ALTERNATING CURRENTS
The Working Theater
Welcome to Electchester! When two newly married electricians move to this union-sponsored housing complex, originally built in 1952, everything seems perfect: spacious apartment, low rent, friendly neighbors, and an incredibly close-knit community. But as they settle in, they discover how much they may need to give up in order to really belong. With subtle nods to Our Town and Under Milk Wood, Adam Kraar's play is an insightful look at a unique New York community.
concept rendering
tour rendering — flyaround
ALTERNATING CURRENTS by Adam Kraar
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The Working Theater @ Urban Stages & 5-borough tour
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director Kareem Fahmy
scenic design David Esler
lighting design Scott Bolman
costume design Dina El-Aziz
sound design Lawrence Schober
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cast: Robert Arcaro, Jason Bowen, Rheaume Crenshaw, Antoinette LaVecchia, Brian Sgambati, Liba Vaynberg
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photos & video by David Esler, Al Foote III
Centered in the Electchester housing complex in Flushing, Queens, Alternating Currents proves illuminating in more ways than one. Adam Kraar's world-premiere play touches on the multifarious meanings of community, perceptively exploring the messy realities of living and laboring in NYC and, by extension, the United States today. ...The production boasts great set and lighting design by David Esler and Scott Bolman, respectively, making clever use of elements such as scaffolding, conduits, and spools.
–Leah Richards, Culture Catch
Alternating Currents has an inventive set by David Esler that surrounds the cast with a serpentine network of conduit and lightbulbs. This arrangement also contains a number of important props, including signs, clocks, the IBEW Local 3 logo, and a tiny Christmas tree. Scott Bolman's lighting creates a number of atmospheres, including a warm bar interior, that establish a strong sense of place.
–David Barbour, Lighting & Sound America
David Esler's scenic design was absolutely exceptional. The space was gloriously transforming thanks to the ingenuity of the multi-functional set that also stayed true to the electrician's 'toolbox', forming a stunning frame for the piece. Scott Bolman's lighting design was fabulously in tune with the script ensuring that light (electricity) was dominant throughout, almost as if it was another key character.
–Jacquelyn Claire, StageBiz.com
Doing a play with so many moving parts is daunting, but thanks to strong direction by Kareem Fahmy, the puzzle comes together flawlessly. David Esler creates a set that is malleable, fun, and informative enough to let us know where we are without unnecessary detail. A very impressive accomplishment all around.
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–Nicholas Linnehan, TheaterThatMatters.com
Part romantic drama, part social commentary, and a dash of historical pageant play ... ultimately the characters take a back seat to a place and an idea. David Esler's adaptable space has a grid of pipes painted bright blue around it and just a few serious props — an aluminum ladder, a sofa, a podium with Harry Van Arsdale's photograph hanging from the front.
–Edward Karam, Off-Off Online
Alternating Currents is a diverting look at what happens to an idyllic place after decades of reality intrude. The smart set by David Esler, a framework of a room defined by pipes, turns out to contain shelves and drawers that become beds, tables, chairs, etc., defining different spaces with economy. Dina El-Aziz's costumes establish the subtle hierarchy of Electchester, and Scott Bolman's lighting makes the most of the intricacies of the set.
–Joel Benjamin, TheaterScene.net
A good experiment in learning about human behavior. The simple but effective set design is by David Esler with lighting by Scott Bolman, sound by Lawrence Schober and costumes by Dina El-Aziz.
–Sandi Durell, TheaterPizzazz.com
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