance to the whole project,” Penrose warns Fingal who maintains the interpretation of “wrong facts get in the way.”

D’Agata defends his writing. “I need a certain style, my style—are there different rules for journalistic integrity? I’m not a journalist, I’m an essayist.” They don’t stop! Integrity, every word is significant—each phrase, each point of view.

It’s fascinating! I understand. I’m a journalist, and I’m also a published story writer. I write facts that are the same—is it the style that makes a difference?

Broadway critics claim it is “a tightly written” story. It is! A “must see” play—absolutely! Bantering among the three outstanding actors is fascinating—it introduces challenges that make you think.

Davidson Community Players’ production of “The Lifespan of a Fact,” at its charming Armour Street Theatre home, is outstanding. Frannie Williams deserves a standing ovation for her direction of this fast-paced, clear and realistically well-performed play. The clever, two-level, well-rounded set of the play by Chip Decker is spectacular! One of the best I’ve seen at Armour Street.

“The Lifespan of a Fact” continues in production over the next two weekends, Thursday through Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. I highly recommend the play. It’s great entertainment that makes you think!

To purchase tickets, visit the website.