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Centre Stage uncurls 'Hand'
Author: Ann Hicks
Baltimore playwright Stephen Kilduff is one lucky man.
He found a theater willing to commit the time, the space, the talent and the resources to stage his drama "The Uncurled Hand."
That's an enviable feat in today's theater world, as Centre Stage -- South Carolina executive director BJ Koonce pointed out in introducing the play.
But then, this play is not just any play. It was selected to be read out of more than 100 submissions to the theater's 2007 New Play Festival, and it emerged as the winner to take all -- a full production.
Kilduff was in the audience at Thursday night's world premiere of his finely crafted play, about a man, Zeke, at midlife, who was once lost but is now at peace with his life, wife, and girl child.
But as we all know, some good things must come to an end.
Director Brian Haimbach drives the drama forward with his exceptionally effective five-member cast, playing against Marlaina Seay's handsomely designed set.
David Johnston owns his role as the defiant Zeke, a Vietnam draft dodger who finds happiness in the New Mexico desert, where each sunset is never quite the same as the one before. Leslie D. Smith as Gloria gives new meaning to being the understanding wife of a difficult man.
Sarah Hamilton as Reggie, Zeke's teenage daughter; Kyle Carrion as her friend Peter; and Jay Coffman as Zeke's younger brother each bring their characters fully to life.
The play is a delight and continues through July 19. For tickets, call 233-6733.
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